This Accessorial & Detention Policy ("Policy") establishes the guidelines, approval procedures, rates, documentation requirements, and payment terms for all accessorial charges incurred during the transportation of freight arranged by the property broker ("Broker"). This Policy applies to all motor carriers ("Carrier") operating under the Broker–Carrier Agreement.
1.1. All accessorial charges are supplementary charges beyond the agreed-upon line-haul rate and are not automatically included in the load rate. Accessorial charges include, but are not limited to: detention, layover, lumper fees, stop-offs, driver assist, pallet exchange, inside delivery, residential delivery, lift-gate service, and hazmat surcharges.
1.2. No accessorial charge shall be valid or payable unless it has been pre-approved in writing by Broker before the charge is incurred. Verbal approvals, implied approvals, or after-the-fact approvals are not accepted and will not be honored.
1.3. Written approval may be communicated via email, Carrier Portal notification, or other documented electronic communication. Carrier is responsible for retaining proof of all written approvals.
STRICT POLICY: Broker will not reimburse any accessorial charge that was not pre-approved in writing. No exceptions. Carrier waives all claims for unapproved accessorial charges by accepting loads through the Carrier Portal.
2.1. Detention is defined as the period during which Carrier's driver and equipment are held at a shipper or consignee facility beyond the allotted free time for loading or unloading.
2.2. Free Time Allowance:
2.3. Detention Rate:
| Time Period | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 hours | FREE | Standard free time allowance |
| Hours 3–8 | $70.00 / hour | Billable detention (rounded up to nearest hour) |
| Hours 9+ | $70.00 / hour | Extended detention (requires additional Broker approval) |
2.4. Detention Approval Process:
2.5. Required Documentation for Detention Claims:
IMPORTANT: Detention claims without documented check-in and check-out times will be denied. Carrier's driver must ensure facility personnel document these times on the BOL or provide a separate facility receipt.
3.1. A layover occurs when Carrier's driver is required to remain at or near a facility overnight due to circumstances beyond the driver's control (e.g., facility closure, loading/unloading delays extending past facility operating hours).
3.2. Layover Rate: $250.00 per occurrence (flat rate), subject to Broker's prior written approval.
3.3. Layover charges apply only when:
3.4. Layover charges are not payable if the delay is caused by Carrier's failure to meet the scheduled appointment, driver HOS violations, equipment breakdowns, or any other cause attributable to Carrier.
4.1. A lumper fee is a charge assessed by a facility for third-party loading or unloading services. Lumper fees are common at certain distribution centers and grocery warehouses.
4.2. Approval Process:
4.3. Carrier must obtain and submit an original lumper receipt showing the amount paid, facility name, date, and load reference. Lumper claims without valid receipts will be denied.
4.4. Carrier shall not pay lumper fees out of pocket without Broker's prior approval. If Carrier pays a lumper fee without approval, Broker is not obligated to reimburse the charge.
5.1. The following accessorial charges may apply on a case-by-case basis, subject to Broker's prior written approval and applicable rate agreements:
| Accessorial Type | Standard Rate | Approval Required |
|---|---|---|
| Stop-Off (additional pickup or delivery) | $150.00 per stop | Yes — prior written |
| Driver Assist (loading/unloading) | $75.00 – $150.00 | Yes — prior written |
| Inside Delivery | $100.00 – $200.00 | Yes — prior written |
| Residential Delivery | $75.00 – $150.00 | Yes — prior written |
| Lift-Gate Service | $75.00 – $150.00 | Yes — prior written |
| Pallet Exchange / Return | $5.00 – $10.00 per pallet | Yes — prior written |
| TONU (Truck Order Not Used) | $250.00 – $350.00 | Broker discretion |
| Dry Run | $200.00 – $300.00 | Broker discretion |
| Hazmat Surcharge | Per load agreement | Yes — prior written |
| Reefer Fuel Surcharge | Per load agreement | Disclosed in rate con |
5.2. Rates listed above are standard guidelines and may be adjusted on a per-load basis. The rate specified in the written approval shall be the binding rate for the charge.
6.1. A Truck Order Not Used (TONU) fee may be payable if Carrier dispatches a truck to a pickup location and the load is cancelled by the shipper after the truck has been dispatched. TONU payments are at Broker's sole discretion and are not guaranteed.
6.2. A Dry Run fee may be payable if Carrier arrives at a facility and the freight is not available or the facility refuses to load/unload. Dry Run payments are at Broker's sole discretion.
6.3. TONU and Dry Run fees are not payable if the cancellation or refusal is caused by:
7.1. All approved accessorial charges must be submitted through the Carrier Portal along with the required documentation for the associated load.
7.2. Accessorial charges must be included on the Carrier's invoice and must match the pre-approved amount. Any discrepancy between the invoiced amount and the approved amount will result in payment of the approved amount only.
7.3. Accessorial charges will be paid according to the same payment terms applicable to the line-haul rate for the associated shipment (e.g., Net 30, QuickPay).
7.4. Carrier must submit accessorial claims within thirty (30) days of delivery. Claims submitted after thirty (30) days may be denied at Broker's discretion.
8.1. If Carrier disputes the denial or amount of an accessorial charge, Carrier must submit a written dispute notice to Broker within fifteen (15) days of the denial, including all supporting documentation and a clear explanation of the dispute.
8.2. Broker shall review the dispute and respond within ten (10) business days. Broker's decision on accessorial disputes shall be final unless the matter is escalated through the formal dispute resolution process outlined in the Broker–Carrier Agreement.
By accepting loads through the Carrier Portal, Carrier acknowledges that it has read, understood, and agrees to comply with all terms of this Accessorial & Detention Policy. All accessorial charges require prior written approval — no exceptions.