Accessorial:
Standard procedure for LTL and FTL shipping includes a truck driver backing up to a dock and being loaded by the shipper, and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the consignee. 15 minutes is usually the norm for loading / unloading LTL shipments. 1 hour is generally given to load / unload a full truck or container. Any service that is not considered "standard procedure" will require additional fees and is referred to as an accessorial service or fee. Below are some examples of accessorial services:
- Hazardous materials
- Morning delivery
- Appointment delivery
- Waiting time
- Inside delivery
- Liftgate service
- Fuel Surcharge
- Arrival notification
- Insurance
- COD
- Residential Pickup or Delivery
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Appointment Delivery
This occurs when the consignee can only receive goods at a specific time. Additional fees will apply to this service. |
Arrival Notification:
A carrier notifies and schedules a delivery date and time with the consignee usually for additional fees.
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BOL (Bill of Lading):
Mandatory paperwork providing the driver and carrier with all the details they need to process and execute the delivery correctly.
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Blind Shipment:
Keeps the originating location and receiving destination unaware of each other. Provides two separate Bills of Lading that share common BOL & PRO numbers. Both BOLs usually show the carrier's terminal as the shipper and the receiver.
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Class:
A number that identifies the approximate size, value and difficulty of transporting each particular type of product. The class is needed to determine an LTL freight quote. Most shippers know the class of their freight. Please contact a customer service representative during business hours if help is needed to determine the freight class.
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Expedited:
Alliance Air Freight offers expedited delivery through various channels in order to reduce the number of transit days. Choose a specific air freight service when getting a freight quote your shipment.
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Flatbed:
A semi trailer with no sides or roof and with the floor of the unit a standard height from the ground.
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Handling Unit:
Cartons or packages of identical size and weight are considered one handling unit. If there is more than one package and they are of differing type, size or weight they are considered multiple handling units.
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Inside delivery:
The driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a shipment instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck. Additional fees will be assessed.
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Liftgate Service:
When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. A liftgate is a platform at the back of certain trucks that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. This is usually needed when there is an oversize dimension or when the weight of the shipment is 120 lbs or greater and there is no loading dock or forklift. Additional fees will apply for this service.
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LTL:
LTL stands for Less Than Load. A typical LTL shipment ranges from 100 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. For larger loads, you may need FTL (full truckload) service. Our customer service department can help determine which option is best.
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NMFC Number:
The National Motor Freight Classification number is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a carrier. Freight class can be assigned by this number. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product that is shipped.
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PRO Number:
A number assigned by the carrier to reference your shipment. It is used for tracking your shipment. This is also know as the bill of lading number. When using our online form you can assign your own number.
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Redelivery/Reconsignment Fee:
After any failed delivery attempt, the carrier will assess a fee. The fee is usually based on weight with a minimum charge.
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Refrigerated (Reefer):
A reefer is a refrigerated trailer with insulated walls and a self-powered refrigeration unit which can maintain constant temperature for the freight; most commonly used for transporting food.
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Residential Delivery:
If you do not have a commercial location that actually opens and closes at set times each day within a commercially zoned area, you will be considered a residence and extra fees will apply for pickup and delivery.
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Reweigh and Inspection Fee:
If the carrier suspects the weight of your shipment is inaccurate or the freight dimensions are inaccurate (as written on the bill of lading) they will charge a fee to reweigh and re-class the shipment.
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Third Party Shipments:
The person who initiates the shipment, but is neither the originating nor the receiving destination. The third party makes the arrangements for the shipper and receiver.
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