19 Avr Extra Charges? A check list will nail you with hidden charges
Posted at 23:45h
in FAQ
Another way LSP companies trick you into thinking they have the lowest price is by quoting the bare-bones shipping, and then hit you with the accessorial charges later. i.e. they quote you a low price for the standard service, but then charge you more for upgrades such as additional services, documentation, handling and others services.
To make sure you don’t get surprised with extra changes, make sure you tell the carrier specific details on your shipment.
Below is a checklist of items you should relay to the carrier in writing to make sure they don’t hit you with extra charges later:
- The specific size and actual dimensions of boxes or pallets.
- Total weight of the shipment, including pallets if used.
- Is the shipment palletized? Some carriers charge more for non- palletized shipments because it requires more time to load onto the truck.
- The transit time required from pick up to delivery. As you would expect, “rush jobs” cost more.
- Is a lift gate is required for pick up or delivery? In other words, can the truck pull right up to a dock or will the shipment need to be lifted onto the truck from the ground? You can and will be charged more when lift gates are required.
- Is the pick up or delivery in a residential area or on a construction site? Some carriers have surcharges for delivery to these types of locations.
- Is this a hazardous materials or a dangerous good shipment with special requirements? Again, this may require special equipment for shipping that can cost more.
- What size truck is required? Do the loading or unloading locations have special requirements with regard to the size or height of the truck? You may ask the question in the other requirements field.
- Is an inside pick up or delivery required? In other words, will it be delivered to the 3rd floor of an office building? If so, the carrier needs to know this in advance and will charge more for it.
- What is the correct Incoterm (+name of the place) ?
- Does the shipment require any special handling like refrigeration or will it need to be shipped with a tarp if on a flatbed?
- Will the shipment need to be stored?