Your business may be requiring Trucking services for your goods to your customers in the USA or Canada. The Shipping Emporium, is a Nationwide Truckloads and LTL Freight Services Provider. You can ask for a Freight quote at customerservice@shippingemp.com or 703 304 8170. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.
Some of our customers have recently asked, how delivery fees (accessorials) to schools, prisons, military bases or other government locations impact my cost for shipping? What do I need to know about these charges?
Delivery fees, or accessorial charges, to schools, prisons, military bases, and other government locations impact the cost of shipping. These charges arise because such facilities often have specific security protocols, limited access, or specialized handling requirements that add complexity to the delivery process. Here’s what you need to know about how these fees affect your shipping costs and what to consider when shipping to government-related locations:
1. Restricted Access and Security Protocols
Government facilities like military bases and prisons often have strict security measures that require additional coordination. Drivers may need to pass through security checkpoints, submit documentation ahead of time, or wait longer for clearance to enter the premises. This extra time and effort on the part of the carrier often result in additional fees, which are passed on to the shipper. Schools may also have specific delivery hours or require deliveries to be made at specific locations on campus, adding complexity and potential extra charges.
2. Limited Delivery Hours
Many government locations, including schools and military bases, have limited or non-standard delivery windows. For instance, schools may only allow deliveries during certain hours to avoid disrupting students, while military bases may restrict access outside regular business hours. If a delivery falls outside these designated times, you may be charged additional fees for waiting times or for scheduling a delivery that fits within their requirements. Knowing the location’s hours in advance and planning deliveries accordingly can help reduce these extra costs.
3. Specialized Equipment and Handling Requirements
Some government facilities may require specific equipment, such as liftgates for offloading at locations without loading docks, or additional manpower to handle sensitive or secure deliveries. These requirements lead to accessorial charges like “liftgate fees,” “inside delivery,” or “limited access delivery” fees. The complexity and care needed to meet these requirements result in higher shipping costs for such locations.
What You Need to Know:
- Plan ahead: Understanding the specific requirements of the destination (such as restricted hours or security checks) can help avoid unexpected charges.
- Communicate with us: Provide (The Shipping Emporium) as much detail as possible about the destination during booking so the carrier can factor in any special requirements from the start.
- Review accessorial fees: Ask us about potential accessorial fees upfront so you can budget appropriately and avoid surprises on your invoice.
In summary, deliveries to government locations can incur additional fees due to restricted access, specialized handling, and limited delivery hours. By anticipating these costs and working closely with your broker or carrier, you can better manage your shipping budget and avoid unexpected charges. Also, we can help guide you through the process, to ensure that the Freight quotes that we provide are Fair and Accurate.