Potential Additional Charges
Freight shipping can involve additional charges beyond the base rate, depending on specific circumstances related to your shipment. These fees, often called accessorial charges, are determined by carriers to cover extra services or unexpected conditions. Knowing about these charges can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Dead Call Charges in LTL Freight Shipping
A dead call charge (or dry run fee) in LTL freight shipping occurs when a carrier is dispatched to pick up a shipment, but the pickup cannot be completed due to circumstances beyond the carrier's control. These charges compensate the carrier for time, fuel, and resources spent on an unsuccessful trip.
Common Reasons for Dead Call Charges:
Shipper Not Ready: The shipment isn't prepared or accessible when the driver arrives.
Example: A business schedules a carrier to pick up 10 pallets at 3:00 PM, but when the driver arrives, only 5 pallets are prepared. The carrier cannot wait due to other scheduled pickups, so they leave, triggering a dead call charge.
How to Avoid:
- Confirm that all freight is ready, labeled, and palletized before the pickup window.
Incorrect Address: The provided pickup location is wrong or incomplete.
Example: A warehouse manager mistakenly provides the carrier with an outdated warehouse address. The driver goes to the wrong location and cannot retrieve the shipment.
How to Avoid:
- Verify the pickup address, including street name, suite/unit numbers, and zip code, before booking the pickup.
No Access: The carrier is unable to access the pickup site due to locked gates or other obstacles.
Example: A driver arrives at a facility with restricted entry and finds the main gate locked. There is no one available to grant access, forcing the driver to leave.
How to Avoid:
- Ensure pickup sites are open and accessible during the entire scheduled pickup window.
- Provide any gate codes, contact names, or special instructions.
Pickup Cancellation: The pickup is canceled after the driver has been dispatched.
Example: A customer realizes the shipment is delayed but forgets to notify us and we haven't notified the carrier. The carrier dispatches a truck, only to find no freight available for pickup.
How to Avoid:
- Cancel or reschedule pickups as soon as possible, ideally before the pickup hours.
Improper Packaging: Freight isn’t properly packed or palletized, preventing loading.
Example: A shipment is scheduled for pickup, but when the driver arrives, the freight isn’t palletized or securely packaged according to LTL shipping standards. The carrier declines to load it due to safety concerns.
How to Avoid:
- Follow the carrier's freight packaging and labeling guidelines.
- Use sturdy pallets, shrink wrap, and appropriate labels.
How to Avoid Dead Call Charges:
- Confirm Pickup Readiness: Ensure freight is ready before scheduling.
- Provide Accurate Information: Double-check addresses and contact details.
- Ensure Accessibility: Verify that the pickup site is open and accessible.
- Clear Communication: Inform the carrier promptly if there’s any change in pickup plans.
Different carriers may have unique policies regarding dead call charges, including how much they charge and under what conditions they waive the fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the FreightSimple Support Team at support@freightsimple.com or by opening a live chat!