Understanding Storage Charges
Storage charges are fees incurred when your shipment is held at a carrier’s facility beyond the allowed free storage period. These charges ensure that freight terminals can manage space efficiently and keep operations running smoothly.
Here’s what you need to know about storage fees:
When Are Storage Charges Applied?
- Free Storage Period: Most carriers provide a limited period (usually 1-2 days) of free storage. This period starts once the freight arrives at the terminal or is ready for pickup/delivery.
- Beyond the Free Period: After the free storage period expires, daily storage charges will apply until the freight is picked up or delivered.
Common Scenarios Leading to Storage Charges
- Delayed Pickup/Delivery: If the consignee (receiver) is unable to accept the delivery, or if the freight is not picked up promptly from the terminal.
- Customs Delays: Shipments held for customs clearance beyond the free storage period.
- Incomplete Documentation: If required documents are missing or incomplete, causing a delay in the release or movement of the shipment.
- Amazon/Walmart Deliveries: Strict delivery appointment system can impact the timeline and lead to additional fees beyond FreightSimple’s control.
How to Avoid Storage Charges
- Timely Coordination: Ensure that pickup and delivery schedules are clearly communicated and adhered to.
- Document Readiness: Make sure all customs and shipping documents are complete and submitted on time.
- Track Your Shipment: Use FreightSimple’s tracking tools to monitor your shipment’s status and avoid unexpected delays.
Why Do Storage Charges Occur with Amazon/Walmart Shipments?
- Delivery Appointments: These warehouses require delivery appointments for all shipments. Unfortunately, appointment availability is determined by them, and sometimes they provide late appointments that fall outside the free storage period.
- Carrier Policy: Most carriers offer 24-48 hours of free storage while awaiting a delivery appointment. After this grace period, storage charges apply. Some carriers offer no free storage days at all.
- Out of Our Control: FreightSimple and the carrier cannot control Amazon and Walmart's appointment availability. Once freight arrives at the destination terminal, the carrier must wait for Amazon to confirm the appointment.
Key Points to Remember
- Carrier’s Responsibility: Carriers schedule appointments only after the cargo arrives at the destination terminal. This process depends entirely on Amazon's availability, not on the carrier or FreightSimple.
- Limited Free Storage: If Amazon/Walmart provides an appointment date within the carrier’s free storage period, no storage fees apply. If the appointment falls outside this period, storage fees will be charged.
- Amazon’s Peak Times: During busy seasons, like holidays, Amazon and Walmart’s appointment slots can be delayed, increasing the likelihood of storage fees.
How Storage Charges Are Handled
- Added to Your Invoice: Any storage fees will be added to your invoice. You can view and pay these charges through your FreightSimple dashboard. We update the invoice as soon as we receive information from the carrier.
- No Hidden Fees: FreightSimple collects all necessary information to provide an accurate quote for freight charges and accessorials. However, storage fees are unpredictable and cannot be quoted upfront, as they depend on factors beyond our control, such as appointment delays from Amazon.
Need assistance with storage charges?
Contact us at support@freightsimple.com for help navigating storage-related issues and avoiding unnecessary fees.