What Are Accessorial Charges in Moving?
Accessorial charges are fees for additional moving services beyond the basic transportation or services included in the quoted price. They may cover packing, unpacking, special handling, extra stops, access problems, or services requested by the customer.
The FMCSA moving glossary describes accessorial services as activities such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, and piano stair carries that are requested or necessary because of special circumstances. Their charges may be separate from linehaul transportation charges.
The exact meaning of an “extra” service depends on the moving company. A full-service carrier may include ordinary loading, unloading, and some access work, while another tariff lists particular activities separately. The Surface Transportation Board's tariff guidance explains that interstate household goods carriers must maintain tariffs identifying their rates, charges, and service terms.
A fee is not automatically valid just because it appears on an invoice. The mover should be able to identify the service, the applicable pricing provision, and how the amount was calculated.
What Types of Accessorial Charges Do Movers Use?
The following examples appear frequently in household goods moving, but no single carrier necessarily charges all of them.
Packing and unpacking services
A mover may charge for packing cartons, supplying packing materials, preparing fragile belongings, or unpacking at the destination. Ask whether packing is priced by carton, labor time, shipment weight, or another tariff method.
Long carry charges
A long carry fee may apply when movers must carry items farther between the truck and residence than the distance included in the tariff. Long hallways, distant loading docks, and restricted street parking can create the extra walking distance.
Stair or flight charges
A stair carry fee can apply when belongings must be carried up or down flights of stairs and the work is separately chargeable. The carrier's tariff defines the relevant measurement or rate; there is no universal federal fee per flight.
Shuttle or auxiliary service
A shuttle service fee may arise when a large moving truck cannot reach the property and the carrier uses a smaller vehicle to complete pickup or delivery. Narrow roads, weak bridges, and building restrictions are common reasons.
Bulky article handling
A bulky item fee may apply to qualifying unusually large or awkward articles such as pianos, boats, or motorcycles. Some tariffs also use weight additives for articles that occupy unusually large amounts of truck space.
Extra pickup or delivery stops
A move may include a storage unit, a second apartment, or another pickup address. The carrier may assess an extra-stop charge because the original transportation service covers a different route or number of stops.
Appliance servicing and third-party work
A professional may be needed to disconnect, secure, or prepare certain appliances. Some services are performed by a third party and billed through the mover. Ask who performs the work, what it costs, and whether the mover accepts responsibility for coordinating it.
Storage-in-transit and warehouse handling
Temporary storage may be necessary when the destination is not ready or delivery is delayed under the applicable terms. Storage, warehouse handling, and later delivery can be separate charges. Confirm the storage period, daily or monthly rates, and who authorized the service.
Waiting time or special scheduling
If the crew cannot load or unload during the scheduled window, a tariff may provide for waiting time. Some carriers also charge for customer-requested overtime, weekend handling, or expedited service. A peak season rate is a different concept, related to the carrier's seasonal pricing.
Accessorial Charges vs. Linehaul Charges
Linehaul generally covers the vehicle transportation portion of the move. Accessorial charges cover additional services or conditions outside what the carrier includes in that transportation price.
| Charge category | General purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Linehaul | Main vehicle transportation | Moving household goods between states |
| Long carry | Excessive walking distance | Distant loading dock |
| Shuttle | Secondary smaller vehicle | Narrow access road |
| Stair carry | Additional stair handling | Upper-floor walk-up |
| Bulky article | Special article handling or space | Grand piano or boat |
| Packing | Cartons, materials, and labor | Packing fragile kitchenware |
Two carriers can quote the same linehaul amount and different totals because one includes certain services and the other lists them separately. Compare the complete price for the same inventory and services, not just the base transportation line.
How Much Do Accessorial Charges Cost?
There is no nationwide fixed price list. Interstate carriers publish their own applicable tariff rates, while local movers may use state-regulated contracts or hourly pricing. Charges can be flat amounts, per-item fees, hourly labor, per-flight rates, distance increments, or another disclosed method.
Example: An itemized interstate moving quote
Consider this entirely hypothetical estimate:
| Service | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Linehaul transportation | $3,200 |
| Packing | $350 |
| Shuttle service | $450 |
| Bulky article handling | $150 |
| Estimated total | $4,150 |
These figures are not actual carrier rates or averages. They show why a $3,200 transportation quote can become a $4,150 estimate once the relevant services are included.
Example: Hourly local move
A local mover might charge $150 per crew hour. If long hallways and elevator delays add 90 minutes, the added labor cost could be $225 under that hypothetical hourly agreement. The mover may not list a separate long carry or elevator charge at all.
The pricing structure matters. Ask whether additional time is already included, whether a minimum applies, and whether any flat fees are also authorized.
Are Accessorial Charges Legal?
They can be lawful when the service is genuinely required or requested and the charge follows the applicable tariff, written estimate, and governing law. There is no rule that makes all accessorial fees improper, nor a rule that permits arbitrary extra charges.
For regulated interstate household goods moves, 49 CFR § 375.401 requires a written estimate of transportation and related services. Subsection (f) specifically directs movers to determine charges for accessorial services such as elevators and long carries before preparing the bill of lading.
If the mover fails to ask about and determine applicable accessorial charges beforehand, that subsection requires delivery and billing after 30 days for those additional charges. This concerns collection timing, not an automatic waiver of every lawful fee.
The tariff remains important. The STB guidance recommends clearly identifying accessorial rates and explaining when they apply, so a customer can understand the charges.
Must Accessorial Charges Be Included in the Estimate?
Known, applicable services should be considered when the mover prepares the estimate. You should disclose the relevant conditions at both addresses: stairs, elevators, long walkways, loading restrictions, oversized items, and any additional stops.
The mover must provide a signed written estimate identifying whether it is binding or non-binding. A vague verbal “all included” promise is not a substitute for the written documents.
Binding estimates
A binding estimate generally fixes the agreed price for the goods and services identified. If additional items or services become apparent before loading, federal rules describe how the parties may reaffirm or revise the agreement. The mover cannot freely amend the estimate after loading.
Non-binding estimates
A non-binding estimate is an approximation. Final lawful charges can depend on actual shipment weight, services, and tariff provisions. The federal 110% rule generally limits collection at delivery for the services originally estimated; it is not a cap on the final total.
What if a service is discovered later?
A newly discovered service is not automatically payable immediately. Federal rules distinguish services requested by the customer, services determined necessary by the mover, and qualifying impracticable operations. The written agreement, timing, and tariff classification matter.
The 110% Rule and Additional Moving Fees
Under 49 CFR § 375.703, a regulated interstate mover using a non-binding estimate generally cannot demand more than 110% of the estimate at delivery for the originally estimated charges, plus certain separately permitted amounts.
If the non-binding estimate is $4,000, the usual delivery collection limit toward those estimated services is $4,400. The carrier may still bill a lawful remaining balance later. The rule is not a universal “10% extra fee,” and it does not automatically apply to every newly requested service.
The exact calculation can be more complex when additional services or impracticable operations are involved. Ask for an itemized explanation before assuming the entire balance is immediately collectible.
The 15% Rule for Impracticable Operations
An impracticable operation arises when normal pickup or delivery becomes physically impossible with the assigned road-haul equipment and additional specialized work is required, as defined in the carrier's tariff.
Under 49 CFR § 375.703, charges collectible at delivery for qualifying impracticable operations generally cannot exceed 15% of all other charges due at delivery. This is a limit on collection at delivery, not necessarily a cap on the final lawful service charge.
A shuttle caused by an inaccessible road might qualify under a particular tariff. An ordinary stair carry or long carry does not automatically qualify. The tariff definition and actual conditions must support the classification.
How to Avoid Surprise Accessorial Fees
Share a complete inventory
Tell the mover about storage areas, unusually heavy or bulky items, pianos, exercise equipment, and extra stops. A room-by-room survey is more useful than a vague estimate based only on bedroom count.
Describe access at both addresses
Provide photographs of staircases, elevator dimensions, long hallways, loading areas, parking restrictions, and gate rules. Destination access can be as important as the pickup property.
Ask which services are included
Request a written explanation of ordinary loading and unloading, packing, furniture disassembly, long carries, and any special handling. A quote with fewer line items may simply bundle services differently.
Review the tariff
For interstate moves, ask for the applicable tariff provisions and look for the rate, calculation method, and conditions that trigger each fee. The tariff is the pricing reference, not just an internal company document.
Keep all changes in writing
If the inventory or requested services change before loading, request a revised estimate or other required written documentation. Do not rely on a verbal promise that a new service “won't cost much.”
How to Dispute an Accessorial Charge
Start by asking what service was performed and which tariff or contract provision authorizes the amount. Compare the final invoice with the signed estimate, inventory, bill of lading, and any written changes.
If a long carry is charged, request the measurement method. If a shuttle is charged, ask why the main truck could not reach the property. If a bulky article fee appears, request the article classification and any weight-additive calculation.
Keep photographs and written communications. For interstate tariff questions, consult the Surface Transportation Board's household goods resources. Suspected federal moving violations can be reported through the FMCSA Complaint Center. Regulatory reporting does not automatically settle an individual billing dispute or guarantee a refund.
Do Accessorial Charges Apply to Local Moves?
Yes, local movers may charge for additional services, but the pricing often differs. Some charge by the hour and incorporate extra handling into crew time. Others publish separate fees for stairs, packing, specialty equipment, or difficult access.
The federal interstate estimate and payment rules do not automatically govern a move entirely within one state. Check the local contract and applicable state consumer-protection rules. When comparing local moving services, ask for the complete pricing structure.
Final Thoughts
Accessorial charges are not automatically bad; they are a way of pricing services that fall outside the basic transportation or included handling. Problems arise when the mover does not explain which services are covered, how the fees are calculated, or when they can be collected.
Before booking, request a complete written estimate, review relevant tariff terms, and describe the actual work at both properties. For a move with complicated access or packing needs, explore Relocation Standard's residential moving services or long-distance moving services and request a quote that clearly identifies additional services.
