Transportation Operations LINCS Practice Exam

What does an accessorial charge cover?

1. Only fuel surcharges

2. Shipping insurance costs

3. Various services like loading and unloading

4. Administrative fees for cargo processing

The correct answer is: Various services like loading and unloading

An accessorial charge refers to additional costs incurred beyond the standard shipping fees for various services required to complete the transportation of goods. This can include a wide array of services that are necessary for handling the cargo properly, such as loading and unloading the freight, providing special handling, detention of vehicles beyond the agreed timeframe, and any additional services provided to facilitate the shipment. These charges are essential for ensuring that specific needs related to the transportation process are met, which is why option C accurately captures the essence of what accessorial charges cover. Other choices focus on specific categories of costs. For example, while fuel surcharges (mentioned in option A) are indeed a common additional charge, they are not representative of the range of services covered by accessorial charges. Similarly, shipping insurance costs (option B) and administrative fees for cargo processing (option D) are also specific aspects of shipping costs but do not encompass the broader range of services included under accessorial charges. Therefore, option C stands out as the comprehensive and correct answer, aligning with the typical services that accessorial charges are meant to address.