We strive for total transparency in our LTL shipping. Our Flat Pallet Rate program is designed to give you predictable landed costs. However, carriers apply additional accessorial fees when a delivery requires effort beyond a standard "dock-to-dock" commercial drop-off.
Because our wholesale customers pay all shipping costs, these surcharges are automatically passed through from the carrier. Use this guide to identify common fees and learn how to avoid them.
| Charge | What it is | How to avoid / Prepare |
| Residential Delivery | Deliveries to any location with a dwelling (farms, home-based breweries, or mixed-use properties). | If your business is on a family farm or residential plot, please select residential delivery. This fee will apply regardless of your business status if shipped commercial. |
| Lift Gate Fee | Charged when the carrier must use a lift to lower the pallet to the ground and the service is not prepaid. | You must have a loading dock or forklift on site, or select shipping with liftgate service. Unloading by hand or with a tractor is not permitted by LTL carriers. |
| Limited Access | Applied when a driver encounters tight turns, narrow roads, or a lack of a defined commercial loading zone. | Ensure your facility is accessible by a full 53' commercial trailer and has a clear route, or ship with residential delivery. |
| Redelivery | Charged if the driver attempts delivery during your stated hours but no one is available to sign. | Keep your LTL hours current! We print the hours from your application on every BOL. Please contact us to update your receiving hours if needed. |
| Detention/Storage | A "waiting fee" if the driver is kept on-site too long or if a shipment is held at the terminal, typically +30 minutes. | Be ready to offload immediately upon arrival. If using a fork lift, please plan to have it readily available on the day of delivery. |
| Inside Delivery | Applied if a driver is asked to move the pallet through a doorway or inside your building. | Drivers are only required to move the pallet to the "tail of the trailer" or the curb. |
Key Areas for Successful Deliveries
Residential vs. Commercial
Carriers define "Residential" based on the zoning and physical layout of the land, not your Tax ID. Many of our winery and brewery partners operate on family farms or estates. If there is a residence on the property, carriers almost always apply a Residential Surcharge.
Appointment Fee
If your account notes or order instructions specify "Appointment Only," the carrier will call ahead to schedule a window. Most carriers charge for this service. If you have consistent staff on-site during business hours, you can avoid this by opting for standard delivery during your posted hours.
Manage Your Delivery Hours
We include your LTL receiving hours on every Bill of Lading (BOL).
Risk: If those hours are outdated and the carrier arrives to find a "Closed" sign, they will charge a Redelivery Fee, which can often cost as much as the original shipment.
Fix: If your seasonal hours change, please notify our team immediately to update your profile. You can also leave a note at checkout requesting we update your accounts receiving hours.
A Note on Recent Carrier Audits (2025–2026)
Starting in 2025, we have observed a significant industry-wide increase in the frequency of surcharges. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in discrepancies and fraudulent charges (being charged for a lift gate when you used your own forklift or the lift was prepaid).
How to Protect Your Business:
Inspect the BOL: Before signing, ensure the driver hasn't checked boxes for services they didn't provide.
Note Discrepancies: If a driver insists on using their lift gate despite you having a forklift, write "Lift gate used by driver choice; forklift available" on the BOL.
Dispute with Us: If you see a surcharge on your invoice that you believe is incorrect, reach out to your account manager immediately. We have the tools to dispute these fees with the carrier, but we need your help with documentation to win. Please reach out to us at support@moreflaovr.com.
Pro Tip: LTL drivers are on strict schedules. They are generally not permitted to wait while you move equipment or "clear a path" in the warehouse. Having your forklift ready and your bay clear is the best way to avoid Detention Fees.