In LTL freight, the cheapest quote can become expensive if the delivery information is wrong. A missed delivery, closed consignee, wrong address, residential location, or appointment issue can trigger redelivery and address change fees.
These fees are normal in the US freight market, but many shippers do not plan for them until the invoice arrives.
What is redelivery?
Redelivery happens when the carrier attempts delivery but cannot complete it, then needs to deliver again later.
- Consignee is closed
- Receiver refuses the shipment
- Appointment was not scheduled
- Driver cannot access the delivery location
- Liftgate or inside delivery was needed but not requested
- Address is incomplete or incorrect
What is reconsignment or address correction?
Reconsignment means the delivery destination changes after the shipment is already in transit. Address correction can be a smaller version of the same problem, such as missing suite number, wrong ZIP code, or wrong city. These changes may require carrier terminal handling, rerouting, new paperwork, and sometimes a new linehaul charge.
Fees that may appear on the invoice
Depending on the carrier and shipment status, one mistake can create several charges:
- Redelivery fee
- Reconsignment/address correction fee
- Storage fee
- Appointment fee
- Liftgate fee
- Residential delivery fee
- Limited access fee
- Detention or waiting time
For the full breakdown of how these add up, see our LTL accessorial charges checklist.
How to reduce the risk before shipping
Before booking LTL, confirm the full street address, city, state and ZIP; the business name and contact phone; commercial vs residential; dock or forklift availability; whether an appointment is required; receiving hours; and whether liftgate or inside delivery is needed.
Use an address checker when possible. If the delivery site is residential, school, farm, church, construction site, trade show, or storage facility, it may trigger additional charges.
What to do if the address changes in transit
Act quickly. Contact the broker/carrier before the freight reaches the destination terminal if possible. Provide the corrected address, contact person, delivery instructions, and whether any special service is needed. The earlier the correction is made, the lower the risk of storage and failed delivery.
ShipOnlines tip
If a consignee is uncertain, do not book the shipment as a clean commercial delivery. It is better to disclose appointment, liftgate, residential, or limited access needs upfront than to get a low quote followed by rebill charges. Get an LTL quote with the correct accessorials selected from the start.
