From A to Z: The costs of Drayage and Accessorial Fees

Hidden Costs, Clear Opportunities: What Drayage Fees Are Doing to Your Bottom Line

Shipping isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about moving them efficiently while controlling costs. Yet, for many supply chain leaders, hidden drayage fees and accessorial charges continue to grind margins, leaving them wondering why their invoices are so high.

If you’re a BlueCargo user, you already know that keeping these fees in check isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Here, we break down the costs of drayage from A to Z, with a focus on the actionable insights you can use to streamline your logistics operations and boost profitability.

Drayage refers to the movement of containers, typically between a port and a nearby facility. While the base transportation rate seems straightforward, accessorial fees—those line items that appear for services beyond basic transport—often account for 20–30% of the total drayage cost.

Here’s a look at some of the most common charges and what they mean for your shipping invoices:

Examples of Accessorial Fees:

• Chassis Fees: $35–$50 per day for equipment rental.
• Detention Fees: $60–$100 per hour for driver delays.
• Demurrage Fees: $75–$300 per day for exceeding free time at terminals.
• Fuel Surcharges: 10–20% added to your total cost for fluctuating diesel prices.

Now, you probably want to see the full list. You can do so HERE.

As BlueCargo users, you already have access to tools that simplify freight auditing and help you uncover hidden savings. But knowing the fees you’re dealing with is the first step to optimizing your logistics strategy.

Did you know?

• A 2024 FMC study found that 30% of drayage invoices had inconsistencies, costing companies an average of 20% more than they should pay.
• BlueCargo users report saving 15–25% annually by identifying and challenging erroneous fees.

A-to-Z of Drayage and Accessorial Fees

Here’s a shorter list of the most common charges BlueCargo subscribers encounter on shipping invoices. Bookmark this for quick reference!

• Advanced Notification Fees: $25–$50 per notification.
• Chassis Fees: $35–$50/day; $75+ during shortages.
• Demurrage Fees: $75–$300/day for exceeding free time at terminals.
• Detention Fees: $60–$100/hour after the first 2 hours.
• Fuel Surcharges: 10–20% of total transportation costs.
• Layover Fees: $250–$300/container when drivers wait overnight.
• Storage Fees: $75–$250/day for yard or warehouse storage.
• Terminal Handling Charges (THC): $100–$250 per container.

Again, access the full A-to-Z list here and learn more about what you don't know you are paying for.

How BlueCargo Makes Cost Management Simple

BlueCargo isn’t just about auditing invoices—it’s about helping you optimize costs and stay compliant with evolving regulations like OSRA.

Here’s how:

• Identify Errors: Automated auditing flags inconsistencies like incorrect detention or duplicate fees, including OSRA checks.
• Full Transparency: Gain a clear view of every charge on your invoice.
• Save Big: Most BlueCargo subscribers save 15–25% annually, reclaiming thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

Ready to make the most of your freight spend? Let’s talk.

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We will take a retrospective look into 2024.