Accessorial Charges in Moving: Complete List of Extra Fees
- Jun 22
- 14 min read
Moving quotes can be confusing because the price is not always just one simple number.
There is the basic transportation charge. There may be packing. There may be storage. And then there are the extra charges customers often do not notice until they are already dealing with the move.
These are commonly called Accessorial Charges in Moving.
Accessorial charges are extra fees for services, conditions, or complications that go beyond the basic transportation of your belongings. Some are completely normal. Some are avoidable. And some become a problem only because the customer did not know to ask about them before signing.
The important thing is this: an extra fee is not automatically a scam. But it should be explained clearly, connected to a real service or access issue, and listed in your moving paperwork whenever possible.
This guide breaks down the most common accessorial charges in interstate moving, what they mean, when movers charge them, and how to avoid surprise costs.
What Are Accessorial Charges in Moving?
Accessorial Charges in Moving are additional fees movers may charge for services or conditions not included in the basic moving price.
Think of the base moving cost as the charge for transporting your shipment from one state to another.
Accessorial charges cover the extra things that may happen around that move, such as:
packing
stairs
elevators
long carry distance
shuttle trucks
storage
redelivery
waiting time
bulky items
special handling
extra labor
difficult access
These charges usually exist because the move takes more time, more labor, more equipment, or more planning than a standard pickup and delivery.
Why Accessorial Charges Matter in Interstate Moving
Interstate moves are more complicated than local moves.
The truck may be larger. The route may involve multiple shipments. Delivery may happen days or weeks after pickup. Access at the delivery address may be different from access at pickup.
That is why extra charges can appear if the real move does not match the original estimate.
For example:
the customer forgot to mention stairs
the truck cannot park near the building
the elevator was not reserved
the delivery address is not ready
extra boxes appear on moving day
fragile items need packing
storage becomes necessary
The more details the mover has before the quote is created, the fewer surprises there should be later.
Accessorial Charges in Moving: Complete List of Common Extra Fees
Below is a practical breakdown of the most common Accessorial Charges in Moving that customers should understand before booking an interstate move.
Not every mover charges every fee. Not every fee applies to every move. But these are the charges you should ask about before signing.
1. Packing Services Fee
A packing services fee applies when movers professionally pack your belongings.
This may include:
full packing
partial packing
fragile-only packing
kitchen packing
wardrobe packing
TV or mirror packing
artwork packing
Packing is one of the most common areas where customers misunderstand the quote.
If your estimate assumes you are packing everything yourself, but the crew arrives and finds many loose items, packing charges may be added.
How to avoid surprise packing fees
Before moving day, ask:
Is packing included?
Are materials included?
Which rooms are being packed?
Are fragile items included?
What happens if items are not packed when movers arrive?
If packing is important, make sure it is written into the estimate.
2. Packing Materials Fee
Packing labor and packing materials are not always the same thing.
A mover may charge separately for:
boxes
tape
packing paper
bubble wrap
mattress bags
wardrobe boxes
dish packs
mirror cartons
TV boxes
crates
A customer may hear “packing is included” and assume materials are included too. That is not always true.
What to check
Ask whether the quote includes both labor and materials.
If not, ask for material pricing before moving day.
3. Stairs Fee
A stairs fee may apply when movers have to carry items up or down stairs.
This can happen at pickup, delivery, or both.
Movers may charge for stairs if:
there is no elevator
the elevator cannot be used
the unit is above ground level
there are multiple flights of stairs
furniture must be carried through stairwells
stairs were not mentioned before booking
One short flight may not always create an extra charge. Multiple flights usually matter more.
Why stairs cost extra
Stairs slow down the move and increase labor. They also make heavy or bulky items harder to move safely.
If stairs exist at either location, mention them before the estimate is finalized.
4. Elevator Fee
An elevator can make a move easier, but it can also create delays.
An elevator fee may apply when movers must use, reserve, wait for, or work around an elevator.
This is common in:
apartments
condos
high-rise buildings
office buildings
buildings with shared elevators
buildings with service elevator rules
Elevator issues that can create fees
Extra charges may happen if:
the elevator must be reserved
the elevator is slow
the elevator is small
movers must wait for residents
the service elevator is far from the unit
move-in hours are restricted
the building requires elevator protection
Do not assume an elevator means “no extra charge.” Ask first.
5. Long Carry Fee
A long carry fee may apply when movers have to carry your items farther than the standard included distance between the truck and your home.
This can happen when:
the truck parks far away
the building entrance is far from the loading area
the apartment is deep inside a complex
movers cross a courtyard
the driveway is too long or inaccessible
parking is limited
This fee is about walking distance.
The farther movers carry every box, mattress, dresser, and fragile item, the more time and labor the move requires.
6. Shuttle Fee
A shuttle fee may apply when the large interstate moving truck cannot safely access your home or building.
In that case, movers may use a smaller truck to move items between your home and the main truck.
A shuttle may be needed because of:
narrow streets
low bridges
tight turns
city restrictions
steep roads
gated communities
low tree clearance
weight restrictions
no legal truck parking
A shuttle fee can be one of the more expensive accessorial charges because items may need to be loaded and unloaded more than once.
7. Parking Fee or Permit Fee
Parking can create extra costs, especially in cities and apartment areas.
A parking-related fee may apply if:
permits are required
the truck cannot park legally
movers must use paid parking
loading zones are unavailable
parking violations occur
the city requires reserved space
the building requires loading approval
Sometimes the customer is responsible for arranging parking permits. Sometimes the mover can help.
Either way, parking should be discussed before moving day.
8. Waiting Time Fee
A waiting time fee may apply if movers arrive but cannot begin or complete the job because they have to wait.
Common reasons include:
customer is not ready
building management delays access
elevator is not available
payment is not ready
keys are missing
loading dock is occupied
paperwork is incomplete
delivery address is not ready
parking is unavailable
Waiting time can become expensive because the truck, driver, and crew are tied up.
How to avoid waiting time
Confirm building access, payment, elevator reservations, parking, and customer availability before the crew arrives.
9. Storage-in-Transit Fee
Storage-in-transit, often called SIT, may apply when your shipment cannot be delivered right away during an interstate move.
This often happens when:
your new home is not ready
closing is delayed
your lease starts later
building approval is pending
delivery needs to be rescheduled
the truck arrives before you can receive the shipment
Storage-in-transit can be helpful, but it may include more than one charge.
You may see fees for:
temporary storage
warehouse handling
delivery from storage
redelivery
monthly or daily storage
Always ask what is included.
10. Long-Term Storage Fee
Long-term storage applies when your belongings need to stay in storage for a longer period.
This is different from short-term storage-in-transit.
Long-term storage may make sense if:
you are moving into temporary housing
your final address is uncertain
you are downsizing
your home is being renovated
you are waiting months before delivery
you need storage beyond the mover’s temporary period
Ask how pricing changes when temporary storage becomes long-term storage.
11. Warehouse Handling Fee
Warehouse handling fees may apply when your shipment is moved into or out of storage.
This fee can cover labor for:
unloading into a warehouse
placing items into storage vaults or warehouse space
reloading items for final delivery
handling inventory
preparing shipment for redelivery
Customers often focus only on the monthly storage rate and forget handling charges.
That can make storage more expensive than expected.
12. Redelivery Fee
A redelivery fee may apply when movers have to deliver your shipment again after the first delivery could not be completed.
This can happen if:
the delivery address was not ready
the customer was not available
the building refused access
elevator reservation was missed
payment was not ready
parking was impossible
delivery had to be rescheduled from storage
Redelivery is not the same as normal delivery. It may require new scheduling, labor, truck time, and dispatch coordination.
13. Attempted Delivery Fee
An attempted delivery fee may apply when the mover tries to deliver but cannot complete the delivery because of customer, building, access, or payment issues.
For example:
nobody is there to receive the shipment
the building will not allow unloading
the elevator is unavailable
the customer cannot pay the balance
the delivery address is wrong
the truck cannot access the property
If the delivery fails, storage and redelivery fees may also follow.
14. Bulky Item Fee
A bulky item fee may apply for large, heavy, or awkward items that require extra labor, equipment, or space.
Examples include:
pianos
safes
pool tables
large exercise equipment
oversized desks
large sectional sofas
heavy appliances
motorcycles, if accepted by the mover
large tool chests
hot tubs, if accepted by the mover
Not every mover handles every bulky item. Always disclose these items before booking.
15. Piano Fee
Pianos often have their own fee because they are heavy, delicate, and difficult to move.
The cost may depend on:
piano type
stairs
distance
weight
access
need for special equipment
pickup and delivery conditions
If you have a piano, do not list it as “furniture.” Tell the mover exactly what type of piano it is.
16. Safe or Heavy Item Fee
Heavy items can create extra charges because they may require more movers, special equipment, or careful planning.
Examples include:
gun safes
commercial safes
heavy toolboxes
large machinery
gym equipment
oversized appliances
stone furniture
marble tables
Weight alone is not the only issue. Shape, access, stairs, and floor protection also matter.
17. Appliance Servicing Fee
Some appliances need preparation before moving.
An appliance servicing fee may apply for:
disconnecting appliances
preparing washers or dryers
securing refrigerator parts
handling water lines
preparing specialty appliances
reconnecting certain appliances, if offered
Some movers do not perform plumbing or electrical work. They may require the customer to arrange a professional.
Ask what the mover can and cannot do.
18. Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly Fee
Basic furniture disassembly may be included by some movers, but not always.
Extra charges may apply for:
beds
large desks
wall units
entertainment centers
complex furniture
modular furniture
exercise equipment
furniture requiring special tools
Ask whether disassembly and reassembly are included in the quote.
19. Crating Fee
Crating is special protection for fragile, valuable, or unusually shaped items.
A crating fee may apply for:
artwork
antiques
glass tops
marble tops
sculptures
chandeliers
large mirrors
high-value fragile items
Crating can be expensive, but it may be worth it for items that cannot be safely moved in standard packing.
20. High-Value Item Handling Fee
Some movers require special handling or documentation for high-value items.
This may include:
antiques
collectibles
fine art
designer furniture
expensive electronics
rare items
fragile valuables
High-value items may also affect valuation coverage and claim documentation.
If an item is expensive, unusual, fragile, or irreplaceable, disclose it before moving day.
21. Extra Labor Fee
An extra labor fee may apply when the move requires more work than originally planned.
This can happen if:
more items are added
packing is not finished
access is harder than described
furniture does not fit through doors
items need special handling
disassembly takes longer
the shipment is larger than expected
Extra labor is often the result of incomplete information during the estimate.
22. Extra Stop Fee
An extra stop fee may apply if movers need to pick up or deliver items at more than one location.
Examples:
pickup from a storage unit
pickup from a second apartment
delivery to two homes
dropping items at a family member’s house
stopping at a warehouse or office
Extra stops affect routing, labor, time, and paperwork.
Make sure all stops are listed in the estimate.
23. Expedited Delivery Fee
An expedited delivery fee may apply if you want faster delivery than the standard schedule.
This may require:
priority routing
dedicated truck space
special dispatch planning
fewer consolidated shipments
a tighter delivery window
Expedited delivery can be useful when timing is critical, but it should be written clearly.
Ask whether the faster delivery is estimated or guaranteed.
24. Guaranteed Delivery Fee
A guaranteed delivery fee may apply when the mover agrees to deliver on a specific date instead of a normal delivery window.
A real guaranteed delivery promise should explain:
exact delivery date
service terms
whether exceptions apply
what happens if the date is missed
whether compensation applies
where the guarantee appears in writing
If it is not written, treat it carefully.
25. Waiting for Elevator or Loading Dock Fee
This is a specific type of waiting or access charge.
It may apply when movers must wait because:
the elevator is occupied
the loading dock is unavailable
the building manager delays access
another move is using the service elevator
move-in hours are limited
security procedures take too long
This is common in apartment buildings and high-rises.
Reserve elevators and loading docks early.
26. Ferry, Toll, or Route Fee
Some moves involve route-related expenses.
Depending on the mover’s pricing and route, fees may include:
tolls
ferry costs
bridge fees
route restrictions
special permits
remote area access
These are not always major charges, but they should be explained if they apply.
27. Fuel Surcharge
Some movers may list a fuel surcharge as part of the total cost.
This may depend on:
distance
route
fuel pricing method
company tariff or pricing structure
shipment size
A fuel surcharge should not be vague. Ask whether it is already included in the transportation charge or listed separately.
28. Cancellation or Rescheduling Fee
A cancellation or rescheduling fee may apply if you cancel or change the move after a certain deadline.
Ask:
Is the deposit refundable?
What is the cancellation window?
What happens if I reschedule?
Is there a date change fee?
How is the refund processed?
Do not rely on verbal promises about refunds.
29. Debris Removal Fee
After unpacking or delivery, you may have leftover materials.
A debris removal fee may apply if movers remove:
empty boxes
packing paper
shrink wrap
tape
cartons
padding materials
Some full-service moves include debris removal. Others do not.
Ask before assuming the crew will take everything away.
30. Certificate of Insurance or Building Requirement Fee
Some buildings require a Certificate of Insurance, often called a COI, before allowing movers inside.
The mover may provide it, but building rules can still create delays if the request is made too late.
Building requirements may include:
COI
elevator reservation
loading dock reservation
floor protection
wall protection
specific move-in hours
security approval
The fee may not always be called a “COI fee,” but building compliance can create extra cost or delay.
Are Accessorial Charges Always Hidden?
No.
Accessorial charges are not always hidden, and they are not automatically dishonest.
The problem is that customers often do not know what to look for.
A good moving company should explain possible extra charges before moving day, especially if the move involves apartments, stairs, storage, city parking, elevators, or difficult truck access.
The safest approach is simple:
Do not only ask, “What is the total price?”
Ask, “What could change this price?”
How to Find Accessorial Charges in Your Moving Paperwork
Before signing, check your:
written estimate
Bill of Lading
Order for Service
tariff or service terms
inventory list
storage agreement
valuation paperwork
delivery terms
Look for words like:
accessorial
additional services
extra labor
shuttle
long carry
stairs
elevator
waiting time
storage-in-transit
redelivery
bulky article
packing materials
If you see a term you do not understand, ask the mover to explain it in plain English.
Many accessorial charges are not obvious unless you know how to read the estimate carefully. Fees for stairs, elevators, packing materials, storage, shuttle service, long carry, and redelivery may appear in different parts of the document, not always in one clear section. To understand where these charges usually appear and what each line means, read:
How to Avoid Surprise Accessorial Charges
You cannot avoid every extra fee, but you can avoid many surprises.
Give the mover complete information
Tell the mover about:
all rooms
all boxes
garage items
storage units
stairs
elevators
parking limits
long hallways
building rules
bulky items
fragile items
delivery restrictions
More information usually means a more accurate estimate.
Ask for a visual survey
A visual survey helps the mover see the real shipment and access conditions.
This is much better than a quick phone quote based on memory.
Confirm access at both locations
Do not only check the pickup address.
Also check the delivery address:
Can the truck park?
Is there an elevator?
Is there a loading dock?
Are there stairs?
Does the building require approval?
Is there a long carry distance?
Delivery access is often where surprise fees happen.
Get answers in writing
If the mover says a fee will not apply, ask them to confirm it in writing.
Verbal promises are easy to forget and hard to prove.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before you sign a moving estimate, ask:
What accessorial charges can apply to my move?
Are stairs included?
Is elevator use included?
What is the long carry distance limit?
When does a shuttle fee apply?
Are packing materials included?
Is storage included or extra?
What happens if my delivery address is not ready?
Are bulky items charged separately?
Can extra fees apply at delivery?
What fees are not included in this quote?
Can you put all possible charges in writing?
A trustworthy mover should be able to answer these questions clearly.
Red Flags With Accessorial Charges
Be careful if the mover:
gives a very low estimate
refuses to explain extra fees
says “don’t worry about it” instead of answering
does not ask about stairs or elevators
does not ask about parking
does not ask about packing
ignores bulky items
will not provide written terms
demands unexpected cash payments
adds vague fees without explanation
pressures you to sign quickly
Extra fees should be connected to real services or real access conditions.
If the mover cannot explain the charge, that is a problem.
FAQ About Accessorial Charges in Moving
What are Accessorial Charges in Moving?
Accessorial Charges in Moving are extra fees for services or conditions beyond basic transportation, such as packing, stairs, elevators, shuttle service, long carry, storage, waiting time, bulky items, or redelivery.
Are accessorial charges normal?
Yes, they can be normal when the move requires extra labor, equipment, time, storage, or special handling. The key is that they should be clearly explained.
Can accessorial charges be added on moving day?
Sometimes, especially if the actual move is different from what was described during the estimate. That is why accurate inventory and access details matter.
Are accessorial charges the same as hidden fees?
Not exactly. Accessorial charges are legitimate service-related charges when properly disclosed. They feel hidden when customers do not know about them before moving day.
How do I avoid extra moving fees?
Provide complete information, request a visual survey, confirm access at both locations, ask about possible extra charges, and get the terms in writing before signing.
What is the most common accessorial charge?
Common accessorial charges include packing, long carry, stairs, elevator use, shuttle service, storage-in-transit, and waiting time.
Final Checklist Before You Sign
Before signing your moving estimate, confirm:
packing services
packing materials
stairs
elevators
parking
long carry distance
shuttle possibility
storage fees
warehouse handling
redelivery fees
waiting time
bulky item fees
valuation coverage
delivery terms
payment terms
cancellation rules
all extra charges in writing
Accessorial Charges in Moving are not always bad. They often reflect real work, time, access problems, or special services. The problem is when customers do not know they exist until moving day. Ask direct questions, show the mover the real move, confirm both addresses, and make sure every possible extra fee is explained before your belongings are loaded.
Related Interstate Moving Guides
Author:
Written by: Arthur Brooks — Owner & Operations Manager Interstate moving, storage & claims operations expert
Just Movers / BY Logistic LLC
Dallas, TX • Miami, FL
