Accessorial Service
A practical definition of accessorial services and how added services or operating conditions affect moving scope and price.
Published 4 Sep 2026 · Updated 10 Sep 2026. Sources, scope and corrections
TRE Dictionary
Accessorial Service
An accessorial service is a service beyond the basic transportation or core move that is required or requested because of the shipment, property, or customer needs.
In plain English
Examples can include packing, unpacking, stairs, shuttle service, long carries, crating, storage, appliance servicing, and other additional work.
Why it matters
Accessorial services can change labor, equipment, time, and charges, so they should be identified and authorized clearly. FMCSA requires covered interstate estimates to include known accessorial and advance charges when the estimate is prepared.
TRE common-language definition
Accessorial Service: An additional moving service required beyond the base transportation or labor scope.
Related terms
Access · Shuttle · Long Carry · Packing · Change of Scope
Check the service and the charge separately
An accessorial service may already be included in the agreed price. Ask for the tariff item or applicable service terms, what triggers the charge, included allowances, units, minimums and discounts. Match these to the estimate and the actual work; the service name alone does not establish an extra fee.
For covered interstate moves, 49 CFR 375.401(f) requires accessorial charges such as elevators and long carries to be determined before the bill of lading. A later addition needs the appropriate change record. Who requested it and when matters: mover-identified necessary services and customer-requested additions after the bill of lading have different notice and collection rules under 375.403(a)(8)–(9) and 375.405(b)(9)–(10). Use the Unexpected Moving Costs guide to distinguish the final bill from the amount collectible at delivery. Other jurisdictions and service models may follow different rules.
Sources & Evidence
- FMCSA — How can I avoid unexpected moving costs?
- FMCSA — Summary of Household Goods Consumer Protection Requirements
- FMCSA — Estimating Charges (Subpart D)
Read the Unexpected Moving Costs guide →
The Relocation Ecosystem provides educational information and does not provide legal advice.
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