What are Dry Run Fees and How to Avoid Them

Transcript

Green arrow

What are dry run fees?

Simply put, dry run fees are additional charges imposed by trucking companies or carriers as a result of a shipment not being ready at the time of pickup. If the shipper is not prepared upon a truck's arrival, drivers will typically reschedule the pickup and impose a fee on the shipper. When it comes to additional fees, preparation is key. With the right processes to ensure a timely pickup, dry run fees can be easily avoided in the future.

Why am I being charged a dry run fee?

Dry run fees are assessed to accommodate the time, labor, and gas used by the driver when the shipment is not picked up. Essentially, when a shipper is unprepared at the scheduled time of pickup, they will typically be fined for the additional resources.

Luckily, carriers typically outline their dry run fee policies in their terms and conditions and contracts. Being aware of your carriers' terms is a helpful way to avoid any additional fees.

How to avoid dry run fees:

All in all, avoiding dry run fees is all about preparation, effective communication, and coordination. To lessen the likelihood of dry run fees in the future, here are a few things you should keep in mind when prepping your next shipment for pickup:

  • Ensure that all freight is packaged properly with the correct shipment information, as well as scheduled pickup and delivery times, to ensure all cargo is ready to go at the time of pickup.
  • Communicate with your carrier. Make sure you have confirmation numbers and open lines of communication to stay in contact throughout the process.
  • Provide clear instructions to the truck driver regarding the pickup or delivery process. Include information for entryway, loading/unloading procedures, and clear instructions to minimize the chances of an unproductive trip.

Efficiency and preparation when shipping LTL can help keep your costs down and ensure your freight ships smoothly. Effective communication, accurate information, and coordination between all parties is essential to avoiding unproductive trips and ultimately, dry run fees.

Image of trucks lined up in a parking lot

What are dry run fees?

Simply put, dry run fees are additional charges imposed by trucking companies or carriers as a result of a shipment not being ready at the time of pickup. If the shipper is not prepared upon a truck's arrival, drivers will typically reschedule the pickup and impose a fee on the shipper. When it comes to additional fees, preparation is key. With the right processes to ensure a timely pickup, dry run fees can be easily avoided in the future.

Why am I being charged a dry run fee?

Dry run fees are assessed to accommodate the time, labor, and gas used by the driver when the shipment is not picked up. Essentially, when a shipper is unprepared at the scheduled time of pickup, they will typically be fined for the additional resources.

Luckily, carriers typically outline their dry run fee policies in their terms and conditions and contracts. Being aware of your carriers' terms is a helpful way to avoid any additional fees.

How to avoid dry run fees:

All in all, avoiding dry run fees is all about preparation, effective communication, and coordination. To lessen the likelihood of dry run fees in the future, here are a few things you should keep in mind when prepping your next shipment for pickup:

  • Ensure that all freight is packaged properly with the correct shipment information, as well as scheduled pickup and delivery times, to ensure all cargo is ready to go at the time of pickup.
  • Communicate with your carrier. Make sure you have confirmation numbers and open lines of communication to stay in contact throughout the process.
  • Provide clear instructions to the truck driver regarding the pickup or delivery process. Include information for entryway, loading/unloading procedures, and clear instructions to minimize the chances of an unproductive trip.

Efficiency and preparation when shipping LTL can help keep your costs down and ensure your freight ships smoothly. Effective communication, accurate information, and coordination between all parties is essential to avoiding unproductive trips and ultimately, dry run fees.

Liftgate Limits

Liftgate Maximums

Average Limits Across Carriers

Maximum Length

66.5"

Maximum Width

65.5"

Maximum Height

79"

Maximum Weight

2,750 lb

Recent Posts

See what Koho has to offer

From LTL to insurance, see what you can do on Koho's platform.

Still need help?

Contact our pros! Koho's experts are available 8am to 8pm ET Monday through Friday.