In trucking and freight shipping, a “reroute” happens when a shipment’s original delivery instructions are changed after the carrier has already planned or started the transportation. Because rerouting creates extra work, time, and cost for the carrier, trucking companies often charge an accessorial fee (an additional service charge).

Why reroutes cause accessorial fees

A reroute can require the carrier to:

• Change the delivery address

• Reschedule appointments

• Redirect the truck to another terminal or city

• Update paperwork and dispatch instructions

• Add extra mileage, fuel, labor, and transit time

• Store freight temporarily while new instructions are arranged

Examples of reroute situations:

• Customer changes the delivery address after shipment leaves

• Receiver refuses the shipment

• Wrong address was provided

• Delivery appointment missed, requiring reconsignment

• Shipment needs to be redirected to another warehouse

• Customs or routing instructions change during transit

Because trucking operations are tightly scheduled, even small changes can disrupt:

• Driver hours-of-service planning

• Other scheduled pickups/deliveries

• Trailer utilization

• Fuel and route optimization

For this reason, carriers bill reroute-related costs as accessorial charges.

Common charges related to reroutes

These may include:

• Reconsignment fee

• Redelivery fee

• Storage fee

• Detention fee

• Extra mileage charge

• Appointment rescheduling fee

• Administrative handling fee

How to avoid reroute fees

1. Verify shipping information before dispatch

Double-check:

• Delivery address

• ZIP/postal code

• Contact person

• Phone number

• Business hours

• Dock requirements

Even a small address error can trigger rerouting.

2. Confirm receiver availability

Before shipping:

• Make sure the receiver is open

• Confirm appointment times

• Ensure staff and unloading equipment are available

A missed appointment often leads to redelivery or reroute charges.

3. Communicate changes early

If changes are unavoidable:

• Notify the carrier immediately before pickup or early in transit

• Earlier notice gives dispatch more flexibility and may reduce fees

4. Use written shipping instructions

Provide:

• PO numbers

• Reference numbers

• Delivery notes

• Routing instructions

Clear documentation reduces confusion.

5. Work with experienced logistics providers

Good freight brokers and carriers often:

• Verify addresses

• Monitor deliveries proactively

• Resolve issues before rerouting becomes necessary

6. Track shipments actively

Using tracking systems helps identify:

• Delivery exceptions

• Delays

• Appointment problems

Early intervention can prevent expensive reroutes.

Simple example

Original plan:

• Deliver to Warehouse A in Dallas

After shipment is already in transit:

• Customer requests delivery to Warehouse B in Houston

The carrier now must:

• Change dispatch plans

• Add mileage

• Possibly rebook delivery appointments

• Use more driver hours and fuel

Result:

• Carrier applies a reroute/reconsignment accessorial fee.

In short, reroute fees exist because changing delivery instructions after freight movement has started creates operational and financial impacts for the carrier. The best prevention is accurate shipping information and proactive communication before the shipment moves.