A freight broker's rate sheet is built from two layers, the linehaul rate for moving the freight and a list of accessorial charges for anything outside standard pickup and delivery, and reading it well means checking both layers against what your shipments actually look like.
What's Actually on a Freight Broker's Rate Sheet?
Most rate sheets show a base linehaul rate per lane or per mile, plus a fuel surcharge that moves with market fuel prices, plus a list of accessorial charges for anything beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. A founder reading one for the first time should expect all three layers, not just the headline linehaul number.
What's the Difference Between Linehaul and Accessorial Charges?
Linehaul is the cost of moving the freight from origin to destination under standard conditions. Accessorials are everything that falls outside that standard: detention for time spent waiting at the dock beyond free time, a redelivery fee if a delivery attempt fails, a layover fee if a driver has to hold freight overnight, and a stop-off fee for adding an extra delivery to one route.
Which Accessorials Should You Expect to See, and Which Are Red Flags?
Detention, fuel surcharge, and a liftgate or residential delivery fee where applicable are standard and should be itemized clearly with a rate attached. A red flag is a rate sheet with vague catch-all language, like an unspecified "handling fee," instead of a named accessorial with a defined trigger and rate. If you cannot tell what would cause a charge to apply, ask before you book the lane.
How Does a Reefer or Refrigerated Rate Sheet Differ From a Dry Van Rate Sheet?
A temperature-controlled rate sheet typically adds a reefer fuel surcharge on top of the standard fuel surcharge, since running the reefer unit burns fuel independent of the truck's engine. A refrigerated broker's rate sheet should also spell out who is responsible for pre-cooling the trailer and documenting the temperature log, since that detail affects both cost and compliance risk.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Signing?
Ask which accessorials are billed automatically versus only when triggered, whether detention free time matches your typical dock turnaround, and whether the fuel surcharge is indexed to a published benchmark or set at the broker's discretion. See what a CPG freight broker typically includes in a standard rate, and how to evaluate a freight partner on rate versus compliance before you compare quotes.
Where Does Fr8topia Fit?
Fr8topia is a freight broker for the natural and organic channel first, and the broader CPG retail channel beyond that. We do not own trucks. We source and manage a vetted carrier network and itemize every accessorial on the rate sheet up front, ambient or reefer, so nothing shows up as a surprise on the invoice. Get in touch to request a rate review.