--- title: Accessorial Charges Meaning | Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Accessorial charges # What are accessorial charges? Accessorial charges pay for additional services on top of transportation, such as packing, unpacking, appliance servicing or carrying a piano. If a mover fails to settle them before the bill of lading, 49 CFR 375.401(f) lets it bill you only after 30 days. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) FMCSA's booklet describes accessorial services as those you request or that are necessary because of landlord requirements or special circumstances. They are the reason a moving estimate has more than one line. ## What falls into this group Each item is added when your home calls for it, so two houses with the same weight can have very different accessorial totals. - Packing and unpacking, with cartons priced separately - Stair, elevator and long-carry handling at either address - Shuttle service when a full-size truck cannot reach the door - Appliance preparation by a third party - Handling a piano, pool table or other heavy item ## When they must be settled Section 375.401(f) requires the mover to determine accessorial charges such as elevators and long carries before preparing the bill of lading, on both binding and non-binding estimates. A mover that fails to ask and to determine those charges must deliver the goods and bill you after 30 days for the additional amount. This is the reason an estimator asks about parking, stairs and elevators on the first visit. ## Expected versus surprise Federal rules also require the bill of lading to include a complete description of special or accessorial services ordered, and a mover must tell you if it reasonably expects such a service is needed to move your goods safely. If you refuse a service the mover judges necessary, the mover must refuse the shipment and write down your refusal. New needs on moving day are handled in writing: the mover explains the additional services and gives you at least one hour to decide whether to buy them. ## Accessorial services with O'Brien's O'Brien's lists packing, crating, piano and pool table handling and other services as separate lines on an itemized estimate, so each accessorial service has its own entry. Supplies such as boxes and wrap are sold at the Sparks office, and the in-home estimate includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes. Walk the estimator through every entrance, hallway and staircase. Call 775-359-6683 to arrange the visit. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.401) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.505](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR678dd6dec294449/section-375.505) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/) - [Shuttle service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/shuttle-service/) - [Flight charge](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/flight-charge/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/) - [Shuttle service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/shuttle-service/) - [Flight charge](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/flight-charge/) - [Origin agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/origin-agent/) - [Destination agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/destination-agent/) - [Booking agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/booking-agent/) - [Hauling agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/hauling-agent/) - [Van line](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/van-line/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Are accessorial charges optional? Services you choose are optional. Some become necessary for safe transport, and the mover must tell you if it expects that. ### Where do I find them on paper? They appear as separate lines on the itemized estimate and are described on the bill of lading. ### Can new ones appear on moving day? If added services are needed after the bill of lading, the mover must explain them and give you at least an hour to decide. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! C Charles C. May 31, 2025 Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!! ### Owner's reply Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf. N Nadine K. May 15, 2025 The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again! ### Owner's reply Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070