Mike Eberl October 21, 2025

 

What is Shiplify and Why Carriers Rely on It for Accessorial Charges

In freight shipping, surprise costs are a common frustration. One of the biggest culprits? Accessorial charges. These are extra fees that carriers add when a shipment requires additional services like residential delivery, liftgate assistance, or delivery appointments.

To help carriers identify these charges in advance, some rely on tools like Shiplify.

What Shiplify Does

Shiplify is a location intelligence tool. It verifies delivery addresses and provides details such as:

  • Whether a location is residential or commercial

  • If a facility has a loading dock or needs a liftgate

  • Whether delivery appointments are required

  • Other special conditions that affect service

By knowing this information ahead of time, carriers can apply accessorial charges more accurately.

Why Carriers Use Shiplify

Carriers turn to Shiplify because it helps them:

  • Identify accessorial needs before arriving at a location

  • Justify added fees to shippers

  • Reduce disputes about billing after delivery

From a carrier’s perspective, it’s a way to make sure they are properly compensated for services beyond standard pickup and drop-off.

The Shipper’s Challenge

While Shiplify helps carriers, it doesn’t eliminate the frustration for shippers. Extra charges still apply, and without the right support, shippers are left managing surprise costs and complicated invoices.

This is where working with a trusted 3PL partner like Customodal makes the difference.

Why Choose a 3PL Instead

At Customodal, we don’t just react to accessorial charges — we help you avoid them whenever possible. By managing your shipments through our carrier relationships, technology, and expertise, we:

  • Anticipate delivery challenges before they happen

  • Minimize unnecessary accessorials

  • Ensure billing is accurate and transparent

  • Advocate for you when disputes arise

Instead of relying on carrier tools designed to justify fees, you gain a partner who actively works to reduce them.

The Bottom Line

Shiplify gives carriers a way to validate their charges. But if you’re a shipper, your goal isn’t to help carriers charge you more — it’s to keep costs under control while keeping freight moving smoothly.

That’s exactly what a 3PL like Customodal does. With the right partner, you don’t need to worry about the fine print of accessorial charges. You’ll know you’re getting the most efficient, cost-effective solution every time.

Get Started Today with Customodal!:
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