Delivery Labor Fee

Definition

The Delivery Labor Fee (DLF) is an accessorial fee charged by the motor carrier (trucker) when the driver is required to physically assist in the unloading of the shipment at the delivery destination. This fee is incurred when the receiving facility lacks sufficient labor, necessary equipment, or dedicated dock staff to manage the offloading process efficiently on their own.

Core Function and Application

The primary function of the Delivery Labor Fee is to compensate the driver for the time and physical effort expended beyond the standard transportation scope. Standard truck freight agreements typically stipulate that the consignee (receiver) is responsible for unloading the cargo.

• The DLF is applied when the driver must perform duties such as hand-unloading boxes, breaking down complex loads, or using a manual pallet jack to move freight within the receiving facility.

• This charge is classified as a destination accessorial fee and will appear on the final freight invoice or quote (such as a Flexport invoice) as a specific destination charge.

• Depending on the carrier, this fee may also be referred to as a Driver Assist Fee or Unloading Charge.

Expert Advice for Mitigation

To minimize or avoid the Delivery Labor Fee, shippers must ensure robust communication and preparation at the receiving end of the supply chain.

• Confirm that the consignee is fully aware of their responsibility to unload the cargo and has adequate staffing and equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks) ready upon the truck’s arrival.

• Provide detailed instructions regarding the nature of the cargo and the expected unloading method prior to dispatch.

• If the delivery requires specific equipment (like a liftgate), confirm those services are pre-booked and included in the base rate to prevent unexpected labor intervention by the driver.

Key Takeaways

• The DLF is an accessorial charge applied when the driver helps unload the shipment.

• It is billed as a specific destination charge on the freight invoice.

• Proactive preparation and communication with the consignee are the best methods to avoid this cost.