Arbitrary Charge (ARB)

An Arbitrary Charge (ARB) is a fee that is added to a shipping invoice by a carrier or freight forwarder for services that are not covered by the standard rates or charges. These charges are also known as miscellaneous charges or accessorial charges. 

The term “arbitrary” is used because these charges are not based on a specific service or cost, but rather are at the discretion of the carrier or freight forwarder. ARBs are typically added to a shipping invoice when additional services are requested by the shipper or when there are unforeseen expenses incurred by the carrier.