Lumper fees and loading help: what 49 USC 14103 says
Under 49 USC 14103, when a shipper or receiver requires that a truck get help loading or unloading, the shipper or receiver must provide that help or pay the carrier back for it. The law also makes it unlawful to coerce a carrier into loading, unloading or paying for that help. Your rate confirmation and receipts are how you show what happened.
- What the law says
- What to keep on file
- How it ties to your file
- FAQ
What the law says
- If a shipper or receiver requires that your truck be assisted in loading or unloading, the shipper or receiver must provide that help or pay your costs for it (49 USC 14103(a)).
- It is unlawful to coerce, or try to coerce, a carrier to load or unload, or to hire and pay someone to do it (14103(b)).
What to keep on file
- Rate confirmation showing who handles loading and unloading.
- Lumper receipts, with the facility name, date and amount.
- Bill of lading and any delivery notes.
- Driver notes on who required the help.
How it ties to your file
Clean load paperwork also helps when a cargo claim comes up, because it shows who handled the freight. See motor truck cargo insurance, dry van insurance requirements and shipper contract insurance clauses for dry van.
Waiting time: detention time records for dry van fleets.
FAQ
Does 14103 ban lumpers?
No. It says who is responsible when a shipper or receiver requires loading or unloading help: the shipper or receiver provides it or pays for it.
What does coercion mean here?
Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to coerce or try to coerce a carrier to load or unload, or to hire and pay someone to do it. It carves out activity that is lawful under the National Labor Relations Act and the Norris-LaGuardia Act.
Does it apply to intrastate loads?
The section covers vehicles transporting property in interstate commerce.
What should drivers keep?
The receipt for any lumper payment, the bill of lading, and any notes on who required the help. Keep them with the load file.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a plain summary of the statute. For a dispute, talk to an attorney.
This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.
Sources
- 49 USC 14103: Loading and unloading motor vehicles (accessed Oct 30, 2026)