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Billing

Tonnage overage

Also called overweight fee, weight overage, excess tonnage charge

Tonnage overage is the additional charge billed when the weight of a load exceeds the tons included in the flat price, usually calculated per ton over the limit based on the scale ticket. Roll-off and dumpster rental companies use it to recover disposal costs on heavy loads.

How it works

A roll-off rental price typically includes disposal up to a set weight. A 20-yard container might include a couple of tons, while a 10-yard container used for concrete or dirt may include far less or be priced differently. When the truck weighs in at the transfer station or landfill, the scale ticket shows the net tons. Anything above the included amount is billed per ton.

The overage rate is usually close to what you pay in tipping fees, plus handling. Rates and included weights are set by each company.

Example

Suppose a rental includes 2 tons and the scale ticket shows 3.4 tons net. At an illustrative $85 per ton, the overage is 1.4 tons times $85, or $119. These numbers are examples only.

Why it matters for your business

Heavy material is where roll-off margins disappear. A customer who orders a 20-yard for “some roofing shingles” and fills it with wet shingles, tile, or concrete can turn a profitable swap into a loss if the overage is not billed.

Clear communication prevents most disputes:

  • Show included tons and the overage rate during quoting and online booking.
  • Warn customers about heavy materials such as concrete, brick, dirt, and shingles.
  • Attach the scale ticket to the invoice so the customer can see how the charge was calculated.

Your software matters here. If drivers or scale house staff upload scale tickets and your CRM matches them to the work order, billing can calculate the overage instead of someone retyping weights. That cuts missed charges, which are common when tickets pile up on a clipboard.

Common questions

Who decides the included weight?

The hauler. It often depends on container size and material type, and it should be stated in the quote and rental agreement.

What if the customer disputes the charge?

The scale ticket is your evidence. Calibrated, certified scales are regulated by state weights and measures programs, so keep tickets on file.

Is overage the same as a contamination fee?

No. Contamination fees apply when the wrong material goes in a load. Overage is about weight.

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