Commercial vs Residential Address in LTL Shipping

What Is a Commercial Address?

A commercial address is a business location designed to receive freight — warehouse, distribution center, factory, or storefront with a loading dock or forklift.

What Is a Residential Address?

A residential address is a home, apartment, condo, or farm not designed for freight. Carriers charge residential surcharges because it requires different equipment and routing.

Why Address Type Changes LTL Cost

• Liftgate: No dock means liftgate needed (+$40-100)
• Appointment: Carrier must schedule a delivery window
• Limited access: Schools, construction sites, military bases trigger extra fees
• Driver time: Residential stops take longer than dock-to-dock

Common Mistakes

Selecting "commercial" because a business operates there — but if no dock/forklift exists, the carrier may rebill as residential or limited access.

Get an Accurate Quote

Always specify the correct address type. Get an instant LTL quote on ShipOnlines with accurate accessorial pricing.