The Price Difference
Residential delivery in the US freight industry typically costs $50-$200 more than commercial delivery. This applies to both LTL freight and package shipping. The surcharge exists because residential areas present unique challenges for freight carriers.
Why Residential Costs More
- No loading dock — Most homes don't have a dock, requiring a liftgate ($75-$150 extra).
- Narrow streets — Large trucks may not fit in residential neighborhoods.
- Limited access hours — Residential deliveries often need appointments.
- No forklift — Someone must manually unload without equipment.
- Single delivery — Unlike commercial routes with multiple stops, residential is often a solo trip.
Common Residential Surcharges
| Service | LTL Cost | Package Cost |
|---|
| Residential Surcharge | $50 - $150 | $3 - $8 |
| Liftgate Delivery | $75 - $150 | N/A |
| Appointment Delivery | $25 - $75 | N/A |
| Inside Delivery | $75 - $200 | $5 - $15 |
How to Save
- Ship to a business — If you have a friend's business or a local commercial address, ship there instead.
- Use a freight receiving service — Some warehouses accept freight on your behalf for a small fee.
- Compare carriers — Residential surcharges vary significantly between carriers.
- Verify your address — ShipOnlines automatically detects whether your address is residential or commercial, so you'll know the true cost upfront.
