Limited Access & Residential Delivery
Freight carriers classify certain delivery locations as "limited access" or "residential," and these classifications carry additional surcharges. Understanding what qualifies — and how to avoid the fees — can save you money on every order.
What Qualifies as Residential?
Any address in a residential area, even if used for business purposes. Carriers use address databases to classify locations. Common examples:
- Home addresses and home-based businesses
- Farms and ranches without a commercial registration
- Storage units in residential neighborhoods
Surcharge: Approximately $75 per shipment for residential delivery.
What Qualifies as Limited Access?
Locations where the freight truck cannot easily access the delivery point. Examples include:
- Construction sites without a permanent address or dock
- Schools, churches, and government buildings
- Locations with narrow driveways or low-clearance entries
- Sites requiring security clearance or escort
- Mines, camps, and other remote facilities
Surcharge: Approximately $100 per shipment for limited access delivery.
How to Avoid These Surcharges
- Ship to a commercial address: A warehouse, shop, or office with commercial zoning avoids both surcharges
- Use a freight terminal: Have the carrier hold your shipment at their local terminal and pick it up yourself
- Coordinate with a nearby business: Deliver to a friendly commercial neighbor and transport from there