Freight Surcharges

Freight carriers apply surcharges for deliveries that require extra equipment or handling beyond a standard commercial dock delivery. Understanding these surcharges helps you plan costs and choose the right delivery options for your facility.

Liftgate Delivery

A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the rear of the delivery truck that lowers your order to ground level. This is required when your facility does not have a loading dock or forklift to unload the truck.

How to avoid: If you have a loading dock or forklift on-site, liftgate service is not needed. Uncheck the liftgate option at checkout.

Residential Delivery

Freight carriers classify any delivery to a residence, home-based business, or location within a residential neighborhood as a residential delivery. These stops take longer and require different routing, which results in a surcharge.

How to avoid: Ship to a commercial address with a loading dock. Many customers arrange delivery to their business, warehouse, or a commercial receiving location.

Limited Access Delivery

Limited access applies to locations that restrict truck access, such as construction sites, military bases, schools, churches, farms, or locations with narrow driveways. Carriers charge extra for the time and difficulty of navigating these sites.

Inside Delivery

Standard freight delivery is to the tailgate of the truck or the edge of your loading dock. If you need the driver to bring containers inside your facility, an inside delivery surcharge applies. This typically covers placement within the first accessible room or area.

Appointment Delivery

If you need delivery within a specific time window rather than the carrier's standard delivery window, an appointment fee may apply. This is common for facilities with strict receiving schedules.

How Surcharges Appear

All applicable surcharges are calculated and displayed during checkout when you enter your delivery address and select delivery options. There are no hidden fees — the freight quote you see includes all surcharges based on your selections.

Have questions about which options apply to your location? Contact us and we can help you find the most cost-effective delivery setup.