Residential Pickup / Delivery
FreightSimple's carrier partners can perform pickups or deliveries at residential locations. They are significantly more complicated for carriers to perform, so it is important to plan these correctly.
Residential pickups and deliveries involve shipments going to or from locations not classified as commercial addresses (such as homes, apartments, farms, or other non-business locations). Carriers incur real costs to perform residential services- where a driver can make 10 pickups or deliveries in an industrial area in an hour, they may have to drive an hour out of their way to reach a residential area to make a single pickup or delivery. This is why additional services and surcharges often apply.
This guide explains what “residential” means, how it affects your shipment, and tips for avoiding delays or unexpected charges.
What Counts as a Residential Address?
Carriers generally classify an address as residential if:
- It’s a private home, apartment, or condo.
- It’s a farm, ranch, or other rural location.
- It’s a business operating out of a home address.
Carriers classify an address as residential based on the surrounding area — not just the building itself. Even if you have a warehouse or business registered at a home address, the carrier still considers the neighborhood as residential.
Why Residential Shipments Cost More
Carriers add surcharges for residential pickup/delivery because:
Drivers spend more time reaching and navigating residential areas.
Streets may be narrower, have low overpasses, or restrictions that require smaller trucks or additional equipment like liftgates.
Appointments or phone calls to the consignee are often required.
Carriers spend more time to do less pickups and deliveries in these areas, which is less efficient and effective for their business.
Common Accessorial Services for Residential Shipments
Residential locations often need extra services. You can select these at the time of quoting:
Liftgate Service: If there’s no loading dock or forklift, a truck equipped with a liftgate will be required to complete the pickup or delivery. The driver uses a hydraulic lift to lift or lower freight from the truck.
Inside Delivery: Bringing freight beyond the curb or driveway. Typically with residential delivery, you will want the driver to bring the item beyond the threshold and inside the residence.
Appointment Scheduling: Carrier contacts the receiver to arrange a delivery time.
Limitations
At this time, FreightSimple does not support certain residential shipment types or services. This helps keep your freight safe and ensures carriers can operate efficiently.
No Residence-to-Residence Shipments
We’re unable to arrange shipments between two residential locations. This is because LTL carriers are designed to move freight between commercial points, not home-to-home deliveries. If you need to move items from one residence to another, we recommend working with a home moving or white glove delivery company that specializes in that type of service.
No White Glove or Specialized In-Home Services
Our carrier partners cannot assist with services such as unpacking, packaging removal, assembly, or bringing freight into rooms beyond the main entryway. These specialized “white glove” services require trained crews with special insurance, and are typically provided by furniture delivery or moving companies. If you need this level of service, we’re happy to recommend specialist providers.
Weight or Size Restrictions
Some residential locations can’t accommodate large trucks due to narrow roads or low clearances. In those cases, carriers may use smaller vehicles and add extra charges. Please let us know about any access restrictions so we can plan appropriately.
Tips to Avoid Surprises or Delays
Accurately classify the address at the time of quoting. If you’re unsure, err on the side of “residential.” Even better, ask our Support Team!
Double-check services needed — adding liftgate or appointment at the time of booking costs less than having the carrier add it after delivery.
Advise your receiver to review the Proof of Delivery (POD) before signing. Signing for liftgate or inside delivery services confirms the charge.
Need Help?
Our support team is here to assist you:
- Email: support@freightsimple.com
- Phone: +1 (604) 200-2500
- Live Chat: Click the chat icon on the lower right of the page
✅ Providing accurate address information and selecting the right services at booking will save time, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth pickup or delivery at residential locations.