Residential freight delivery refers to the transportation of palletized, oversized, or heavy shipments to a non-commercial address such as a private home, apartment complex, or rural residence.
Because freight carriers are primarily structured for dock-to-dock commercial delivery, residential shipments typically require additional coordination, services, and fees.
Freight networks are optimized for business locations with:
Loading docks
Forklifts
Scheduled receiving hours
On-site personnel
Residential addresses generally lack these features. As a result, carriers may apply additional charges for:
Liftgate service
Appointment scheduling
Limited access locations
Inside or threshold delivery
Reattempted delivery
These services increase handling time and operational complexity.
Residential freight delivery commonly involves:
Liftgate Delivery – A hydraulic platform used to lower pallets from the truck to ground level.
Appointment Delivery – Scheduled delivery windows coordinated with the recipient.
Notification Prior to Arrival – Advance contact to confirm availability.
Inside or White Glove Service – Placement beyond the curb, sometimes including assembly or debris removal.
Without these services, standard freight delivery is typically curbside only.
Residential freight is commonly required for:
Furniture
Fitness equipment
Appliances
Large electronics
Construction materials
Industrial equipment delivered to home-based businesses
It is especially common in ecommerce freight operations involving oversized goods.
Commercial Delivery | Residential Delivery |
|---|---|
Dock or forklift access | No dock access |
Standard business hours | Appointment-based |
Lower handling time | Higher handling complexity |
Fewer accessorial fees | Additional service fees likely |
Is curbside delivery the same as residential delivery?
No. Residential delivery refers to the location type. Curbside delivery describes the service level.
Do all residential shipments require liftgate service?
Most do, unless the customer has unloading equipment available.
Are apartment complexes considered residential?
Yes. Multi-unit buildings are typically classified as residential and may also be considered limited-access locations.
Can freight be delivered inside a home?
Yes, but this usually requires inside delivery or white glove service, which carries additional cost.
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