GlossaryRates and surcharges
Residential surcharge
An extra fee carriers charge to deliver a package to a home rather than a business address.
A residential surcharge is a fee added when a package is delivered to a residence, including a business run from a home. Carriers charge it because home deliveries are spread out, often need more attempts, and carry fewer packages per stop.
The fee varies by carrier, service and account, and it changes over time. Some services built for home delivery include it in the base price. Address validation that flags addresses as residential or commercial helps sellers quote shipping correctly.
Learn more in our Multi-carrier shipping articles.
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