Business Locations in Freight Shipping

Business locations are the “default” in freight shipping, but only if they match what carriers expect: a commercial area, easy truck access, and a safe way to load and unload.

If the location you’re shipping from or to looks like a business but is in a residential zone, carriers treat it differently than a regular business location.

Many carriers have automated this step by using third-party accessorial verification systems, which automatically flag locations for accessorial fees and services based on the provider’s database. Getting these details right when you quote keeps your rate accurate and helps you avoid missed pickups, surprise liftgate fees, or redelivery charges.

What counts as a “business” in freight?

Carriers usually treat a location as a business or commercial site when:

• It is in a commercial or industrial zone (industrial park, warehouse district, retail plaza, plant, etc.).
• It is open to other businesses and trucks during normal business hours.
• A 53′ truck can safely get in and out (no tight residential streets).

Here are some common ”in-between” cases:

• Home businesses (shops in a house, garage workshops, farms with a home on site) are usually residential or limited access, not standard business locations.
• Businesses in residential neighbourhoods (e.g., a small shop on a residential street) are often billed as residential due to narrow streets, parking, and local restrictions.
• If zoning says “residential,” most carriers will bill it as residential, even if you run a legitimate business in there.

Business with a dock or a forklift

The setup carriers price as “standard” business location usually has a loading dock at trailer height, or a forklift on site that can safely reach the truck and handle the freight’s weight.

Shipping from or to a business with a dock or a forklift is usually cheaper and easier than shipping to a business without a dock/a forklift, for the following reasons:

• The driver can back into a dock or park where the forklift can reach the truck.
• Loading/unloading times are usually predictable.
• No liftgate or special equipment is needed.
• Carriers can send 53′ trucks to the location.

If you have a dock or forklift, make sure to mark your location as a “business with dock or forklift” when getting freight quotes.

Business without a dock or a forklift

If you do not have a dock or forklift, the carrier needs a solution for loading and unloading the freight (moving it between the ground level and trailer level). This extra work and equipment cost more.

A common solution for loading and unloading heavy freight without a dock or a forklift is booking a truck that has a liftgate (tailgate).

• If your business has no dock and no forklift, make sure to add liftgate/tailgate service on the quote (pickup, delivery, or both).
• If you have a forklift but no dock, you do not need a liftgate. Confirm the forklift can reach into the trailer, handle the weight, and operate on safe ground.

Note: In case the location access is too tight for a 53’ trailer (which often happens if a business is in a residential zone), carriers will need to use a straight truck instead. This is an extra service and needs to be requested while quoting.

Carriers usually follow zoning, not what you do at the location. Residential areas often get residential rates due to street size, restrictions, extra time on site, and, in some cases, additional required permits.

Usually no, if your forklift can safely reach into the trailer and handle the weight on level ground.

Sometimes, but the carrier decides. If zoning is residential, they may keep the charge. Ask our team to confirm how carriers treat your address.

The carrier might send a 53′ trailer without a liftgate. If the driver can’t load/unload safely, you may face a missed pickup/delivery and redelivery charges, and additional liftgate charges. It’s almost always cheaper and easier to select the right services up front.