Why do some services have a residential surcharge?

As you may have noticed, some of our suppliers charge a little more for delivery to residential addresses, but why is this?

Commercial or business deliveries tend to take place on the high street, industrial estates or out of town retail centres. This nearly always means that drivers can make multiple collections and deliveries whilst in the same area which can help save time and fuel therefore helping the carriers reduce their operating costs.

Residential deliveries on the other hand tend to be far more spread out. For example, a driver may have to drive many miles only to make one or two deliveries. For this reason, some carriers charge a supplement in order to balance the extra costs incurred.

It is important to remember that UPS define a residential delivery as one to a home, including a business operating out of a home.

Click here for information on other types of surcharges allocated by our suppliers.