Best Practices for Receiving Your Truckload and Less-Than-Truckload Freight Shipments
When your freight shipment arrives, ensuring a smooth and seamless delivery is crucial. Whether you’re receiving a truckload or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment, following these best practices can help protect your business from unexpected fees, missing items, and damaged goods.
Before signing the delivery receipt (BOL), take a few moments to inspect your shipment.
Make sure all items have arrived in good order.
If anything appears missing or damaged, note it clearly on the BOL before signing.
Have the driver acknowledge and sign any notations regarding damage or missing freight.
The driver will document any additional services used during the delivery, such as:
Liftgate service
Inside delivery
Limited access delivery
If you sign for these services but did not request or use them, you may still be held responsible for the charges. A simple check mark on the BOL can indicate an extra service, so always verify before signing.
If anything seems off about your delivery, do not hesitate to ask the driver for clarification before signing the proof of delivery. Once signed without notation, it becomes significantly more difficult to dispute freight issues.
If you discover damage upon delivery:
Note the damage on the BOL/Delivery Receipt
Have the driver sign the notation
Take clear and detailed photos of the damage
Keep a copy of all documents for your records
Proper documentation strengthens your case should you need to file a freight claim with the carrier.
Carriers charge extra for inside deliveries. Unless you have a loading dock or are prepared to cover additional fees, do not allow the driver to bring your shipment inside your facility. Make arrangements to move the freight yourself to avoid unnecessary costs.
At Fair Trade Logistics, we specialize in efficient, cost-effective freight shipping for coffee roasters, importers, and the specialty food industry. Let us help manage your shipments with ease and reliability.
Request a freight quote today and experience a better way to ship!