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How Freight Works
How Freight Works
This guide is mostly written for our customers without commercial docks who receive freight infrequently. If you have never received freight before, you should definitely read this entire guide. The freight companies have complicated logistical operations, and mistakes do happen.
Let’s start with the absolute basics that everyone receiving freight should know:
1. A standard delivery will be dropped off at the delivery address. If you want the carrier to provide extra service (like bringing the pallet inside or calling ahead), it costs extra!
2. If you have a delivery appointment, answer your phone! The carrier will call you to schedule an appointment date and time for delivery.
3. Always check the package for damage before signing the BOL. If there is any damage, you MUST take pictures. Notate the extent of the damage on the bill of lading (BOL) and get the carrier’s driver to sign for it.
Signing for the delivery without inspecting the package is a rookie mistake. Do not make it!! We cannot win a damage claim if you sign the carrier contract (the BOL) saying the load arrived without damage. You can always call us at 1-704-893-4037 if something concerning happens during your delivery, and we can give you real time advice.
This guide is mostly written for our customers without commercial docks who receive freight infrequently. If you have never received freight before, you should definitely read this entire guide. The freight companies have complicated logistical operations, and mistakes do happen.
Let’s start with the absolute basics that everyone receiving freight should know:
1. A standard delivery will be dropped off at the delivery address. If you want the carrier to provide extra service (like bringing the pallet inside or calling ahead), it costs extra!
2. If you have a delivery appointment, answer your phone! The carrier will call you to schedule an appointment date and time for delivery.
3. Always check the package for damage before signing the BOL. If there is any damage, you MUST take pictures. Notate the extent of the damage on the bill of lading (BOL) and get the carrier’s driver to sign for it.
Signing for the delivery without inspecting the package is a rookie mistake. Do not make it!! We cannot win a damage claim if you sign the carrier contract (the BOL) saying the load arrived without damage. You can always call us at 1-704-893-4037 if something concerning happens during your delivery, and we can give you real time advice.
You Placed A Large Pallet Order. Now What Happens?
Once you place your order, you will receive an order confirmation automated email. Your order will be processed within one business day. Once processed, if there is any lead time on your order or palletization time you will receive an estimated ship date from our shipping team.
After we've built the pallet for your order, we will book your order for freight shipment. The carrier usually picks the load up within one business day - but it's not uncommon for a carrier to "no show". We then have to re-book the a pickup for the next day.
After the carrier picks up the load, you will receive an email with carrier information and a PRO tracking number. You will want to track the load in transit and check for calls/voicemails from the carrier. If you need to hold, set up an appointment, or find your shipment, use the carrier's contact number and the PRO # to discuss the shipment with them.
You also can always reach out to our shipping team at 704-893-4037. We are available Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Freight Delivery: Commercial Addresses
A commercial delivery is a freight shipment to a commercial building or business. If the location does not have a commercial dock or a forklift, you will need a truck equipped with a liftgate. A commercial delivery without a liftgate is the most cost-effective (and fastest) way to send freight.
Freight Delivery: Residential Addresses
A residential delivery is a freight shipment to a residential home. By default, we book a residential delivery with an appointment and liftgate. Most of this guide is written with the residential customer in mind, but if you have more questions - you can always reach out to us!
You Are About To Receive Your Shipment. What Should Be Done On Delivery Day?
On delivery day, have your phone on you in case the driver calls. Have a clean location for the semi-truck to pull up to the curb or driveway. If everything looks good when it arrives, no need for pictures... but on the rare occasion where there is damage to a load, please do the following steps:
- Once the driver opens the door, if you see any damage to the pallet/load please take pictures while still on the trailer.
- Once offloaded to the ground, take pictures. Then unwrap packaging to see any actual material damage. Please note any damage on the delivery receipt the driver will ask you to sign. The driver may also call in the claim to the main office - that's good and means you're on the right track.
- We must have damage noted on that delivery receipt (the BOL) to recoup any claims. The driver knows this and expects you to inspect the package for damage!!
LTL Freight FOR A RESIDENTIAL DELIVERY
Team Second Skin has been shipping pallets across the globe for 20+ years. For a residential delivery, we will assume that you want an appointment scheduled and need a lift gate to accept delivery. This means that the carrier will call you prior to delivering the materials and will arrive on a smaller truck with a liftgate on the back. They will not bring the materials inside the home or even to your door without additional service being paid for. Be careful as this can result in a "surprise" bill mailed to your address - often for hundreds of dollars.
Delivery Options That Cost Extra:
◦ Appointment Delivery - Needed for deliveries when someone isn't on-site during business hours 8 am - 5 pm. Also good to set up for residential delivery if you won't be home during the day.
◦ Residential Delivery - We must know if your delivery address is non-commercial (home, apartment, condo, etc).
◦ Lift Gate Delivery - If the location is residential or commercial without a dock or forklift, we need to know. We will have to book you liftgate service. Which will use a semi-truck with a gate in the back to drop the pallet street/curbside.
◦ Limited Access Delivery - Needed for schools, prisons, government properties, gated communities, hospitals, construction sites, or anywhere the driver must take extra steps to get to the location of delivery.
◦ White Glove Service (Inside Delivery) - Extra service starts as soon as the pallet crosses a threshold - even if it's a garage. Delivery can aso be booked with full "white glove" where the driver breaks down the load, brings the materials inside the location, and then takes away the pallet and packing materials.
For shipments to Canada or Mexico, customer is responsible for all duties and taxes that your country charges for importing goods.
Frequently Asked Questions!
What is a bill of lading (BOL)?
A BOL is a document that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried by the freight company.
What is a PRO number?
A PRO # is the tracking number freight companies use to identify and track pallet shipments.
How can I lower my freight cost?
Shipping freight means a semi truck trailer is dropping off the pallet. Shipping to a commercial location with dock/forklift service on-site will always be the cheapest option - typically saving between $100-150 on a pallet shipment.
Residential freight deliveries will always cost more because the deliveries require a smaller truck (sometimes contracted as a 3rd party) with special equipment to deliver the pallet to a residential street or driveway.
I won't be at the location daily, how do I get them to call me before arriving?
When you order, let us know you need Appointment Delivery. We will set your shipment up for the to carrier to call or email you to schedule a good time delivery window.
Can I change the delivery address?
Yes, but it is a headache to coordinate the change with the freight carrier and will delay your delivery.
It also will result in additional fees as carriers charge aggressive fees to deal with this hassle - even more so if the final delivery address is residential, requires a liftgate, or is further away.
Tracking Links For Common Carriers We Use
| Freight Carrier | Tracking Link |
| FedEx | |
| TForce | |
| XPO Logistics | |
| Forward Air | |
| Estes | |
| ABF | |
| R & L | |
| Central Transport | |
| RoadRunner | |
| AAA Cooper |