Curbside freight delivery means handing over goods at an accessible external unloading point at the agreed address. It does not include carrying the shipment through a building, upstairs or to its final place of use unless that work is separately agreed.
Agree the location in practical terms
At a business, the workable handover point may be a designated unloading area or loading dock. The important issue is safe vehicle access and the handling arrangement confirmed for the shipment.
“Curbside” should not be taken to mean that freight will be left on any public pavement regardless of space, safety or local restrictions.
How the goods reach ground level
The booking must establish whether unloading uses a suitable tail lift or equipment supplied at the destination. Heavy, large or unstable units may need a forklift or another solution. The consignee should have the necessary staff and equipment ready.
Plan the movement after handover
If the pallet then needs to enter a shop, cross a courtyard or move into storage, the receiving business should arrange that stage. Steps, soft ground and narrow doors may prevent movement with an ordinary pallet truck.
Before requesting transport, consider the entire route from vehicle to intended storage location, even where the carrier’s agreed responsibility ends outside.
Information to give your manager
- The actual unloading address and access restrictions.
- Available equipment and the desired handover point.
- Packed unit dimensions and gross weight.
- Any request for additional internal handling.
For the distinction between endpoints and service scope, read door-to-door freight. See tail-lift delivery for equipment and ground requirements.