Freight delivery completes the transport handover at the agreed receiving location. The consignee needs to be available, provide the agreed unloading arrangements and check the shipment before signing the delivery record.
Before arrival
Share the shipment reference with the receiving team. Confirm opening hours, gate instructions, warehouse references and any booked slot. If the business has no forklift or dock, that should already be reflected in the transport arrangement.
Use tracking for shipment status, but do not treat a general status update as a replacement for an agreed delivery appointment.
Unloading depends on the booking
A suitable tail-lift service may move a prepared pallet to an accessible ground-level handover point. Other shipments require the consignee’s forklift, dock or lifting equipment. Inside carrying, upstairs delivery and installation are separate tasks and must not be assumed.
Check the goods at handover
- Compare the delivered package count with the transport record.
- Inspect accessible packaging surfaces for impact, tears, leaning or leakage.
- Record specific visible damage or shortages on the delivery document before signing.
- Take photographs and retain the signed record.
- Notify the relevant contact promptly if something is wrong.
For example, “one of three pallets received with a crushed upper corner” is more useful than a vague note saying “damaged”. Describe what you can actually see without guessing the cause.
If delivery cannot take place
Contact your manager immediately if the site is closed, access is unsuitable or equipment is unavailable. Alternative arrangements and any resulting costs depend on the booking conditions and carrier position.
Read delivery-site preparation and delivery inspection.