When booking an LTL shipment, confirming accurate details about the consignee is essential. Missing or incorrect information is one of the most common causes of delivery delays, additional fees, reattempt charges, and billing adjustments. Use this checklist to ensure your freight is delivered successfully and without unexpected costs.


1. Receiving Location and Equipment

Dock Availability

Verify whether the consignee has a receiving dock.

  • If no dock is available, a tailgate or liftgate service must be selected at the time of booking.

Truck Size Requirements

Some locations cannot accommodate a full 53 foot trailer.

  • If a smaller truck is required, note this clearly in Special Instructions (for example, small truck required).

  • If this is not disclosed and the carrier cannot access the location, additional fees will apply.

Unloading Equipment

Confirm whether the consignee has a forklift or pallet jack.

  • If they do not, the carrier may need to provide unloading assistance, which is billed as an accessorial service.


2. Tailgate or Liftgate Service

Select Tailgate or Liftgate if the consignee cannot unload at dock height.

  • If this service is not selected at the time of booking but is required at delivery, the carrier will apply the charge.


3. Delivery Appointments and Notifications

Appointment Requirements

Any request for advance notice, including call before delivery, is treated as an appointment and will incur fees.

Restricted Receiving Hours

If deliveries are accepted only during specific time windows, include these details in the Special Instructions field.

PO or Reference Numbers

If the consignee requires a PO or reference number for scheduling or receiving, include it during booking.

Consignee Email Address

Providing the recipient’s email is critical. Many carriers now use email as the primary method for appointment scheduling.


4. Storage and Delay Charges

Storage Fees

Most LTL carriers apply storage fees if freight is not delivered within 24 to 48 hours after it reaches the destination terminal.

Detention or Waiting Time

If a driver is required to wait beyond the free time allowance, detention charges will apply.

Redelivery Fees

If the carrier cannot complete delivery on the first attempt, redelivery charges will be added to the shipment.


5. Documentation and Shipment Details

Always include the following information on the Bill of Lading and during booking:

  • Full consignee name, address, phone number, and email

  • PO or reference number, if required

  • Special Instructions such as small truck required or deliver to Dock 3

  • Clear shipment description to assist in freight identification

Use ShipTime Documentation

You must use the ShipTime BOL and ShipTime labels.

  • Using a carrier BOL can lead to improper billing, loss of tracking visibility, and rates that do not match your contracted pricing.

  • Failure to include special requirements during booking will result in carrier applied charges after delivery.


6. Shipment Details Page: LTL Tab

When creating an LTL shipment in ShipTime, it is essential to select all applicable requirements in the LTL tab.
This ensures the carrier receives accurate delivery instructions and prevents adjustments after delivery.


Important Reminder

Failure to select the proper options can result in additional fees, delays, or a failed delivery attempt.


7. Best Practices for Successful LTL Deliveries

✔ Confirm dock availability, equipment, and appointment requirements before booking
✔ Use Special Instructions for anything unusual, such as small truck required
✔ Provide direct contact information, including phone and email
✔ Always use ShipTime BOLs and labels
✔ Select all applicable LTL requirements in the LTL tab
✔ Understand that unlisted special requirements will result in carrier adjustments


About ShipTime:

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