Receiving Freight: Clear Delivery
What about when you're on the other end of a freight move? Receiving freight can be as easy an operation as sending it if you follow a few steps:
1. Stay in contact with your supplier to find out when your shipment was shipped, what carrier it was given to, and an approximate arrival date.
2. On arrival, inspect the shipment immediately for obvious signs of damage.
3. Compare the actual number of handling units to the number listed on the delivery receipt.
4. Sign the delivery receipt.
The carrier's driver will help you receive your shipment and answer your questions.
While your driver is there, compare the pieces of freight you are receiving to your carrier's freight bill. When you've determined that the condition and quantity of your freight is acceptable, the driver will ask you to sign the delivery receipt. The driver will provide you with a copy, taking the signed copy with him (as a delivery receipt) for his employer's records.
When a carrier receives a signed delivery receipt with no exceptions, it is called a "clear delivery." Clear deliveries generally mean everything went smoothly: success both for shippers and for consignees.
An invoice for the shipment will be sent to the appropriate party soon after pickup or delivery has been made, depending on whether the shipment is prepaid or collect. Questions regarding the amounts shown on the bill should be directed to your carrier. If you feel you have paid too much, contact your carrier and ask to file an overcharge claim.
If a shipment is either short or damaged, you should still accept the delivery. It's the duty of the shipper and the consignee to mitigate the loss. After you accept the shipment, take steps to protect the shipment from further loss and file a claim for the actual shortages or damages involved promptly.
TIP 4 Hint: you can view all seven tips here.
Eliminate extra charges. Be ready to accept the shipment when the carriers comes. Most carriers will add a "second delivery" charge if they must make another trip to your business.
