How to Prepare Freight for Pickup

A smooth pickup starts long before the truck arrives. The way you label, package, and stage your freight determines whether it moves on schedule or gets stuck at the dock.

Packaging: use sturdy cartons or pallets sized to the contents, remove voids, double-tape seams, and shrink-wrap palletized loads. Add corner boards and straps for heavier or stackable freight.

Labeling: mark every piece with the destination, piece count (for example, 1 of 3), and any handling instructions. Remove old labels so carriers don't misroute the shipment.

Staging: place freight in an accessible, dock-height area with a clear path for a pallet jack or forklift. Confirm liftgate or inside-pickup needs in advance so the right equipment shows up.

Documentation: have the Bill of Lading ready with accurate weights, dimensions, and freight class. A complete BOL speeds the hand-off and prevents reweigh or reclass fees.

Do this consistently and pickups become routine — carriers load faster, and your freight leaves on time.