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Freight Transportation2 min read

Preparing Freight for Pickup: A Shipper's Checklist

Simple steps on the shipping side that help a dry van pickup go smoothly and protect your freight in transit.

A tractor-trailer travelling a curving highway through desert hills at dusk

Most pickup delays don't happen on the highway. They happen at the dock, when freight isn't quite ready, paperwork is missing, or the details on the order don't match what's on the floor.

A little preparation on the shipping side goes a long way.

Before the truck arrives

Confirm the details you sent are still accurate. If the pallet count, weight, or ready time changed, let the carrier know as early as possible. Small changes can affect how a load is planned.

Have the freight staged and ready. Freight that's built, wrapped, and staged near the dock loads faster and more safely than freight still being assembled.

Know your appointment window. If your facility schedules pickups, make sure the carrier has the correct window and any check-in instructions.

Packaging and palletizing

  • Build stable pallets. Keep loads square to the pallet edges, with heavier items at the bottom.
  • Secure the load. Stretch wrap or banding helps keep cartons together on the road.
  • Mark what matters. Label anything that shouldn't be stacked, is fragile, or must stay upright.
  • Use sound pallets. Damaged pallets can fail during loading or transit.

Enclosed dry van trailers protect freight from weather, but good packaging is still what keeps it intact over long miles.

Paperwork

Have the bill of lading and any shipment-specific documents ready before the driver arrives. Make sure the description, piece count, and weight match what's actually being loaded. Clear paperwork makes delivery smoother, too.

At the dock

  • Check that the freight being loaded matches the paperwork.
  • Note any visible damage before the freight leaves your facility.
  • Share any handling instructions directly with the driver.

After pickup

Keep the carrier's contact information handy. If your consignee has questions or the delivery appointment changes, a quick call keeps everyone on the same page.

Shipping with Loop Trucking

Loop Trucking provides freight transportation across the continental United States, with 53-foot dry van trailers among our equipment. To have our team review a shipment, send us the details or read more about how our freight transportation service works.

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