Handling Requirements
A detailed guide on the various special handling options for your shipments, including how to choose the best handling for your needs.
Some shipments require special handling due to the nature of the items, the pickup/delivery location, or customer preferences. Selecting the right handling option ensures your goods are transported safely, efficiently, and in compliance with carrier policies. Here are the key handling requirements available through FreightManager.
1. Limited Access
Definition: Limited access refers to locations that are difficult for standard freight trucks to access. These may include schools, construction sites, military bases, or rural areas with narrow roads.
When to Choose This Option?
- Your pickup or delivery location is not easily accessible by large trucks.
- The site has restricted entry points (like military bases or schools) that require prior authorization.
- Deliveries to areas without direct access roads, like construction sites, may require this option.
Key Considerations
- Carriers may charge extra fees for limited access due to the complexity of entry and additional time required.
- Access to the location must be pre-arranged, and any access codes or special instructions must be provided in advance.
Example: A construction company is shipping steel beams to a new construction site. Since the location is not directly accessible via paved roads, the carrier charges a limited access fee and schedules the delivery during off-peak hours.
2. Inside Pickup
Definition: Inside pickup means the carrier enters the pickup location (beyond the curb) to collect and load the shipment. This is different from curbside pickup, where the carrier remains at the entrance or driveway.
When to Choose This Option?
- Your items are inside a building (like an office, warehouse, or store) and need to be brought to the truck.
- The goods are located on a higher floor or a location that requires assistance from the carrier to move.
Key Considerations
- Additional fees apply for inside pickup since it requires extra labor from the driver.
- Items must be ready for pickup, as drivers have limited time on-site.
Example: A medical equipment supplier is shipping diagnostic equipment from their warehouse. The equipment is stored inside the facility, so the carrier must enter the premises to pick up and load the equipment onto the truck.
3. Jigger / Pallet Jack
Definition: A jigger or pallet jack is a manual tool used to lift and move heavy pallets. This handling option is useful for businesses without forklifts or loading docks.
When to Choose This Option?
- The pickup or delivery location does not have a forklift or dock available.
- You’re shipping palletized goods that need to be moved short distances on flat ground.
Key Considerations
- This option is slower than forklift loading, as items must be moved manually.
- Carriers may charge extra fees if jigger/pallet jack handling is required.
Example: A small warehouse needs to ship 8 pallets of bottled water, but the facility doesn't have a forklift. The carrier provides a jigger to move the pallets to the truck for loading.
4. Small Truck
Definition: This option ensures that a smaller truck (rather than a standard freight truck) is dispatched to access narrow streets or tight spaces where larger trucks cannot fit.
When to Choose This Option?
- Your pickup or delivery location is on a narrow street, alley, or residential area.
- You’re shipping to a location that restricts access to large trucks.
Key Considerations
- Extra fees apply for small truck dispatch due to limited truck availability.
- Carriers must be informed in advance if a small truck is required.
Example: A retailer shipping merchandise to a small shop in a busy urban area requests a small truck due to limited parking and narrow streets.
5. Trade Show
Definition: Trade show handling refers to pickups or deliveries to event locations, exhibitions, or trade shows where specific schedules, permits, and site entry instructions apply.
When to Choose This Option?
- Your items need to be delivered directly to a trade show, event, or exhibition center.
- You need to schedule precise delivery times and arrange for exhibition hall access.
Key Considerations
- Trade show delivery fees are higher due to specific time slots and waiting periods.
- Entry permits may be required for exhibition halls, which must be arranged beforehand.
Example: A company delivering booth materials to a tech conference at a convention center arranges for a trade show delivery, as delivery slots are strictly controlled to avoid congestion.
6. Liftgate Pickup
Definition: A liftgate is a hydraulic lift attached to the back of a truck, used to raise or lower goods to ground level when a loading dock is not available.
When to Choose This Option?
- The pickup or delivery location does not have a dock or forklift available.
- Heavy items need to be lifted to/from the truck bed.
Key Considerations
- Liftgate services are common for residential pickups or locations without a dock.
- Additional fees apply for liftgate usage.
Example: A company shipping a large piece of equipment from a residential address requires a liftgate to lower the equipment to the ground for pickup.
7. Appointment Pickup
Definition: Appointment pickup means that the carrier must schedule a specific time to pick up the goods, rather than arriving at a general time window.
When to Choose This Option?
- The pickup location requires a pre-arranged appointment time for access.
- You want control over when your items are picked up.
Key Considerations
- Appointment pickups must be scheduled in advance to avoid delays.
- Failure to schedule properly may result in missed pickups or extra fees.
Example: A business located in a busy city requires pickup at a specific time (10:00 AM) when staff are available to assist.
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