Location types
When you book a shipment with FreightSimple, you choose a location type for both the pickup and delivery addresses. This is an essential step to ensure a smooth and efficient shipping experience.
Carriers need to know the exact type of location they will be working with, whether it is a residence, a commercial facility, or a specialized site like an Amazon warehouse. This lets them prepare the correct truck and equipment, provide any special handling required, and avoid delays or additional fees.
Different location types have very real costs to carriers. For example, it is more costly for a carrier to enter a residential area to make a single pickup or delivery than it is for them to enter an industrial park where they can make multiple pickups and deliveries in much less time.
What the wrong type causes
- Delays. Pickup or delivery can be held up by mismatched equipment or vehicle requirements.
- Additional fees. These apply if the location has special handling needs, such as residential areas or limited access sites.
- Re-scheduling or cancellations. These happen if the truck cannot access the location safely or efficiently.
Types of locations and their needs
When you quote a shipment, our dashboard prompts you to select your location type for both pickup and delivery. It is extremely important that you select the correct location type or your quote will not be accurate.
Here is a breakdown of common options and what they mean for carriers:
- Warehouse. Ideal for businesses with loading docks, which makes loading and unloading quick and efficient. This setup is a preferred option for carriers.
- Residential. Carriers often need to use smaller trucks, and residential locations might incur additional fees for handling. Be mindful if the location is a home or a non-business site.
- Construction sites. These often require specific handling due to limited access or special unloading needs. Ensure carriers are aware of any unique access restrictions.
- Large distribution warehouse (e.g., Amazon). Select this option when shipping to large facilities like Amazon or Walmart warehouses. These locations are designed for high-volume shipments and typically have specific protocols. Choosing this option ensures your quote reflects any unique handling needs.
- Other limited access sites. These include schools, farms, prisons, and government facilities. Locations like these may need extra time and sometimes specific clearance, which carriers will prepare for if they know in advance.
FreightSimple offers a variety of other location types, so please take care to read them and select the one that best aligns with your pickup and delivery locations.
Here are other location types that you can choose from:
- Educational Facilities
- Trade Show/Conference
- Self Storage
- Farm
- Mine
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Airport
- Medical
Quick tips for seamless shipments
- Double-check the location type. Confirm it on your dashboard before finalizing the quote.
- Be specific for specialized sites. When shipping to sites like Amazon warehouses, choose "Large Distribution Warehouse."
- Update your booking promptly. Do this if any details change after the initial quote.
- Clarify access restrictions. Some locations have very specific restrictions that you indicate with special services, such as a liftgate when the location has no way to lift the freight onto the truck.
- Learn more about special services. See Lift Gates, Inside Pickup and Delivery, and Delivery Appointments.
Common questions
- What happens if I select the wrong location type? If the location type does not accurately reflect the pickup or delivery site, carriers may need to reschedule, which can lead to delays and additional fees. Choosing the correct type helps you avoid these issues.
- Why do some location types have additional fees? Some locations, like residential areas or limited-access sites, require extra handling, different vehicle sizes, or additional time. These factors can incur extra fees that are reflected in your quote when you select the appropriate location type.