Picking up or dropping off a shipment at a carrier terminal

You may need pickup from or drop-off at a carrier terminal instead of standard door-to-door service. Here is how to run those quotes, the information required, and how we support you throughout the process.

When this applies

• Pickup from terminal. The consignee will collect the shipment directly from the carrier's terminal location.
• Drop-off at terminal. The shipper will drop the freight off at the carrier's terminal location, and it will move from there to its destination.

Running a terminal quote

1. Be clear when requesting a quote

   If your shipment will be picked up from or dropped off at a terminal, and you already know which carrier terminal you would like to use, include the following in your quote request:

   • City, province/state, and postal/ZIP code of the terminal
   • Carrier name and the terminal name
   • Location type should be Warehouse
   • Special instructions: add a note specifying whether "Customer to Pickup from Terminal" or "Customer to Drop-off at Terminal"

2. Not sure which terminal? Contact us

   If you are unsure about the terminal details, just reach out. Send us a message through live chat or email support@freightsimple.com with:

   • Whether this is a pickup or drop-off
   • A request to confirm or locate the correct terminal

   We will contact the carrier on your behalf and provide the confirmed terminal address, along with any special instructions such as ID requirements, hours of operation, and dock info.

3. Book the shipment

   Once your shipment is booked, a BOL (Bill of Lading) will be automatically generated through your dashboard. It will include any terminal codes or special instructions added during quoting or confirmed by our team.

4. We will notify the carrier

   After you book, we will reach out to the carrier to confirm the pickup or drop-off details. Keep in mind:

   • Sometimes carriers may provide different instructions or update the terminal address.
   • If that happens, we will update all necessary paperwork for you.

5. Be ready for pickup or drop-off

   • If dropping off, please do so on the scheduled date to avoid delays or confusion.
   • If picking up, we will let you know as soon as the carrier marks the shipment as "Available for Pickup".

Why terminal details matter

• Carriers need the right paperwork. They will not accept or release freight without the correct terminal address and booking references, instructions, and paperwork.
• Drop-offs. If we do not know when the freight was handed over, we cannot properly follow up on tracking or delays.
• Pickups. The carrier will not release the freight until it is marked "Available for Pickup", so tracking must be closely monitored.

Keeping the shipment tracked

Once confirmed, we will monitor the shipment for you:

• Drop-offs. Let us know when you drop it off. We will then follow up with the carrier to start tracking.
• Terminal pickups. We will watch for the "Available for Pickup" status and notify you when the freight is ready.