Curbside Freight Pickup
Curious about curbside pickups? Learn more about standard curbside service and more freight terms in our glossary.
What Is Curbside Freight Pickup?
Standard LTL freight service includes curbside pickup and delivery. Curbside service implies that your freight is ready for pickup, adequately packaged, and placed at the curb.
This means that the truck driver will expect the packaged shipment to be brought to the roadside or to the end of the driveway. Ask your FreightCenter Agent for assistance in getting the freight to the curb.
Additional costs for a liftgate or inside pickup may be required if freight is picked up from or delivered to a residence or a business without a loading dock or forklift.
Additional charges for services like lifting boxes into the truck or forklift pallets from the curb may be billed separately. IMPORTANT NOTE: The truck will not enter a driveway or road with limited access or is restricted from heavy truck use.
Getting Your Shipment to the Curb
Below are a few tips you can take to get your shipment to the curb:
1. Prepare your shipment at the curb. When your location doesn’t have a loading dock or forklift, set the pallet at the curb and stack and wrap your freight in place. (This option won’t work if you do not have a way to weigh your shipment at the curb. Loads should always be weighed after they have been packaged.)
2. If you frequently ship, invest in a forklift or pallet jack. A forklift and pallet jack have two metal forks that fit under a pallet, which allows you to lift and move freight quickly.
3. Sometimes, a little muscle is all it takes to move freight to the curb. Gather a group of people to help you do all the heavy lifting.
4. Ask your FreightCenter Agent for freight service that includes inside pickup.
Getting Your Shipment in the Truck
For unpackaged loads, placing individual handling units (e.g., unpalletized boxes or bins) into the cargo hold of a truck is not challenging.
However, pallets and heavy or oversized freight need special equipment to lift, roll, and stack the shipment inside the trailer. Although there is no standardized federal weightlifting restriction for truck drivers, a trucking company or carrier may restrict them.
When you choose curbside pickup or delivery, you may need additional accessorials like a liftgate and pallet jack. Alternatively, if you can provide the muscle, you may not be required to purchase a liftgate service.
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Is Curbside Pickup Only for Residential Shipments?
No. Common carriers typically provide dock-to-dock transportation or curbside service. Curbside pickup will be provided at business locations without a loading dock. There is a special fee for a residential area and inside pickup and delivery fees.
Can You Request Inside Pickup?
Yes. Check the “Inside Pickup” accessorial checkbox next to the location details section on the quote form. For an additional fee, a specialized freight carrier will bring the freight from your garage or driveway to the curb and place it inside the truck.
The driver will not go inside a residence. Whether you book online or by phone, FreightCenter allows you to add inside pickup and delivery services at the time of your quote. Get an online quote or call 800.716.7608.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Is Curbside Pickup Available for All Shipments?
Curbside pickup for freight shipments is not available for all shipments, it is more commonly associated with smaller packages. For larger freight shipments, curbside pickup is typically not the standard practice.
Freight shipments are generally handled differently due to their size, weight, and special handling requirements. Instead of curbside pickup, freight shipments are usually delivered to specific loading docks, warehouses, or distribution centers.
However, there are some exceptions where curbside pickup might be available for certain types of freight shipments, especially if the delivery location does not have a dedicated loading dock or if there are accessibility constraints for larger vehicles.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
Heavy-haul freighting involves transporting oversized and heavy cargo that exceeds the standard legal limits for weight, height, length, or width, often requiring specialized equipment and permits.
Why Choose FreightCenter?
- Expertise and Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, FreightCenter has a proven track record of successfully handling a wide range of shipping requirements. Our experience and knowledge ensure that your shipments are in capable hands.
- Extensive Carrier Network: We have a vast network of reputable carriers, which means you have access to various shipping options and competitive rates. This diversity allows us to tailor shipping solutions to your specific needs.
- User-Friendly Technology: FreightCenter’s online platform provides a user-friendly experience. You can easily compare rates, book shipments, and track deliveries in one place. Our technology streamlines the shipping process, saving you time and effort.
- Exceptional Customer Service: We prioritize customer satisfaction and provide dedicated support for shipping-related inquiries or issues. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth shipping experience from start to finish.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: FreightCenter’s competitive rates and access to volume discounts help you save on shipping costs. We work to find the most cost-effective solutions that align with your budget and transportation needs.
Curbside pickup shipping with FreightCenter offers a convenient and efficient solution for your freight needs. Our service streamlines the shipping process, allowing you to schedule pickups and deliveries at the curb, saving you time and hassle.
With curbside pickup, you can avoid the complexities of navigating loading docks and warehouses, making it a user-friendly option. Trust FreightCenter for a seamless experience that prioritizes your convenience and ensures your shipments easily reach their destination. With FreightCenter, you’re not just shipping; you’re ensuring a competitive edge.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
