Most freight delays don’t start on the highway — they start at the dock, with a pallet that isn’t ready, a label that doesn’t match, or paperwork that raises questions. Ten minutes of preparation buys hours of schedule.
1. Build the pallet right
- Use a sound pallet with no broken boards; damaged pallets get refused or re-worked at cross-docks.
- Keep freight inside the pallet footprint — overhang gets crushed and changes your billed dimensions.
- Stack heaviest items on the bottom, keep the top flat if stacking is allowed, and stretch-wrap to the pallet itself so the load and pallet move as one unit.
- Band or corner-board anything heavy enough to shift.
2. Label every handling unit
Each pallet or piece should carry the destination name, full address and a contact phone number — not just the top box of one pallet. If pieces can separate, labels are what reunite them.
3. Get the bill of lading right
The BOL is the contract for the move. Confirm the shipper and consignee details, an accurate piece count and weight, a clear description of the goods, any declared value, and special instructions — tailgate, appointment required, site contact. If something matters for the delivery, it belongs on the document, not in someone’s memory.
If the driver could deliver your freight using only what’s written on the BOL and the labels, you’ve done it right.
4. Book the pickup with real details
Dock hours, forklift availability, reference numbers the receiver needs, and an honest ready time. A pickup booked for noon with freight that’s ready at four costs everyone — including your own next shipment.
5. The final walkaround
Before the truck arrives: count the pieces against the BOL, photograph the wrapped pallets, and make sure someone on site knows the shipment is going out. That’s the whole checklist — and it’s the difference between freight that flows and freight that waits. Book your next pickup with Nexora and our dispatch team will confirm the details with you before the truck rolls.