Guide to Receiving Freight with Your Freight Shipping Company

Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels
Drive you crazy – The Eagles

At Music Freight, our dedication to making our customers’ lives easier turns them into fans. We know you have better things to do than sit around waiting for a shipment to come in or try to figure out all the paperwork involved with it, and we want to make the whole process as quick and easy as possible with our freight management services. By keeping in mind the guidelines below, you can spend less time worrying about getting your goods from the freight shipping company, and more time doing what you do best.  

• Carriers typically deliver freight between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday. Delivery appointments are not scheduled by the carrier unless requested prior to the pickup.
• If your freight shipping company attempts to deliver the shipment and you are unavailable, they will typically attempt to redeliver it the next day, but there may be a redelivery charge.
• Unless noted on the delivery receipt, additional services (examples - lift gate and inside delivery) are not authorized. If any additional services are requested by you and performed by the carrier, there will be additional charges on your invoice.
• If the stretch wrap is not intact when you receive the freight, be sure to note that on the delivery receipt.
• Carriers will not accept signing “Said to Contain” (STC). Perform the physical count of cartons from the Purchase Order or Bill of Lading, NOT the delivery receipt. A freight shipping company may list pallets, not cartons on the delivery receipt. If you sign for pallets, not cartons, and discover a shortage afterwards, the carrier will typically deny the claim. Notate any discrepancy with general detail: “missing two of twenty-four cartons” is adequate.
• Freight shipping companies will not accept signing “Subject to Inspection” (STI). Circle the shipment on all sides to look for possible damage. Does the package sound broken when shaken mildly? Do the cartons appear wet? Are there any holes in the packaging? Do they appear crushed? Notate any discrepancy with general detail: “damage to several cartons” is adequate.
• Receive shorted or slightly damaged products. If the damage is excessive, ask the driver if you may only receive the undamaged freight. If not, you should refuse the whole shipment.
• DO NOT sign the delivery receipt before performing steps 4-7. The driver cannot leave without a signature, no matter what they say.
• DO NOT allow the driver to dissuade you from accurately notating the delivery receipt. If it looks damaged to you, mark it as such.
• If a problem arises, contact Music Freight right away and have the carrier pro number available.

Just like musicians, your freight should reach its final destination in one piece. If you have any questions about receiving freight from a freight shipping company, call or e-mail Music Freight today.