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No one knows the layout of your location better then you. When scheduling your pickup you will want to provide as much information as possible to the carrier or broker to ensure success. The driver will be arriving in a large truck. If they can’t get in, they will not wait. Here are some things to look out for:
Room to turn around
Big trucks need more space to turn around and maneuver. Regardless of how experienced the driver is, many residential locations present real complications for large trucks. When booking your pickup, think about how the driver is likely to get in and out of your location: Are there tight corners or turns that would make it hard for them? Is the road narrow so once they get down it, the only way out is to back out? Is it a dirt road that will trap a big truck on a rainy day?
Low power lines
Some residential areas, especially older ones have power lines that hang across the street. Most local authorities are good at keeping these to the appropriate height but things happen. If you have these on your street, it may be a good idea to alert the carrier. They may ask you to select an alternate location. If you could get a large 42’ U-Haul truck down the street with no issue you should be okay.
Low hanging trees or branches
If there are trees that hang low or have fallen that obstruct the road in anyway you will want to have them removed or trimmed before the day of pickup. If this is not possible it may be best to select an different location for the pickup.
Gated passes or codes
If you are located inside a gated community you will want to make sure that they driver has the gate code. If you do not feel comfortable giving your gate code, then you will need to wait at the gate for the driver. The driver may or may not call ahead. If you live in a neighborhood with a manned guard house, you will want to make sure that they guard knows the driver / carrier is coming and follow the proper procedure.
Small or narrow bridges
Some residential locations are only accessible by small or narrow bridges. If your location has one of these you will want to make sure that it is wide enough to accommodate the truck. Also, it may be necessary to check with the local municipality or association to ensure the bridge can handle the weight of a freight truck.
Steep inclines
If you live in a house on a hill you will want to talk about this with the carrier. There are two major concerns with this kind of location. First consider if the truck will be able to get up the steep incline, especially in bad weather. Second, is if the loading point is not level. Sometimes homes built on hills will have a flat driveway but the road is still at an incline. These situations can be very difficult to load in and the driver may not attempt the pickup. If this is the case, the carrier may charge an attempt fee.
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Dave Stevens
Transportation Executive with experience in developing processes and controls for early stage start up companies. Specialties include: Sales, Marketing, Transportation, Trucking, Brokerage, Project Transport and Rail Operations.,Organizational Design, Process Development, Accounts Receivable Management, Leadership, and Business Start-ups.
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