Freight Delivery Receiving Checklist

What to check before you sign for a freight shipment

STOP

DO NOT SIGN YET

Inspect your shipment for damage and missing items before you sign the delivery receipt. Once you sign without noting a problem, filing a freight claim gets much harder.

Before the driver leaves

Confirm the shipment is yours. Verify the number of pallets, cartons, and pieces matches the delivery paperwork.
Inspect the outside. Look for crushed boxes, punctures, tears, dents, broken bands, damaged wrapping, or leaning pallets.
Open and inspect every package before signing. Check contents for visible and concealed damage.
Check for missing items. Compare what you received against your order and delivery paperwork.
Take photos before the driver leaves. Photograph the pallet, packaging, boxes, product, and any visible damage.

If you find damage

Write "DAMAGED" clearly on the delivery receipt.
Describe the damage on the receipt whenever possible.
Never sign as received in good condition.
Refuse the entire shipment for significant damage — a crushed or leaning pallet, extensive box damage, exposed product, or damage across multiple items.
For one or two damaged items, note them specifically and contact us right away to arrange replacements.
Report damage immediately using the contact info below.

If items are missing

Write the specific missing item(s) or piece(s) on the delivery receipt before signing.
Take photos of the shipment as it was delivered.
Report the missing items as soon as possible using the contact info below.

If the driver won't allow inspection

Before signing, write the following statement clearly on the delivery receipt:

"DRIVER WOULD NOT ALLOW INSPECTION — SHIPMENT NOT YET INSPECTED FOR CONCEALED DAMAGE."

Photograph the shipment and report the issue immediately using the contact info below.

Do not allow an unattended drop-off

Don't authorize the carrier to leave your shipment without someone present to inspect and accept it. If a shipment is left without inspection, documenting freight damage afterward becomes much harder.

Tracking your shipment

Freight carrier name	Found in your shipping confirmation
PRO / tracking number	Found in your shipping confirmation
Pallets or pieces	Found in your shipping confirmation
Estimated delivery	Found in your shipping confirmation
Carrier contact info	Found in your shipping confirmation

For shipments traveling by freight carrier or semi-truck, track using the PRO number in your shipping confirmation, or contact the carrier directly about delivery appointments.

Before you sign — remember

INSPECT→ OPEN→ CHECK→ PHOTOGRAPH→ DOCUMENT→ THEN SIGN

Signing a freight delivery receipt without noting damage or missing items can be read as confirming the shipment arrived in acceptable condition.