Notify before delivery: how each carrier handles it
What it is
Notify before delivery asks the carrier to contact the receiver before the shipment is delivered, usually the day before or the day of delivery, by phone, email or online portal.
It's advance notice only. It doesn't set a delivery day or time, and the truck can still arrive any time during business hours.
- Need the delivery scheduled with the receiver? Add Delivery appointment instead. The carrier contacts the receiver before delivery to agree on a delivery day and time. The day and time can't be chosen at booking.
- Make sure the delivery contact is reachable. Carriers contact the phone number and email on the shipment. If they can't reach anyone, they may hold the freight, which can delay delivery and add storage charges.
- Delivery only. Notify before delivery isn't available for pickups.
- Timing requests are best effort. Carriers will try to honor notes like "call 30 minutes before delivery," but it isn't guaranteed.
How each carrier notifies
| Carrier | How they notify |
|---|---|
| ABF | Usually calls the day before delivery. |
| Central Transport | Calls the receiver before the shipment goes out for delivery. |
| Custom Companies | Calls the receiver to arrange delivery. |
| Daylight | Calls the receiver to arrange delivery. |
| Forward Air | Follows the notification instructions on the bill of lading. |
| Frontline / STG | Calls the receiver the day before the earliest delivery date to plan the delivery. |
| Old Dominion | Contacts the receiver by phone or portal once the shipment is in transit. |
| Roadrunner | The driver calls before delivery. Receivers can also follow the truck in Roadrunner's online tracking. |
| Saia | Contacts the receiver by phone, email or portal before delivery. |
| Southeastern | Usually contacts the receiver the day the shipment reaches the delivery terminal. Delivery may be the next day. |
| TForce | Usually contacts the receiver the day before delivery to set a delivery date. |
| XPO | Calls the receiver on the day of delivery, while the truck is on its way. |
Is notification included?
Many carriers already contact the receiver when a delivery is residential, limited access or by appointment. Yes means the carrier contacts the receiver as part of that service. No means it doesn't, so add Notify before delivery if you want the receiver contacted.
| Carrier | Delivery appointment | Residential delivery | Limited access delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Central Transport | Yes | Yes | No |
| Custom Companies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daylight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Forward Air | No | Yes | No |
| Frontline / STG | Yes | Yes | No |
| Old Dominion | Yes | No | No |
| Roadrunner | No | Yes | No |
| Saia | No | Yes | No |
| Southeastern | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TForce | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XPO | Yes | No | No |
Common questions
The receiver needs to schedule the delivery. Book Delivery appointment. The carrier contacts the receiver before delivery to agree on a day and time. Notify before delivery only gives a heads-up and doesn't schedule anything.
Can the driver wait while the receiver approves the delivery? No. LTL drivers can't wait for approval on site, so select every service you need when you book.
The receiver says they never got a call. Check the delivery contact's phone number and email on the shipment. Carriers contact the details provided at booking.