Truckload Shipping Guide

Confirm trailer access, turning radius, dock height, and unloading equipment. A 53' trailer needs real space to maneuver, and a load that cannot be unloaded becomes an expensive problem quickly.

Carriers allow a free unloading window, commonly one to two hours. Beyond that, detention is charged by the hour. Staff the unload before the trailer arrives.

Palletized loads unload in under an hour with a forklift. Floor-loaded trailers can take a full day of hand unloading. Always check which one you are buying.