INBOUND SCHEDULING & RECEIVING
Delivery Appointment
A delivery appointment is an agreed date and time window for presenting a shipment at a receiving location. It helps coordinate inbound loads, labor, space and receiving capacity.
DELIVERY APPOINTMENT IN PRACTICE
- Book the right loadSubmit references, quantities and equipment details.
- Confirm and communicateGive the carrier the accepted window and instructions.
- Record actual eventsCapture check-in, dock and departure times.
Use the agreed units, actual records and approved procedures for your operation.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
A 10:00 booking is not a 10:00 unload.
A carrier has a confirmed 10:00–10:30 arrival window and checks in at 10:15. The trailer reaches a dock at 11:00. Arrival complied with the window, while dock waiting is a separate 45-minute event requiring review against the receiving agreement.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Agree the requirement before comparing quotes
Use the actual shipment, stock and service requirements. Record the billing unit, included work and responsibility for exceptions.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Delivery Appointment
Does requesting a slot confirm it?
No. Obtain the facility’s acceptance.
Does an appointment reserve a specific door?
Only if the agreement says so.
Is arrival compliance the same as unloading duration?
No. Track these as separate milestones.
Source & example notes
Definition and operational example prepared by 3PL Hub. Examples describe hypothetical requirements; verify the actual records and agreed procedures for your operation.
Quantities, costs and scenarios are illustrative, not operating targets, approved handling instructions or guarantees. Source guidance reviewed 22 October 2026.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
