One of the main factors of a positive experience with a shipping provider is getting an accurate freight quote without hidden charges. Sometimes, shippers see delivery from a different perspective than drivers and carriers do. Shipping to limited access locations often confuses, and extra fees can surprise shippers. Still, understanding shipping restrictions can help you avoid logistics inconveniences.
What is limited access shipping and delivery?
A limited access location is an area where pick up and delivery are restricted. It can mean the driver requires additional time and service to load and unload your goods. Limited access shipping and delivery sometimes also demands getting other paperwork and going through security checks to prove the items you deliver are safe.
Many shippers don’t know about common locations with limited access for shipping and delivery. Often, it leads to unexpected fees that may exceed your logistics budget. Various limited access locations can charge transporters that haven’t requested delivery in advance or ignored the movement restrictions. So, it is better to get familiar with the shipping regulations.
What places are limited access locations?
Usually, delivery locations are limited access if loading and unloading processes take longer than 15 minutes. Typically, there are no loading docks the trucks can pull up at these places. Since limited access places are sometimes situated in remote areas, drivers must follow unpopular routes, thus extending delivery deadlines.
Limited access locations get their delivery restraints due to several common reasons. These places are often unavailable for the general public during regular business hours or work according to a particular schedule. In this case, you will have to make your delivery appointment in advance and inform the receiver about your arrival time.
Beforehand appointments also apply to places with certain security restrictions, where you will have to spend some time going through security checks and inspections. Besides, you may consider some locations limited access for shipping and delivery because of their poor technical support or inability to accommodate certain kinds of trucks. You should also be aware of shipping specifics to congested areas since heavy traffic can cause severe delivery delays.
Common limited access locations for delivery are:
- Transportation bases (airports, stations, piers)
- Religious organizations (cemeteries, churches)
- Construction sites
- Correction facilities
- Public resort places (parks, country clubs, casinos, camps, fairs, carnivals, hotels, ranches, restaurants)
- Government organizations (government sites, courthouses)
- Medical organizations (medical sites, hospitals, nursing homes)
- Educational organizations (daycares, schools, colleges)
- Military instances
- Industrial bases (refineries, steel mills, mines, nuclear power plants)
How to avoid limited access delivery fees
As mentioned above, advanced planning is the key to ship to limited access locations with no interruptions. Still, several valuable practices might help you avoid unwanted charges for breaking the rules of limited access delivery.
Explore the area through online maps
Even though you may be generally familiar with the route you’re going to take, it will never be redundant to check out all the road features using map applications or just pulling them up online. Moreover, modernized route explorers like Google Maps do not only show the road schemes. They also provide valuable information your drivers can take advantage of (for example, the data about the route passability and congestion level).
Route optimization systems can significantly facilitate the planning of limited access delivery. With the help of technological tools, you’ll be able to detect the best route and timing for your shipment to fit into the restricted access locations schedule. Besides, route optimization allows you to shorten the transit duration and effectively save shipping costs.
Stay in touch with receivers
It not only allows you to keep them updated on your actual location and estimated delivery time. You can also learn if there is all the necessary equipment you’ll need for unloading or if the facility will still be open when you arrive. Effective communication will guarantee you a smooth transit and customer satisfaction.
Maintaining communication with receivers can bring valuable insights into limited access delivery and its general regulations. Thus, you’ll be ready for different situations and improve your logistics strategy with every shipment.
Prepare for possible security checks
You need to provide specific identification documents if you are shipping to locations with strict security orders. Places like military instances or prisons can request a detailed inspection of your products and check them using various procedures. It is better to count these rules and take care of all the crucial papers in advance. Going through load security checks can be time-consuming, but proper paperwork will streamline the process. It’s essential to list all the shipped items in your papers since a minor inconvenience can become a reason for a failed checkup.
Contact the carrier
When looking for a suitable carrier to deliver your goods to limited access locations, it is vital to contact them and make sure their machinery meets your requirements. They can get the necessary paperwork if needed.
GoShip’s online shipping service can assist you with choosing a reliable carrier and considering LTL quotes and FTL quotes. On our website, you’ll find many delivery services ready to move your cargo to limited access locations. Check out GoShip’s services and get a free quote today!