Appointment Delivery

Appointment delivery is a shipping service where the carrier coordinates with the recipient to schedule a specific delivery time window rather than delivering during general business hours. This service ensures someone is present to receive the shipment.

How Appointment Delivery Works

Basic Process

1. Carrier contacts recipient
2. Mutually agree on date/time
3. Carrier confirms appointment
4. Delivery made during window
5. Recipient signs and receives

Typical Workflow

Day -2: Carrier calls recipient
        "When can you receive delivery?"

Day -1: Appointment confirmed
        "Wednesday, 2-4 PM"

Day 0:  Driver arrives in window
        Delivery completed

Appointment Delivery Windows

Common Window Sizes

Window Examples

Morning: 8 AM - 12 PM
Afternoon: 12 PM - 4 PM
Evening: 4 PM - 8 PM
2-hour: 10 AM - 12 PM (premium)

When Appointment Delivery Is Used

Required Scenarios

• Freight/LTL deliveries
• Inside delivery services
• Lift gate deliveries
• White glove/installation
• Limited access locations
• High-value shipments

Optional/Requested

• Residential convenience
• Business dock scheduling
• Coordinating with installers
• Customer preference

Appointment Delivery Costs

Accessorial Charges

Cost Factors

• Window narrowness (tighter = more)
• Time of day (off-hours = more)
• Location type
• Service level

Setting Up Appointments

Carrier-Initiated

LTL typical:
1. Freight arrives at terminal
2. Carrier calls consignee
3. Coordinate available times
4. Confirm appointment
5. Deliver as scheduled

Recipient-Initiated

1. Track shipment online
2. Select "Schedule Delivery"
3. Choose available window
4. Confirm selection
5. Receive notification

Parcel Appointment Options

FedEx Delivery Manager

• Redirect to FedEx location
• Schedule delivery date
• Provide delivery instructions
• Release authorization
• Evening/weekend options

UPS My Choice

• Reschedule deliveries
• Provide delivery window
• Redirect to UPS Store
• Vacation holds
• Premium time windows (fee)

USPS Package Intercept

• Hold at post office
• Redirect to different address
• Limited scheduling options

Freight Appointment Requirements

LTL Carriers

• Appointment required for:
  • Residential delivery
  • Limited access
  • Inside delivery
  • Construction sites
  • Special services

Information Needed

• Contact name
• Phone number
• Best times to receive
• Dock/delivery location
• Any restrictions

Missed Appointments

Consequences

Redelivery Charges

• LTL redelivery: $50-$150
• Parcel redelivery: Usually free (1-2 attempts)
• Storage while holding: $25-$100/day

Appointment Delivery Best Practices

For Shippers

1. Provide accurate recipient contact
2. Include phone number on BOL
3. Communicate delivery requirements
4. Note appointment needed
5. Consider notification services

For Recipients

1. Respond to carrier promptly
2. Provide realistic availability
3. Have someone present
4. Know delivery requirements
5. Prepare dock/receiving area

Special Appointment Services

Timed Delivery

• Specific time (not window)
• Before 9 AM, before noon
• Premium pricing
• Business critical

After-Hours Delivery

• Outside normal business hours
• Weekend delivery
• Evening appointments
• Higher fees

Recurring Appointments

• Regular delivery schedule
• Same day/time weekly
• For frequent shipments
• Volume customers

Technology and Appointments

Modern Tools

• Online scheduling portals
• SMS notifications
• App-based tracking
• Real-time ETA updates
• Two-way communication

Notification Options

Day before: "Delivery scheduled tomorrow, 2-4 PM"
Day of: "Driver will arrive in 1 hour"
30 min: "Driver arriving in 30 minutes"
Arrival: "Driver at location"

Industry-Specific Appointments

Healthcare

• Temperature control coordination
• Compliance documentation
• Secure handling
• Specific personnel required

Retail

• Dock scheduling
• Appointment slots
• Vendor compliance
• Automatic scheduling

Construction

• Site access coordination
• Equipment availability
• Safety requirements
• Crane scheduling