Local trucking moving freight between LTL terminals and shipper/consignee facilities.
Detailed Definition
Pickup and delivery (P&D) is the local leg of an LTL network. P&D drivers, usually in straight trucks or short trailers, collect shipments from shippers in a terminal's service area and bring them to the terminal, where freight is sorted onto linehaul trailers for the long-distance move. At the destination terminal the process reverses, and P&D drivers deliver to consignees. Because P&D routes make many stops a day, pickup windows, dock access and appointment rules strongly affect whether a shipment moves on time.
Where P&D fits in an LTL move
- Pickup: a local driver collects the freight, often on a route with other shippers.
- Origin terminal: freight is unloaded, checked and loaded onto linehaul trailers.
- Linehaul: freight moves between terminals, sometimes through a hub.
- Destination terminal: freight is sorted onto local delivery routes.
- Delivery: a P&D driver brings it to the consignee.
This hub-and-spoke pattern is why LTL involves more handling than truckload.
Getting freight ready for the P&D driver
Have pallets wrapped, labeled and staged near the dock before the pickup window, with the bill of lading ready and matching the actual pallet count and weight. Drivers on a route cannot wait long, so freight that is not ready may be left for the next day. If there is no dock, request a liftgate in advance.
Charges linked to pickup and delivery
Many extra fees, called accessorials, arise at the P&D stage: liftgate, residential or limited access locations, inside delivery, delivery appointments and redelivery after a failed attempt. Check the carrier's tariff or quote for these before shipping, and give accurate site details when booking so the right equipment and charges are planned from the start rather than added afterward.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my LTL pickup missed?
Common reasons are a pickup request made after the carrier's cut-off time, a route running late, freight not ready when the driver arrived, or details in the request that did not match the shipment, such as needing a liftgate that was not ordered. Confirm the pickup window, have freight staged with the bill of lading ready, and note any special equipment needs when booking.
What is a limited access delivery?
It is a delivery to a location the carrier considers harder to serve than a normal commercial dock, such as schools, churches, construction sites, military bases, farms, storage facilities or some rural addresses. Carriers usually add an accessorial charge for these stops. Definitions differ between carriers, so check the tariff and describe the delivery location accurately when requesting a quote to avoid a later rebill.