FCL Delivery to a US Warehouse: Appointment and Unloading Checklist

For an FCL shipment, arriving at the destination port is only one milestone. Before the container leaves China, confirm how the US warehouse will receive it. The delivery address, appointment, unloading method and equipment-return arrangements should all be part of the plan.

Confirm the receiving location

Provide the warehouse’s full address, ZIP code, receiving contact and working hours. Ask whether it accepts ocean containers directly or requires cargo to be transferred to another vehicle. Report access restrictions, vehicle-size limits and any special site instructions to the forwarder before the delivery price is finalized.

Agree who books the appointment

Identify the party responsible for requesting and confirming the delivery slot. Supply the purchase-order, booking or shipment references required by the receiver. Ask what happens if the estimated arrival changes, how appointments can be rescheduled and who communicates the new slot to the trucker.

For an Amazon destination, use the current instructions for your actual shipment and assigned receiving location. Do not assume that another warehouse’s delivery process or an old appointment applies.

Specify the unloading method

• Live unloading: confirm the allowed time, receiving staff and equipment available while the driver waits.
• Drop arrangements: ask whether leaving the container is available, who provides the chassis and when collection is planned.
• Floor-loaded cartons: confirm the labour and equipment needed to unload them.
• Palletized goods: confirm pallet requirements and the receiver’s handling capability.

Door delivery does not, by itself, describe the unloading service. Put the agreed responsibility and any additional handling price in writing.

Track free time and empty return

Ask who monitors cargo availability, terminal free time, equipment free time and the return of the empty container. Obtain the applicable dates and counting rules rather than relying on a general number of free days. Confirm how changes to the return location or appointment will be communicated.

Ask about charges triggered by exceptions

Request the charging basis for waiting, unsuccessful delivery, storage, additional handling and equipment use beyond the agreed period. Clarify who authorizes extra work and how delays caused by missing receiving information will be handled.

A pre-delivery checklist for your team

1. Confirm the warehouse address and appointment reference.
2. Check that the receiver has the packing list and expected package count.
3. Confirm unloading staff, equipment and time allowance.
4. Share a working contact number with the delivery coordinator.
5. Agree how damage or shortages are recorded at receipt.
6. Confirm the empty-container collection or return plan.

For a quote, send the container type, packing list, cargo-ready date and receiving instructions through our contact form. Read the FCL DDP quotation checklist and container selection guide, or explore LHD DDP shipping services.