This article outlines everything you need to know to begin shipping with X Delivery. Additional steps may be required for customers shipping regulated commodities (such as batteries). It is the shipper’s responsibility to notify X of any regulated items in your packages, as well as any items that may require extra care.
Below, you will learn about:
Labels
The shipper is responsible for ensuring all packages are properly labeled prior to tender to X. Two types of labels are required, as outlined below:
Individual Parcel Labels
Each individual parcel must have a delivery address label that includes an accurate end customer name and complete address (including street number, city, state, and zip code). End customer phone number and email can also help ensure successful delivery.
Overpack Labels
Individual parcels are sorted into large overpack boxes and secured onto pallets. These overpacks must be labeled with the provided address label that was emailed to the shipper along with the bill of lading. X will send overpack labels together with bills of lading on scheduled pickup days.
A sample overpack label is shown below:
It is the shipper’s responsibility to write the bill of lading number and the total number of overpacked units on each label. Completed overpack labels must then be adhered to the overpack boxes.
Sort Requirements
Sort Basics
Sorting your parcels by region allows X to inject the shipments as close to the end customer as possible, allowing for the best possible transit times. Shipments for each region should be sorted into overpacks and/or palletized based on the delivery zip code.
There are two different processes shippers can follow to sort their goods. These are outlined below:
Option 1: Pick-Level Sort (Best Practice)
Each shipper is provided with a list of zip codes separated by sort region. Depending on your shipping software, you may be able to add these zip code lists to your system and tag shipments according to the defined ship region. This allows you to process all shipments for a given region at once, before moving on to the next region.
The process flow for pick-level sorting is as follows:
Option 2: Ship-Level Sort
You may not have the ability to batch process your orders based on sort region. If this is the case, you will need to do a visual sort. X Delivery will provide a sample label for each final mile carrier we plan to use for your shipments. Once the shipment has been picked, packed, and labeled, you’ll need to do a visual sort to organize parcels according to the right final mile carrier.
The process flow for ship-level sorting is as follows:
Packaging Requirements
X Delivery may be sending your packages to a sort facility located in a different state. In order to protect packages in transit, X may require you to use overpack cartons and/or pallets. No open-top gaylords are allowed. Your goods may be moved in vehicles and aircraft with cargo destined for other locations; as such, it is imperative that all gaylords/boxes be completely secured.
Overpacks: Dimensional Requirements
Overpack box sizes may vary, but should never be smaller than 24″ x 24″ x 24″. Dunnage may also be required to ensure boxes are not crushed during transport. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to think of your packages as luggage moving on an aircraft. The cargo door on a 737 aircraft can only accommodate goods up to 48″ x 25″.
Smaller boxes can be palletized for easier loading and unloading. However, pallets may also be broken down and shipped on aircraft as individual cartons. The max allowable pallet height is 60″. Since aircraft types and airports vary greatly, each shipment may be handled differently.
Check with your X Delivery representative to determine the best packing solution for you.
Transportation Documents
All overpacks require a bill of lading (“way bill”) showing the shipper company name and address, as well as the destination company name and address (sort facility or final mile carrier). X will send a bill of lading to the shipper’s location.
Shippers must then follow these steps to fill out the bill of lading:
- Enter the number of overpacked units in the # pallets section and the number of parcels inside those units in the Pieces section
- Print the person’s name, enter the date, and sign the bill of lading — this should be done by the person tendering the cargo to the driver, such as a shipping manager, shipping clerk, warehouse employee, or similar at the shipper’s location.
Enter any battery or dangerous goods information on the document as required by law. A signed bill of lading confirms to X that the information provided is correct and ensures the shipment is handled properly. - When the driver arrives to pick up the shipment, the bill of lading should be completed and two copies should be printed. Shippers should supply the driver with one copy of the bill of lading. The driver will sign the document for your records and take one copy with them.
If you cancel an already scheduled pickup, please contact your X representative or [email protected] for instructions. The bill of lading may be canceled, which could affect tracking.
Return to Sender (RTS)
Undeliverable packages will be returned to the sender. Packages may be undeliverable for a variety of reasons, including:
- Invalid/incorrect address
- Unable to obtain signature (if signature required)
- Unscannable label
- Unable to deliver
- Non-compliant labels (if applicable)