Freight delivered to a business and freight delivered to a home are handled differently. Knowing the difference helps your delivery go smoothly the first time and avoids extra charges for failed attempts.
Business deliveries
- Receiving hours. Many businesses only receive at certain times, and industrial areas often close early. Tell us the receiving hours when you book.
- Docks and forklifts. If the receiver has a forklift or dock, pallets can be unloaded quickly. If not, ask for a tailgate service.
- Someone to sign. A staffed reception or warehouse means freight can be signed for and checked on arrival.
Residential deliveries
- Ground level only. Residential freight is delivered at ground level to the front door, kerbside or nearest safe point the vehicle can reach. Drivers do not carry goods inside, up or down stairs, or into rooms.
- Tailgate for heavy items. Homes rarely have forklifts, so heavy items such as furniture, appliances and pallets need a tailgate vehicle. Ask for it when you book.
- Authority to leave. If nobody will be home, an authority to leave lets the driver leave the goods in a safe place. A GPS-stamped photo is taken as proof of delivery. Goods left under an authority to leave are at the receiver’s risk.
- Phone number. Always include the receiver’s mobile number so the driver can contact them.
Access matters
Steep or narrow driveways, low overhangs, gated estates and tight cul-de-sacs can stop a truck reaching the delivery point. Tell us about any access issues when you book, and we will plan the right vehicle. Drivers may decline to enter a site they consider unsafe.
How to avoid failed delivery fees
- Double-check the full address, unit number, suburb and postcode.
- Include the receiver’s name and mobile number.
- Tell us the receiving hours, access issues and whether a tailgate is needed.
- Arrange an authority to leave if no one will be there.
- Make sure the goods are ready, packed and labelled when the driver arrives for pickup.
A pickup or delivery that fails because of an incorrect address, goods not ready, nobody available or an unsuitable site is charged as a futile attempt, and redelivery is charged again. See our Conditions of Carriage.
Published by All Freight Carrying, Yandina, Sunshine Coast · 20 October 2026 · Last updated 25 October 2026
