What Prep Centers Need Before Receiving Imports
The delivery details a prep center needs on hand before an international shipment arrives.
Before an imported shipment arrives, give your prep center these details so receiving isn't held up.
Import shipments tend to arrive with less lead time than domestic ones - a container can clear customs and be scheduled for delivery within a day or two. That makes having this information ready in advance, not scrambled together after clearance, especially important.
What to have ready
- Delivery appointment
- Carton count
- Pallet count
- Packing list
- Supplier name
- Tracking / BOL
- SKU mapping
- Expected arrival date
Who typically provides what
- Freight forwarder: tracking / BOL, delivery scheduling
- Supplier: packing list, carton and pallet counts
- Seller: SKU mapping, service requirements, delivery appointment confirmation
Scenario
A container is released from customs and the freight forwarder schedules delivery to the prep center for the next morning - but the prep center wasn't told a delivery was coming, has no dock appointment booked, and doesn't have the packing list to know what's on the pallets. The truck either waits or has to be rescheduled. Sharing the delivery appointment, carton/pallet counts, and packing list as soon as the shipment clears customs avoids that scramble entirely.
More in International Shipment Prep
Domestic vs International Shipment Prep
How delivery method, documentation, and inspection needs differ between domestic and international shipments.
Customs Clearance for International Shipments
What sellers should prepare, who's responsible, and what causes clearance delays before goods reach a prep center.
Domestic vs International Supplier Shipments
How prep needs differ when inventory comes from a local distributor versus overseas manufacturer.
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