How to Receive a Freight Delivery When You Can't Be Home

The Freight Delivery Window

A big online purchase ships freight, and the carrier calls to schedule a 4-hour delivery window on a weekday. You can't take a half-day off, and the building won't accept freight without you. Here's how to actually receive it.

Authorize a Pro to Receive It

A vetted pickup pro can meet the freight driver at your building, sign for the delivery, and hold the package until you're home (or move it into your apartment). You authorize the pro with the carrier's release form and your ID copy.

Confirm the Building's Freight Rules

Most NYC buildings require a Certificate of Insurance for freight and a reserved service elevator. Tell us the building and the delivery; we'll confirm what the building needs so the driver isn't turned away.

The Curb-Drop Problem

Freight drivers often deliver curbside — they won't carry it inside or up. A pro on-site takes the package from the curb, into the building, up the elevator, and into your apartment. The driver leaves; you still get your package inside.

Reschedule the Window

If the carrier's proposed window doesn't work, you can reschedule — usually within a 7-day window. A pro can receive it in any window you can book, so pick one that's convenient for the pro, not for you.

Inspect Before You Sign

A freight driver will ask you to sign before unboxing. Have the pro photograph the box at the curb — if a corner is crushed, note "damaged packaging" on the bill of lading before signing. That note is your claim.

Hold-and-Deliver

Some pros can receive the freight at their nearby location and re-deliver it to you in the evening or weekend. Useful when the building has strict daytime freight hours and you can only be home at night.

Book freight receiving in NYC — met at the curb, signed, and inside.