In LTL (Less-than-Truckload) shipping, rejected freight and return freight are both types of freight that don’t complete their original delivery as planned but they differ in why and how they’re returned or rerouted. Here are the details on each:
Rejected Freight
Definition: Freight that is refused by the receiver at the time of attempted delivery.
Common Reasons:
- Shipment is damaged
- Wrong product, quantity, or PO number
- Product is expired or outside temperature specs
- Delivery was late and no longer accepted
- The facility has special receiving policies not followed
What Happens Next?
When a shipment is rejected by the receiver, the following process is followed:
- Driver Notification:
The Ippolito Transportation driver is advised of the rejection at the time of attempted delivery. The rejected freight remains on the trailer. - Dispatch Communication:
The driver immediately notifies dispatch, who in turn contacts the shipper or paying party for further instructions. Dispatch makes arrangements with the driver on the course of action (this may impact the route depending on the next planned event). - Next Steps Determined by Shipper/Paying Party:
Based on their instructions, the freight may be:- Returned to the shipper
- Held at a terminal
- Disposed of (with proper authorization)
- Redirected to an alternate delivery location
- Common Charges Applied:
The paying party is responsible for any additional charges, which may include:- Return freight fees
- Storage fees
- Disposal fees
- Redirection fees
Return Freight
Definition: Freight that was delivered, but then the customer wants it returned afterward.
Common Reasons:
- Product recall
- Customer changed their mind
- Inventory surplus
- Wrong product discovered after acceptance
- Business closure or contract changes
What Happens Next?
Treated like a new LTL shipment. The paying party provides a new Bill of Lading and documentation, and freight is inducted into the Ippolito Transportation network as a new LTL shipment.
The most common charges/fees applied to the paying party are freight charges from point to point.
If you have questions along the way, you have a knowledgeable resource in the Ippolito Transportation Logistics Coordinators team. They are highly trained professionals dedicated to responding to your needs and delivering superior value. Via phone at 905.639.1174 or by email LogisticsCoordinatorGroup@ippolitogroup.com
If you need anything sales-related, send your details to Ship@ippolitogroup.com
