What an R+L Carriers pickup request is and how to start one

An R+L Carriers pickup request is a formal order asking the company to send a truck to your location to collect a shipment. You are not calling to ask if they might come — you are scheduling a specific pickup date and time. R+L Carriers, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, handles shipments that do not fill an entire truck, so they consolidate loads from multiple customers.

The pickup request process starts with either their online portal or a phone call to your local R+L Carriers terminal. You will need to provide your shipment details — weight, dimensions, commodity type, and destination — before they can confirm availability and pricing. Most requests can be made the same day for pickup within 24 to 48 hours, though timing depends on your location and current terminal capacity.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a pickup through R+L Carriers' website, their mobile app, or by calling your local terminal directly.
  • Have your shipment weight, dimensions, and destination ready before you contact them, as they need this information to confirm the pickup.
  • Pickups typically occur within 24 to 48 hours of your request, but this varies by region and how busy the terminal is.
  • R+L Carriers will provide you with a pickup confirmation number and a scheduled time window on the day of pickup.

Requesting a pickup online through the R+L Carriers website

R+L Carriers operates a self-service portal on their website where you can submit a pickup request without speaking to anyone. Go to rlcarriers.com and look for the "Request a Pickup" or "Schedule a Pickup" option, usually found in the main navigation or under a "Shipping" section. You will need to log in with an existing account or create one using your email address and a password.

Once logged in, fill in the shipment details: the pickup address (your location), the delivery address, the weight of your shipment in pounds, the dimensions (length, width, height), and the type of commodity you are shipping. R+L Carriers will show you available pickup times based on your terminal's schedule. Select your preferred time window, review the estimated freight charges, and confirm the request. You will receive a confirmation number by email within minutes.

Requesting a pickup by phone

If you prefer to speak with someone or need when ready information, call your local R+L Carriers terminal directly. Find the terminal number on their website by entering your ZIP code in their terminal locator tool. When you call, have your shipment information ready: pickup address, delivery address, weight, dimensions, and commodity description.

The dispatcher will ask clarifying questions about your shipment — for example, whether it requires special handling, whether it fits through a standard doorway, or whether you have a loading dock. They will confirm a pickup time window (usually a two-hour block) and give you a reference number. Write down this number and the scheduled date and time. If you need to change the pickup later, call the same terminal with your reference number.

What information you need to have ready

Before you contact R+L Carriers, gather these details so the process moves quickly. You need the exact pickup address (street, city, state, ZIP), the delivery address in the same format, and the total weight of your shipment in pounds. If you do not know the weight, you can estimate, but R+L Carriers may adjust the charge later if the actual weight differs significantly.

You also need the dimensions of your shipment — length, width, and height in inches — or at least a description of the size (for example, "one pallet" or "three large boxes"). Finally, describe what you are shipping in straightforward terms: "office equipment," "machinery parts," "documents," or "retail merchandise." This helps the dispatcher assign the right equipment and route.

Understanding pickup time windows and confirmation

R+L Carriers does not may provide an exact pickup time; instead, they assign a two-hour window on your scheduled day. For example, you might be told "Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m." The driver will arrive sometime within that window. On the morning of your pickup, you can call the terminal with your reference number to get a more specific estimated arrival time, usually within 30 minutes.

Your confirmation will include a reference number, the scheduled date, the time window, and the estimated freight charge. Keep this confirmation accessible on pickup day. When the driver arrives, they will ask you to sign a bill of lading (BOL), which is the official shipping document. Review it for accuracy — it should match your shipment weight, dimensions, and destination — before signing.

What happens if you need to reschedule or cancel

If your pickup date no longer works, contact the terminal as soon as possible using your reference number. Most terminals allow you to reschedule without penalty if you call before the pickup window begins. If you cancel after the pickup window has started, R+L Carriers may charge a service fee or require you to pay a portion of the freight charge.

If the driver arrives and your shipment is not ready, tell them when ready. Some drivers will wait a short time or return later the same day, but this is at the terminal's discretion. Repeated missed pickups or late cancellations can affect your account standing with R+L Carriers.

Tracking your shipment after pickup

Once the driver picks up your shipment, R+L Carriers will send you a tracking number via email or text. Use this number on their website or app to monitor your shipment's progress. You can see when it arrives at the terminal, when it is loaded onto a truck for delivery, and when it is out for final delivery. Most LTL shipments take three to seven business days to reach their destination, depending on the distance.

If you have questions about your shipment after pickup, contact R+L Carriers' customer service with your tracking number or reference number. They can tell you the current location and estimated delivery date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a pickup for the same day?

Same-day pickups are sometimes possible if you call your local terminal early in the morning and they have capacity, but this is not may provide. Most requests are scheduled for the next business day or within 24 to 48 hours. Call your terminal directly to ask about same-day availability in your area.

What if my shipment is heavier than I estimated?

R+L Carriers will weigh your shipment when the driver picks it up. If the actual weight is significantly higher than your estimate, they may adjust the freight charge. The driver will show you the new charge on the bill of lading before you sign. If the weight is lower, your charge may be reduced.

Do I need to be present when the driver arrives?

Yes, someone at the pickup location must be present to hand over the shipment and sign the bill of lading. The driver cannot pick up an unattended shipment. If no one is available at the scheduled time, the pickup will be missed and you will need to reschedule.

What if I do not have a loading dock?

R+L Carriers can pick up from ground level, a garage, or a storefront, but let the dispatcher know when you schedule. The driver may need extra time to load, or they may ask you to have the shipment staged near the truck. Unusual pickup locations sometimes add a small fee, so ask about this when you call.

How do I know if R+L Carriers serves my area?

Use the terminal locator on rlcarriers.com and enter your ZIP code. If a terminal appears, R+L Carriers serves your area. If no terminal is listed, they may not pick up from your location, though they may still deliver there through a partner carrier.