Key takeaways
- Name a site receiving contact and agree who owns each delivery step
- Confirm access, unloading space and equipment against package sizes and weights
- Allocate dry, secure storage before the goods arrive
- Check package count and identifiers against the final packing list
- Photograph damage and report it within the applicable deadline
- Keep receiving checks separate from installation checks
Arrival is a handover between transport, storage and installation teams. Planning that handover helps keep goods traceable after unloading.
1. Confirm who is receiving the shipment
Name a site contact who can coordinate delivery access and record receipt. Clarify the roles of the buyer, carrier, local logistics provider and supplier under the agreed delivery arrangements.
Confirm the expected arrival information with the parties handling transport. Do not schedule installation solely from an unconfirmed arrival estimate.
UK HSE guidance calls for supplier, carrier and recipient cooperation over delivery arrangements; agree responsibilities before arrival. [1]
2. Prepare access and unloading
Review vehicle access, site restrictions, unloading space and the equipment needed for the actual packages. Obtain package dimensions and weights where necessary for planning.
Have the responsible handling team select suitable equipment and methods. Packaging labels and product instructions should remain available during unloading. Avoid improvising handling arrangements when a heavy or fragile package is already at the site.
UK HSE’s loading guidance addresses unloading arrangements and driver cooperation; have the responsible team review the actual operation. [2]
3. Allocate suitable storage
| Product group | Storage questions to resolve |
|---|---|
| Tiles and stone | Where can the packages be supported and accessed safely? |
| Cabinets and furniture | Is the space dry, protected and secure? |
| Doors and windows | How will frames, glass and accessories be kept together and protected? |
| Lighting and electrical items | How will small components and documents remain identifiable? |
| Mixed room packages | Can storage locations follow the room or installation sequence? |
Follow the relevant supplier’s handling and storage instructions for the actual products.
The CTU Code also covers receiving and unpacking transport units; include those activities in the receiving plan. [3]
4. Check receipt against the documents
Have the final packing list, shipment references and expected package count ready. Compare package identifiers with the paperwork and record discrepancies.
Photograph visible package damage and preserve identifying details. If damage or shortages are found, notify the relevant parties promptly and follow the applicable reporting procedure. Keep packaging and other evidence until advised how to proceed. Reporting requirements and deadlines depend on the purchase, transport and insurance arrangements.
Export packing lists provide package and quantity details; use those references to identify discrepancies in the receiving record. [4]
5. Keep receiving and installation checks separate
A package count confirms that packages arrived. It does not confirm every internal component or demonstrate that a product is ready to install.
Plan a further check of contents, accessories and approved specifications before installation. Route questions through the item code and package reference rather than a description such as “the missing door part.”
GS1’s logistics-label guidance links physical identification and communicated data; preserve package identifiers when moving goods into storage. [5]
VIGOHOME’s service overview includes delivery coordination and after-sales contact for installation questions and spares. Confirm the documents, support channels and issue-reporting process for your own order before shipment.
6. Close the receiving record
Record where each package is stored, which items remain under review and who owns the next action. Make this information available to the installation team so goods are not opened or moved without traceability.
References
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom. Delivering Safely. Accessed 28 October 2026.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom. Loading. Accessed 28 October 2026.
- International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). Accessed 28 October 2026.
- International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Common Export Documents. Accessed 28 October 2026.
- GS1. GS1 Logistic Label Guideline. Accessed 28 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who should receive the shipment?
Name a site contact who can coordinate access and record receipt, and clarify the roles of buyer, carrier, local logistics provider and supplier.
What should be ready before arrival?
Access and unloading arrangements, suitable storage, the final packing list, expected package count and a receiving checklist.
What if packages are damaged or missing?
Photograph the damage, preserve identifying details, notify the relevant parties promptly and follow the applicable reporting procedure and deadline.
Does a package count confirm everything arrived?
No. It confirms packages, not internal components. Plan a separate contents and specification check before installation.
Next: use room-based labeling so every package has a destination before it arrives.