ABF Shipping Instructions
ABF is an official national Operation Christmas Child transportation carrier. All preliminary arrangements have been
made. Terminal managers are asked to contact all Collection Center Coordinators in advance of NCW to introduce
themselves, confirm the needs of each location, and provide ABF’s local terminal information. ABF representatives are
often willing to do site visits to confirm site needs and trailer drop locations. Inviting the terminal manager or
representative to your site is a great practice to help foster a strong relationship with your local terminal. If you have
trouble establishing contact with your local terminal or if additional customer service is required, please call:
ABF support for OCC: 1-800-276-0235
The Collection Center Coordinator may contact the local ABF terminal two weeks before collection week begins to
make an appointment for trailer drop off. Arrange for the first trailer(s) to be dropped early during collection week.
Once the trailer or set of trailers is filled, call the terminal to arrange for pickup and delivery of additional trailers as
needed.
During collection week, stay in contact with the local terminal to work together and anticipate equipment needs based
on the volume of collection. The better your communication with the terminal manager, the better your service will be.
Remember that most terminals are closed on the weekend and may require a few days lead time to schedule a trailer.
Please make sure the last trailer is picked up no later than Tuesday following National Collection Week.
When making trailer requests to ABF please consider your need, parking availability, and potential savings to OCC. You
may request a “pup” (28’ trailer) or a “set of pups” (2 pups connected together and pulled in pairs). Because of volume
discounts offered to OCC, if you expect your Collection Center to fill a “set of pups” during NCW, you are encouraged to
request and ship “sets” whenever possible. Each CCs final trailer request should be based upon the expected number of
remaining shoeboxes. Please only request a set of pups if you are confident you will need both.
IMPORTANT: Please remember ABF will NOT drop a trailer until the Collection Center Coordinator calls the local
terminal. ABF is only able to provide 28” foot “pup” trailers. When making arrangements with the local terminal, please
be prepared to provide the following information:
1. Contact person and phone number at the Collection Center.
2. Projected number of trailers needed.
3. Instructions as to where the trailer should be left on-site (Note: It is best to have someone on site when the
trailer is dropped off to ensure it is left in a convenient location.)
If you have a shipping challenge or question that cannot be resolved with your local terminal please contact your
regional manager or director.
Shipping “sets” of pups with ABF
 Sets must always be requested and shipped together.
 There is always a Bill of Lading (BOL) and pro number for each trailer, even if the two trailers are part of a set.
The two pro numbers will be differentiated by an “A” and “B” indicating first and second trailer.
 Please write the word “set” in the top right corner of both BOLs.
ABF Secure Shipment Dividers
When requesting your final trailer (if you expect the trailer to be half full or less), please request a “Secure
Shipment Divider,” also known as a “lockable bulkhead”.
Collection Center Handbook
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This “secure shipment divider” will be delivered with the last trailer and used to seal OCC’s shipment within the
trailer by locking into the trailer walls.
The handle on these bulkhead bars have a slot where a seal may be inserted. Because this slot is often too small
for a traditional bolt seal, please use the provided plastic red tug tie seal (provided in your CC Kit) to seal this
“secure shipment divider”. Only one seal is needed on the “secure shipment divider”. The back trailer door
does not need to be sealed if the “secure shipment divider” is sealed inside.
Instructions for how to set up this “secure shipment divider” are posted on the plywood wall as well as available
here online at this link: http://www.upack.com/moving-equipment/bulkhead3.asp.
ABF drivers will be able to assist Collection Centers in securing the “secure shipment divider” if needed.
CCs only expecting to fill one trailer during NCW do not need to request a “secure shipment divider.”
These partial trailers may be sent in “sets” or pairs with other full ABF trailers.
The main reason for the extra effort on this last trailer is security of the boxes and cost savings for the
ministry. If we are able to insert a “secure shipment divider” for trailers 1/2 full or less, the cost of transporting
the trailer will be much cheaper and we don’t risk having a partial trailer being opened in transit.
Please include the “secure shipment divider” seal number on your BOL and write “secure shipment divider” in
the top right hand corner.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Align the first bulkhead panel with the vertical trailer post. Place the T-shaped end of the top and bottom bulkhead load
bar into the slot on the vertical trailer post.
Step 1 Continued: Be sure that each T-shaped end is firmly pressed down into the slot.
Step 2: Pull the bulkhead panel you just installed away from your U-Pack® shipment at a slight angle. This will make it easier to
connect the second bulkhead panel.
Step 3: Connect the bulkhead panels by sliding the load bar ends together until the pinholes are aligned. Insert the locking pin
through each load bar.
NOTE: Ensure that the handles are completely open when sliding the bars.
Step 4: Slide the bulkhead back against your U-Pack® shipment and then place the T-shaped end of the top and bottom load bar
into the slots in the vertical trailer post. Be sure that each T-shaped end is firmly pressed down into the slot.
Step 5: Close the black handle on both the top and bottom load bar to secure in place. Use an open palm while closing to avoid
pinching fingers.
Step 6 (optional): Place a lock in both black handles. Bulkhead is now securely locked.
NOTE: Lock shank size should be 2" minimum length and 5/16" or smaller diameter.
Collection Center Handbook
Bill Of Lading (BOL)
The Collection Center will be provided blank Bills of Lading (BOL). Have this document ready for the driver when the
trailer is picked up. This document permits ABF to take possession of the shipment, describes the shipment’s contents,
indicates where the shipment will be delivered, and shows that Samaritan’s Purse is responsible for paying shipping
charges.
Please complete a SEPARATE Bill of Lading for each trailer. Any unused forms may be discarded after collection is
complete.
Completing the BOL
A correct Bill of Lading ensures an accurate invoice and, therefore accurate freight charges. The Bills of Lading are
already partially filled out. Please fill in the BOL per the instructions. If you have any questions, please contact your
local Terminal.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Enter the proper name and complete address of the shipping location.
Enter the trailer number which is clearly marked on the trailer.
Enter the date the shipment is given to the carrier.
Enter the trailer seal # that is used to seal the trailer.
Enter the number of filled cartons.
Enter the total number of shoebox gifts.
Enter total weight of shoeboxes (multiply the number of shoeboxes by 3.2).
Enter the number of corrugated boxes (empty cartons returned).
Enter total weight of corrugated boxes (multiply the number of corrugated boxes by 3).
Enter the amount of filler items and a general description.
Enter weight of filler items.
Total weight of 7, 9 and 11 for total weight on trailer.
Sign and date the bill of lading.
**If a secure shipment divider is required please write this on the BOL**
When the trailer is picked up the driver will assign a “tracking number” (pro number) to the Bill of Lading. If two trailers
(a set of trailers) is picked up at the same time the pro numbers will be differentiated by an “A” and “B” indicating first
and second trailer. Example: “12345-A” for the first truck and “12345-B” for the second. When a set of trailers is ready
to be picked up, please make sure the driver labels both BOLs when he comes to make the pickup, even if he only takes
away 1 and returns later for the second. This will help ensure OCC is appropriately charged for the set.
Important Reminders
Truck Label: Tape completed “pink sheet” to a carton facing the trailer doors. This will allow the Processing Center to
know where the trailer came from and how many shoebox gifts and cartons are on the trailer. See page 37 for a sample
“pink sheet.”
Seals: Trailer bolt seals and secure shipment divider strip seals are provided in your Collection Center Kit. In some states
drivers must look into the trailer for security purposes before it can be sealed. Please ensure the trailer or secure
shipment divider is sealed before the driver leaves.
It is critical that you report the following information (on the Extranet) immediately upon departure of each trailer:
 Trailer #
 Total # of shoebox gifts
 Total # of filled cartons
 Tracking (pro) # and Seal #
If you do not have access to the Extranet, contact Jennifer Simons at (828) 278-1423 or [email protected] or Tim
Putnam at (828) 278-1494 or [email protected] to report your information:
Collection Center Handbook
FREIGHT CHARGES ARE PREPAID ON THIS BILL UNLESS MARKED COLLECT
STRAIGHT BILL OF LADING – ORIGINAL – NOT NEGOTIABLE
ABF FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC.
P.O. BOX 10048
FORT SMITH, AR 72917
www.abfs.com
800-610-5544
Shipper’s Bill of Lading No.
PLACE PRO LABEL HERE
ABFS
On ‘Collect On Delivery’ shipments, the letters “COD” must appear before consignee’s name or as otherwise provided in item 430, Sec.1.
TRAILER NUMBER
TO:
CONSIGNEE
#2
#3
ROUTE
STREET
DESTINATION
CITY/ST/ZIP
FROM:
SHIPPER
Trailer Seal #
#4
FOR PAYMENT, SEND BILL TO:
SAMARITAN'S PURSE
NAME
801 BAMBOO RD
PO BOX 3000
STREET
#1
STREET
ORIGIN
CITY/ST/ZIP
CITY/ST/ZIP
Collect on Delivery $
Street
and remit to
City
BOONE NC 28607 US
C.O.D.
Charge
to be paid by
State
Carrier must collect cash, money order, bank cashier's check, or bank certified check unless shipper signs here to accept company check
Signed:__________________________________________________
Hdlg.
Units
No.
Type
B/L DATE
Pkg/No/Type
*HM
#5
#8
#10
Kind of Package, Description of Articles, Special Marks and Exceptions
(Subject to Correction)
Toys or Games
NMFC: 084260-09 Class 70
Total Number of Shoeboxes_____#6________Multipy
number of Shoeboxes by 3.2 lbs=Total Weight
Corrugated Boxes NMFC: 029275-00 Class 77.5
Boxes x 3 lbs each=Total Weight
Filler Items Description
Weight
Subj. to
Correction
(LBS)
Shipper
Consignee
Class or
Rate Ref.
(For Info.
Only)
Cube
(Optional)
(CuFT)
#7
#9
#11
#12
* Mark “X” to designate Hazardous Materials as defined in DOT Regulations.
Note(1) Where the rate is dependent on value, shippers are required to state specifically
In writing the agreed or declared value of the property as follows:
Freight Charges are PREPAID
unless marked collect
“The agreed or declared value of the property is specifically stated by the shipper to be
not exceeding ______________ per ___________”
NOTE (2) Liability Limitation for loss and damage on this shipment may be applicable. See 49 U.S.C.
14706 (c)(1)(A) and (B).
NOTE (3) Commodities requiring special or additional care or attention in handling or stowing must be so
marked and packaged as to ensure safe transportation with ordinary cara. See Sec. 2(e) of NMFC Item 360.
CHECK HERE IF COLLECT >> X
FOR FREIGHT COLLECT SHIPMENTS:
If this shipment is to be delivered to the consignee, without recourse on the
consignor, the consignor shall sign the following statement:
The carrier may decline to make delivery of this shipment without payment of freight
and all other lawful charges.
(Signature of Consignor)
Notify if problem enroute or at delivery JIM NIGITO ________________________ (for informational purposes only)
RECEIVED, subject to individually determined rates or contracts that have been agreed upon in writing between the carrier and shipper, if applicable, otherwise to the rates,
classifications and rules that have been established by the carrier and are available to the shipper, on request. Every service to be performed hereunder shall be subjectto
all terms and conditions of the uniform bill of lading set forth in the National Motor Freight Classification. The shipper hereby certifies that he is familiar with all the terms and
conditions of the said bill of lading and the said terms and conditions are hereby agreed to by the shipper and accepted for himself and his assigns. See Item 780-1 of ABF
111 rules for general liability limitations and for additional coverage available at additional expense.
This is to certify that the above-named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled and are in proper condition for transportation, according
to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.
SHIPPER
CARRIER ABF Freight System, Inc.
PER: (SIGNATURE REQUIRED)
PER
#13
Collection Center Handbook
Driver signature only acknowledges receipt of freight
DATE