About Your Department

Receiving Purchases

Before Signing for Delivery

1. Match freight delivered with the Freight Bill.
   • Make sure the carton and packing slip match the freight bill. Check that shipper, receiver, number of cartons and marks match.
2. You do not have the right to open the carton before signing for the shipment.
3. Examine the cartons for damage. Check cartons on ail sides, top and bottom. (Drivers have been known to put the side with the damage down.) Look for any type of visible external damage (no matter how slight), including the following:
   
   
   • Visible damage to carton
   • Crushed or dented cartons
   • Evidence of rough handling
   • Punctures
   • Gouges
   • Moisture damage
   • Open packages
   • Sounds of breakage
   • Creases
   • Scrape marks
     
     
4. Note damage on Freight Bill.
   • Write down any damage you've noted on all copies of the freight bill, especially on the driver's copy. Do not sign the freight bill until the driver signs and dates it (do not accept the driver's initials, it must be a full signature).
   • If the driver refuses to accept any notation you've made on the freight bill, notify a Buyer in Purchasing immediately. You have the right to note damage on the freight bill before accepting the shipment.

Sign the Delivery Receipt

1. Note any damage on the delivery receipt and legibly sign it in ink, showing "U.W.", your full name, date and number of cartons received.
2. Save the Freight Bill and all other shipping documents.
3. Open the cartons and inspect the contents immediately. It can be difficult to prove concealed damage, especially if the carton was in good shape when it was received. To protect yourself, use the following procedure:

   1. Before moving a carton, open it immediately after delivery and inspect thoroughly for any concealed damage to contents. (If you move a carton prior to inspecting the contents, you won't be able to prove that the contents weren't damaged by you when you moved the carton.)

   2. Also check to see that all items on the packing slip are contained in the carton.
      

If Shortage or Damage is Evident

1. Do not move the cartons, packing material, or merchandise.
2. Call a Buyer in the Purchasing Department immediately to arrange for an independent inspector to come in and inspect the goods.
3. Do not use, move or destroy the carton, packing material or merchandise unless instructed to do so by the buyer.
4. If you can, take a picture of the damaged carton and merchandise.
5. Call your Buyer if the inspection report misrepresents the facts.
6. Forward a copy of inspection report and freight bill to your buyer within 24 hours.