Deliver an imported shipment to several UK branches
Approve a branch allocation against the stock actually available, choose a suitable UK sorting point and book deliveries around each site's receiving arrangements. Track each dispatch through to counted receipt, keeping shortages and damage open until resolved. Use this plan when briefing Cambridge China Bridge.
Choose where to divide the shipment
This guide starts with a cleared shipment available for collection. Ask the forwarder to confirm cargo release and collection readiness before booking branch deliveries. Choose between a warehouse that receives, sorts and dispatches the goods, and a delivery vehicle serving several branches where the cargo is already separated and accessible.
Use a sorting warehouse when branches need mixed cartons, different delivery dates or stock held back. Agree who counts the incoming goods, separates branch allocations and reports discrepancies before onward dispatch. For warehouse selection, see choosing a UK warehouse.
Approve a stock allocation that can be picked
Create an allocation sheet showing product code, variant, batch, counting unit, branch, quantity and carton or pallet identifiers. State whether quantities mean individual items, packs or cartons. Compare the proposed allocations with the warehouse's physical count, recording held stock, damaged goods and any unallocated balance separately.
Name the buyer who can approve changes. Agree how to prioritise branches if available stock is short, and issue a dated revision whenever an allocation changes. Ask Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China to check whether factory packing identifiers support the intended split. Use the packing list guide for the shipment-level document.
Sequence deliveries around branch readiness
Collect each branch's address, receiving contact, booking reference, opening arrangements, vehicle access limits, unloading equipment and storage capacity. Sequence deliveries by stock urgency and confirmed receiving slots, then ask the carrier to propose a workable route. Agree what happens if a branch cannot receive its allocation, including who approves storage, diversion or redelivery.
HSE guidance says companies involved should agree loading and unloading arrangements in advance. Confirm who unloads at every branch and pass the arrangements to the carrier. Ask the carrier to plan load access and restraint for successive stops. For the container's initial transport and transfer arrangements, see container delivery handoffs.
Keep a record at every handover
Give the warehouse and carrier the approved allocation revision. Label each handling unit with its destination and identifier, and prepare a separate delivery note for each branch. Record what leaves the warehouse, the vehicle or consignment reference and any goods left behind. Avoid marking stock as received simply because it has been dispatched.
At the branch, record arrival, recipient, handling units received and visible damage. Distinguish a signed carrier receipt from a completed item count. Record shortages or damage on the delivery record and retain photographs, packaging identifiers and the detailed count. Use goods-in acceptance for the broader arrival checks.
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Reconcile branches and close exceptions
Match each branch's approved allocation with the warehouse dispatch and the branch's counted receipt, using the same counting unit throughout. Separate usable stock from damaged or held goods. Reconcile the whole shipment across branch receipts, warehouse stock, goods still in transit and unresolved discrepancies; explain every difference rather than adjusting the expected quantity to make it match.
Keep an exception log with the product, batch, missing or damaged quantity, supporting records, responsible person and agreed next action. Check for misdelivery before ordering replacements. Record branch transfers as linked dispatches and receipts. Close an exception only when the stock location or agreed remedy is evidenced, and share the final reconciliation with purchasing and accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cleared container go straight to several branches?
Ask the carrier whether the vehicle, load access and branch unloading arrangements support successive stops. Use a sorting warehouse if allocations need repacking or branches cannot receive the container vehicle.
What should a branch stock allocation sheet contain?
Include product, variant, batch, counting unit, branch, quantity and carton or pallet identifiers. Show held and unallocated stock separately, with a named approver and a dated revision.
How do I choose which branch gets its delivery first?
Balance stock urgency with confirmed receiving slots, unloading capacity and the carrier's route. Agree an alternative destination or storage arrangement before a branch refuses delivery.
What if a branch signs but later finds items missing?
Compare the detailed count with its allocation and dispatch record. Preserve the signed receipt, photographs and packaging identifiers, notify the relevant parties promptly and keep the discrepancy open.