Stop-off

Carrier note

Use this term in context with the rate confirmation, broker communication, facility instructions, and billing paperwork. A short definition is useful, but the written load terms control the actual freight decision.

Carrier example

A carrier sees stop-off mentioned during dispatch and checks whether the rate confirmation says how approval, documentation, and billing should work.

Common mistake

Assuming stop-off is approved because it was discussed by phone.

Paperwork note

For stop-off, keep written approval, timestamps, receipts when relevant, BOL, POD, revised confirmation, and invoice notes.

A stop-off changes service, time, and paperwork

A stop-off is an additional pickup or delivery beyond the primary origin and destination. Even when it adds few road miles, it creates another facility check-in, appointment, dock event, document set, and possible delay. The stop sequence can also affect cargo access, securement, and the driver's available hours.

The confirmation should identify the address, sequence, appointment, stop pay or pricing treatment, and whether detention or driver assist is handled separately. Keep the paperwork from each stop labeled so billing can connect signatures, piece counts, exceptions, and approved charges to the correct location.

Stop-off versus changed destination

A stop-off adds service while retaining the broader load plan. A changed destination replaces or materially alters where freight must be delivered. Both require written instructions, but a destination change may affect mileage, rate, appointment, cargo handling, and the entire route more than ordinary stop pay covers.

If a broker calls an additional location a stop-off, compare the new work with the original confirmation. Ask whether it is an added pickup, added delivery, redelivery, or destination change and request terms that match the actual service.

Questions to ask in context

• Is the added location a pickup, delivery, redelivery, or changed destination?
• Are address, sequence, appointment, pay, and delay terms written in the confirmation?
• Does each stop have a clearly labeled BOL, POD, piece count, and exception record?

References and methodology

• Accessorial documentation editorial methodology - LaneMath Editorial Desk. Used here for: Detention, lumper, layover, TONU, revised confirmation, and post-delivery document workflow examples.Used for documentation workflows and example scenarios, not for legal claims about collectability. Last checked 2026-06-29.
• Industry terminology and editorial explanation - LaneMath Editorial Desk. Used here for: Plain-English definitions, checklists, and example-only calculations.Editorial explanations are not official guidance, legal advice, or market data. Last checked 2026-06-29.