---
title: "Live Unload"
description: "A live unload is a type of trucking delivery in which the warehouse unloads the container while the driver waits on site. After unloading, the trucker returns the empty container to the container yard at the port."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/live-unload/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:11Z
topics:
  - "Trucking"
---

# Live Unload

A live unload is a type of trucking delivery in which the warehouse unloads the container while the driver waits on site. After unloading, the trucker returns the empty container to the container yard at the port.

## What is a live unload?

A live unload is a type of trucking delivery, meaning that the warehouse will unload the container while the driver waits on site. After the container is unloaded, the trucker will return the empty container to the container yard at the port.

### When should a live unload be arranged?

A live unload is ideal if the cargo can be unloaded within two hours, because most drivers will allow for 1-2 free hours of waiting while the cargo is being unloaded. After the free time expires, truckers will begin to charge for additional time on a prorated hourly rate, which is reflected on your Flexport quote or invoice as a [trucking wait fee](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/trucking-wait-fee/).

If your [cargo is palletized](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/palletizing-cargo-consideration/) and the warehouse has a [forklift](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/forklift/) to quickly move all the pallets into the warehouse, a live unload will be more cost- and time-efficient. If the cargo can’t be unloaded quickly, the trucker may need to do a [drop](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/drop/).

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/live-unload/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/live-unload/) for AI/LLM consumption.*