Shipping of Dock Packages and LTL Freight Carriers

After placing an order for a dock package, your order will be processed, palletized, and shipped. Since freight shipments are different from typical box shipments there are some nuances and instructions that will help you be ready for your dock and choose the best shipping address.

All dock packages and some other large orders are sent on a shrink-wrapped pallet to either a commercial or residential address. When the dock leaves our facility, a tracking email is sent to the retailer you purchased the dock from. Many carriers have an estimated delivery date for you to plan for when the dock is estimated to arrive in addition to updates in transit. The trucker calls ahead for residential deliveries to give exact details of the delivery and plans can be made according to the conversation with the trucker. Typically, deliveries are made on a semi-truck so it is best to choose a residential shipping address where there are no weight restrictions, weight limits, or complications with access.

Some residential addresses will require the customer to meet the trucker where the semi-truck can be parked. Access to some residences will be restricted by delivering terminals due to road limitations and address changes and extra services must be arranged prior to shipping.

Unless other prior arrangements are made, the customer will need to be present to inspect for damage and unload the contents of the pallet by hand. Any damage observed must be noted on the paperwork and if the shipment is mostly damaged, the shipment should be rejected.

The oversized pallets do not fit on the truck’s lift gate, so the easiest method for unloading is to cut the shrink wrap, and unload the contents in pieces. This is typically a 5–15-minute process, with about 10-25 parts, and the heaviest part is 45 pounds.

Shipments can also be picked up at the delivery terminal if the customer wishes to do so. Receiving shipments requires general safety precautions like using safety gloves and a safety utility knife.