Preparing for a Freight Delivery of Shelving: A Checklist

To prepare for a freight delivery of shelving, confirm the delivery details, check access for a truck and lift gate, clear a staging area, line up help to unload, inspect before signing and note any damage on the delivery receipt. A few minutes of prep avoids the most common freight problems.

Why freight is different

Gondola shelving is bulky and heavy, so it often ships LTL (less-than-truckload) freight on pallets rather than by parcel. Delivery usually involves a larger truck, a driver who may or may not assist with unloading and a delivery window.

Before delivery

1. Confirm the details: address, contact name and phone, business hours.
2. Check access. Can a large truck reach the door? Is there a loading dock? Low bridges? Narrow streets?
3. Ask about a lift gate. If you don't have a dock, a lift gate on the truck helps lower the pallet.
4. Clear a staging area near the door, inside if possible.
5. Line up help to unload boxes and move them to the store floor.
6. Have tools ready: box cutter, pallet jack, dolly, tape measure and a camera.

At delivery

1. Inspect the pallet and packaging before signing: crushed boxes, torn wrap, bent corners, water damage.
2. Count the pieces against the bill of lading.
3. Note any visible damage or shortage on the delivery receipt before you sign.
4. Take photos of the pallet, labels and any damage.
5. Don't refuse the whole shipment without talking to us first, unless damage is severe.

After delivery

• Unpack and check contents against your order as soon as possible.
• Report concealed damage or shortages quickly, with photos.
• Keep packaging until everything is verified.
• Store parts organized by section.

Our shipping

We ship nationwide, and orders over $1,000 ship free. If something arrives damaged or short, contact us right away at (609) 635-3005.

Common mistakes

• Signing without inspecting.
• Not having help to unload.
• Forgetting to ask about a lift gate.
• Waiting weeks to open boxes.

Frequently asked questions

Can the driver bring boxes inside?

Usually the driver delivers to the curb or dock. Plan to move boxes inside yourself unless you've arranged otherwise.

What if a box is damaged but the product looks fine?

Still note it on the receipt. Concealed damage can appear later.

Can I schedule a delivery time?

Often you can request an appointment. Ask us.

Plan your delivery

See what to know before buying online, how to assemble gondola shelving and our contact page.