Staff Answer
Jan 13, 2026 - 09:57 AM
Tips to help shipments arrive faster
FedEx or USPS will usually deliver small shipments less than 70 lbs and less than 8' long.
- These services use small trucks, come directly to your door and may or may not require a signature.
- TIP: If you will not be available to take delivery, please let us know so no signature will be required.
Freight or common carrier will deliver heavier and larger shipments greater than 70 lbs or 8' long.
- These orders are delivered via large 53-foot tractor-trailers and only drop off at the curb in front of your home. They will not back into your driveway.
TIP: If access to your home or office is difficult, please let us know and we can request a shorter truck. - The drivers will bring your freight to the back of the truck for you to unload. If you are not physically able to remove the materials by yourself, please arrange some help ahead of time.
TIP: for an extra fee, and usually a hefty one, drivers will deliver "inside" to your garage or "white glove" into your home wherever you wish. They also offer a "liftgate" service which lowers the pallet to the ground for you. - Most freight shipments arrive on a pallet, banded with polyester and wrapped in shrink-wrap.
TIP: bring a utility knife and/or scissors to cut off the plastic and banding. - Please bear in mind that the driver usually has more deliveries to make and is only required to wait about 15-20 minutes for you to unload.
TIP: If you have a large quantity to unload, be sure to have some helpers there to unload. Organize this ahead of time. If you don't, the driver may insist on returning at a different time or the next day when you have more help. This could delay your delivery and cost extra time for you or your workers - TIP: Shipments to a commercial address are usually faster than to a residential address.
A commercial address is defined (according to the truck drivers) as a building located in a commercial zone that is open to the public during normal business hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This does not include offices in a home, school, farm, or office building in a residential district.
Commercial deliveries are faster and less expensive because they are easier to access, require no special scheduling, and often have loading docks.
Residential deliveries are more costly because they usually need to be scheduled in advance, and physical access may be more difficult. - TIP: Shipping to a commercial address may save you $50 and a day's time. However, shipping directly to your home may be much more convenient.
TIP: Expedited shipping can guarantee shipments arrive on specific days. Usually, they can cut down the delivery time by 1-3 days. This can be costly, but it may be worth it. Please call us for expedited quotes.
