Internet ordering and shipping
#1
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Internet ordering and shipping
I was wondering if I could hear about experiences in ordering from some of the internet flooring sites with a specific interest in the shipping/freight experience? I have been doing research on what companies seem to be reliable, but my main concern is the delivery. I am thinking of ordering up to about 1300 sq ft of hardwood or engineered wood and it will likely weigh many thousands of pounds and come in at least 2 pallets. We live at the end of a long, steep gravel drive and so "curbside delivery" of 2 tons of material would not work. Even if the truck is able to make it up the driveway, do the drivers typically help you move the pallets into the garage? I'm a bit worried about having to move tons of material into my garage even one package at a time.
I've had mixed experiences with freight delivery. One was (good experience) an entire wooden playset (at least a couple thousand pounds) delivered and unloaded by the driver into our garage by a large delivery truck (but not an 18 wheeler) . The other not so good (but manageable) experience was an 18 wheeler (with no ability to get up our driveway) delivering an exercise set (about 400lbs). He kind of got it down to the bottom of the liftgate and then it was our responsibility (we were able to maneuver it into a pickup). At least with the 2nd experience, the retailer/seller was unable to promise what type of truck (large delivery truck or 18 wheeler) was going to deliver the goods.
I am a bit worried about an 18 wheeler leaving 4000 lbs of flooring on pallets at the end of our driveway (about 1/4 mile). What have others experienced?
Thanks,
BM
I've had mixed experiences with freight delivery. One was (good experience) an entire wooden playset (at least a couple thousand pounds) delivered and unloaded by the driver into our garage by a large delivery truck (but not an 18 wheeler) . The other not so good (but manageable) experience was an 18 wheeler (with no ability to get up our driveway) delivering an exercise set (about 400lbs). He kind of got it down to the bottom of the liftgate and then it was our responsibility (we were able to maneuver it into a pickup). At least with the 2nd experience, the retailer/seller was unable to promise what type of truck (large delivery truck or 18 wheeler) was going to deliver the goods.
I am a bit worried about an 18 wheeler leaving 4000 lbs of flooring on pallets at the end of our driveway (about 1/4 mile). What have others experienced?
Thanks,
BM
#2
Usually (I would think) the site/company would tell you (in writing) that they only deliver to the driveway as you stated. I had about 1200 sqft (laminate wood though) delivered to my home "expecting" them to just leave it at the driveway. I figured it was well worth the cost comparing it to other places. I figured I could just move it myself even if it took 1 box at a time. Anyway, I think it depends on the "deliverer". Even though they stick to what they say (curbside delivery), this guy that delivered to me "offered" to put it in my garage for me. AFTER the fact that he dropped it off on my driveway. Which meant...he had to reload the pallets on that big dolly-thingermagger and haul it to my garage. Wasn't really far but still took effort. I couldn't and didn't refuse. So...I was really happy. Could've been b/c I'm a gal? That he just wanted to be nice? Dunno. IMO, ask them if they could (before you purchase) and if there's any options (maybe cost more money?). If there are no options anywhere, hope for the best. Maybe they're offer it. Other thing is that you have to keep in mind they probably and most likely can't be responsible for damage or any sort from curbside to garage since it was not in the agreement.
All in all..I had a very good experience with this website company.
All in all..I had a very good experience with this website company.
#4
Most of these deliveries come on a flatbed tractor trailer because they need to be offloaded with a forklift (which usually hangs off the rear of the trailer).
I've shipped tens of thousands of square feet of floor from HD and have only had a handful of complaints, mainly the bottom cases damaged from the forks of the forklift. Shipping companies cannot afford to damage goods or else they have to pay for it.
I've shipped tens of thousands of square feet of floor from HD and have only had a handful of complaints, mainly the bottom cases damaged from the forks of the forklift. Shipping companies cannot afford to damage goods or else they have to pay for it.
#5
FloorOne They were actually located 2 hours away from me so the shipping was a good deal. Not sure where you are but make some calls to different places and get quotes. I called a few places and even got a quote from a friend that couldn't beat the price on the same product and delivery.
Not sure what an 18 wheeler is (being a woman an all )...a truck that has 18 wheels? Anyway it was an actual truck, like a moving truck size? Like a 24' or 26' mover truck type of truck? If I remember correctly, there were only 2 pallets too. The fact that it was laminate wood...it might be different in your case.
Not sure what an 18 wheeler is (being a woman an all )...a truck that has 18 wheels? Anyway it was an actual truck, like a moving truck size? Like a 24' or 26' mover truck type of truck? If I remember correctly, there were only 2 pallets too. The fact that it was laminate wood...it might be different in your case.
#7
Ahhh...nice pic. Nope. Wasn't delivered on that. I didn't have that huge of an order nor do I think it needed that big of a truck. Remember, I ordered laminate wood so I don't think it was as heavy as engineered or hardwood wood...I mean "would" be
#8
I had an order from iFloor that was nicely done. Big truck but the driver helped me move all the cartons into my house (just inside the front door but I was very peased). The trucking company was Yellow Freight, I think.