Unless you specify otherwise, we will ship your order in the most efficient way possible. If you have a preference of carrier, please tell us; we’ll honor your request if practicable. Smaller packages weighing less than 50 pounds are usually shipped via a parcel service such as FedEx or UPS, with charges prepaid and added to your invoice. Larger items are shipped via freight truck, with charges prepaid and added to your invoice. For freight truck orders, a shipping acknowledgment and verification form will be e-mailed and must be completed prior to shipment of your order. If you need your order rushed, please ask our representatives for a quote on expedited service.

SHIPPING COSTS & ESTIMATES

The shipping cost listed with your order is an estimate. Although we strive to make our shipping estimates as accurate as possible, on rare occasions actual shipping costs can vary from the quoted rate. Should the shipping cost be higher than quoted, we will contact you for approval before processing and shipping your order.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FREIGHT TRUCK SHIPMENTS

Someone must be present to sign for and unload the delivery.

Freight truck shipments are typically shrink-wrapped and palletized. You may need to break down the shipment or use a forklift to unload the delivery.

You are responsible for unloading your delivery; the delivery driver is not required to assist (although many of them will, if asked politely).

Before signing for the delivery, you must inspect all items and note any damage or missing items on the delivery receipt.

We take every precaution in packaging your order to ensure that it arrives in pristine condition, but on rare occasions, damage or loss can occur during transit. For this reason, we must rely on you as the receiving customer to inspect all shipments when they arrive.

To expedite this, we ask that you please do the following:

• Remove any shrink wrap so that you can inspect and count the contents carefully.
• Items such as dock floats and dock boxes are more vulnerable to forklift damage, so please check them carefully.
• Compare the number of packages on the delivery receipt with the actual number of packages to ensure that none are missing.
• Make notes of any damage or missing packages on the delivery receipt before signing it.

When you sign the delivery receipt without making additional notes on it, you attest that the freight was received in good condition and you release the carrier of all liability. Dock Builders Supply cannot be held responsible for missing or damaged freight items when the damage or loss is not noted on the delivery receipt.

The delivery driver must wait for you to finish inspecting your shipment, so please take your time and inspect everything thoroughly. We realize that the delivery drivers are often in a rush, but make them wait an extra 5-10 minutes while you inspect everything!

Your shipping charges do not cover any additional services provided by the freight carrier, unless specifically noted on your order.

Freight carriers charge a fee for any additional services they provide. These additional services are not included in the shipping charges quoted, unless specifically noted on your invoice.

We have negotiated different rates with each carrier for each additional service, so we can ship your order with the most cost-effective carrier depending on your requirements. If you know in advance that you need one of these services, please call 1.813.213.3619 so we can provide you with an accurate quote for the additional charge.

Services available include:

• Guaranteed Service — Guarantees that the freight truck will deliver on a certain day. Typically costs an additional 10% of the estimated freight charges and must be arranged in advance. Not available for Residential deliveries, construction sites, or limited access sites.
• Lift Gate Service — Flat fee of $35 if arranged in advance. If you unexpectedly require lift gate service at the time of delivery and the delivery truck is not equipped with a lift gate, a re-delivery fee (approximately $80) will apply in addition to the lift gate service fee.
• Change of Address — Minimum $78, plus additional freight charges if shipping to a different zip code.
• Inside Delivery — Varies ($30-$150, depending on carrier).
• Limited Access Fee (construction sites, military installations, some gated communities) — Varies ($35-$75, depending on carrier).
• Redelivery Attempts — Approximately $80 per attempt.

Should your shipment unexpectedly require any of these additional services or incur any other additional fees from the carrier at time of delivery, we will provide you with a separate invoice for these additional charges, which you agree to pay within 15 days of the date of invoice.