What is Over the Road Trucking | Common Carrier Shipping?
Large items often require a special delivery process called Over the Road (OTR) or Common Carrier Shipping.
OTR stands for “over the road,” which refers to drivers who transport materials over long distances, as opposed to local routes. OTR drivers are responsible for hauling all types of freight, including heavy freight, machinery and other equipment.
Shipping Services that are included FREE with your order:
Call Before Delivery Service - This FREE service option at checkout for common carrier shipments. The carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment with a four hour delivery window. The service is required for Residential customers and we strongly recommend it for businesses, especially if your normal hours are not between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday - Friday. Call Before Delivery will only apply to the items on your order that are shipping by Common Carrier (Over the Road) and is not available for items that are shipping via any other method.
Add-on Liftgate Service Available - A liftgate is a motorized platform attached to the back of the truck that will physically lower your order to the ground so that you can take it inside your business or home. The truck driver will place your order on the ground using the liftgate and you are responsible for getting it from there, to the location where you want to store it until installation. If you DO NOT have an elevated loading dock or forklift to unload your items from the truck, you will need a liftgate.
For most people receiving an over the road delivery isn't an every day occurrence. Therefore, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities.
My item has shipped. What's Next?:
Once your order arrives at the freight company's local terminal, you will receive a call via the phone number provided upon order.
The freight company will give you a time window of when you can expect delivery.
You can request that the driver call you when 30 mins or so away. Most companies will accommodate this request.
What you should know about any & all deliveries that requires a signature.
Many people don't understand that WHENEVER you receive a delivery that requires a signature, you MUST take the time to inspect your delivery.
Why? Because damage or missing items MUST be noted on the delivery slip. Please understand that YOUR signature is a legal acknowledgement that you have received your product in good condition and waives the carrier's ALL responsibility for any shipping damage. It is prudent to write "Subject to Further Inspection" on the bill of lading.
What else is different about LARGE ITEM home deliveries?
You are responsible for:
Getting the shipment from where the truck is parked and moving it into your home.
Many people use a flat furniture dolly's and store the shower in their garage until installation.
What does a flat furniture dolly look like? Harbor Freight sells Flat Furniture Dollys | CLICK HERE TO VIEW
Most deliveries arrive in GREAT SHAPE. Yet, it is important that you understand the damage reporting process, just in case your order receives shipping damage.
VERY IMPORTANT: Note damaged or missing items on the carrier's delivery receipt. You MUST make note of any issues on the delivery receipt. RemodelBox® cannot guarantee any compensation for damaged or missing items if you do not take the steps required to protect your rights. By signing your name on the delivery receipt without declaring any exceptions, you are stating that you have received your shipment in full and in acceptable condition.
Even when your delivery looks GREAT it is prudent to ALWAYS SIGN with the words "Subject to further Inspection". Writing Subject to Further Inspection on the delivery receipt allows you up to 5 days to inspect your delivery and report damage directly to the freight company.
DO NOT LET THE TRUCK DRIVER RUSH YOU. You have the right to inspect your delivery.
KEEP YOUR COPY of the DELIVERY RECEIPT and BILL OF LADING for your records. The Delivery Receipt is the document that the driver has you sign and you should receive a copy of this once you have signed it. Typically the Bill of Lading is attached to your order.
Any person acting as your representative to accept the delivery, is required to follow these instructions. PLEASE print and share these instructions.
Upon inspection, if any piece of the shipment is damaged or missing:
Note it clearly on the delivery receipt before signing (ie - "missing 3 pieces", "holes in packaging", "multiple dents", etc).
Keep your copy of the delivery receipt
Keep the damaged packing materials for inspection
Take pictures of the damaged items and packaging
Email info@RemodelBox.com within 3 business days with: Your order number, images of the damaged item & packaging & signed Delivery Receipt showing your written documentation of the damage on the Delivery Receipt
When in doubt - You have the right to reject any delivery that has damage.