Big Delivery? We’ve Got You Covered.
Large items ship by freight truck, not a parcel van. The carrier calls you to schedule, the driver’s job ends at the back of the truck, and you inspect before you sign. We highly recommend a liftgate.
What Is Common Carrier Shipping?
The basics, in plain English.
Common Carrier Shipping, also called Over-the-Road (OTR) freight, is how large and heavy products travel by commercial truck.
Instead of a typical parcel delivery van, your order moves through a freight carrier’s network and arrives on a larger truck.
It’s the standard method for oversized products, including many complete shower systems and shower bases.
A Little Planning Makes Delivery Easier.
Appointment scheduling is included. We highly recommend adding a liftgate, especially for full shower orders.
Call Before Delivery
The freight carrier contacts you to schedule your delivery appointment, typically with a four-hour window.
Residential deliveries: This service is required.
Business deliveries: We strongly recommend it, especially if your hours differ from Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Common carrier shipments only. Not available for other shipping methods.
Liftgate Service — Highly Recommended
A liftgate is a motorized platform on the back of the truck that lowers your shipment to ground level.
The driver’s responsibility ends at the back of the truck. Getting the shipment from the back of the truck to the ground is the receiver’s responsibility.
With a liftgate, the platform lowers the shipment to the ground for you. Without one, you’ll need a loading dock or forklift to unload it.
Moving it inside your home, garage, or building is also your job.
Your Shipment Is on Its Way!
Here’s what typically happens after your order ships.
Order reaches the local terminal
The freight company moves your shipment to its terminal in your delivery area.
The carrier calls you
They use the phone number from your order to set an appointment. Delivery windows are generally four hours.
Get ready for the truck
Make sure someone is available to receive and inspect the shipment. You can ask for a call about 30 minutes before arrival. Many carriers accommodate this, though it isn’t guaranteed.
Inspect, document, and sign
Before signing, check for visible damage and missing pieces. Write any concerns on the delivery receipt.
Before You Sign, Take a Look.
Most shipments arrive in excellent condition. Freight is large and heavy, so a few extra minutes of inspection is worth it.
Your Delivery Inspection Checklist
“Two boxes crushed on left side; packaging punctured; one piece missing.”
Be specific. A written description is more useful than simply marking “damaged.”
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Take pictures of any damage and of the bill of lading.
You may also write “Subject to Further Inspection” if you can’t fully inspect the contents at delivery. This wording does not replace documenting visible damage, and it does not automatically extend the carrier’s damage-claim deadlines.
Shipping Damage? Here’s Exactly What to Do.
Don’t panic. Document what you see, protect your shipment, and contact us promptly.
While the Driver Is Still There
After the Driver Leaves
Send us these five things
Important: Damage claims are subject to carrier requirements and deadlines, which are out of our hands. Inspect at delivery, note any damage on the carrier’s paperwork, and report it to EZ Able within 24 hours to help protect your claim. EZ Able cannot guarantee reimbursement for damage or missing items that are not properly documented.
Getting Your Shipment Inside.
From the back of the truck to the install location, the receiver handles it.
The driver’s responsibility ends at the back of the truck. Getting the shipment from the truck to the ground is the receiver’s responsibility (a liftgate does this for you), and so is moving it into your garage, home, or storage area.
Many customers use a flat furniture dolly and extra helpers. Make sure your equipment is rated for the load, the route is clear, and the shipment is handled safely.
See an example of a flat furniture dolly
Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to expand the answer.
Do I have to be home for a freight delivery?
Someone needs to be available to receive and inspect the shipment. The carrier calls to schedule a delivery appointment, typically with a four-hour window.
Will the driver bring my order inside?
No. The driver’s responsibility ends at the back of the truck. The driver does not carry your order into your home or place it where it will be installed.
Do I need liftgate service?
We highly recommend it, especially for full shower orders. Getting the shipment from the back of the truck to the ground is the receiver’s responsibility. A liftgate lowers it to the ground for you; without one you need a loading dock or forklift. Moving it inside is still your responsibility.
What should I write on the delivery receipt if something is damaged?
Be specific, for example: “Two boxes crushed on left side; packaging punctured; one piece missing.” A written description is more useful than simply marking “damaged.” As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so take pictures of any damage and of the bill of lading.
Can I refuse a damaged, wrong or defective delivery?
You have the right to refuse any item that is defective, the wrong item or damaged in shipment. Document the reason on the carrier’s paperwork and notify EZ Able immediately. Photos of the damage and of the bill of lading are required. If you’re unsure, contact us before deciding when possible.
How soon do I need to report damage?
Email EZ Able within 24 hours, preferably right after you discover damage or missing items. Like most problems, time only compounds the issue. Without documentation, your claim becomes more difficult to resolve the more time passes between delivery and reporting. Claims are subject to carrier requirements and deadlines, which are 100% out of our hands. Help us serve you: notify EZ Able ASAP.
Should I schedule my installer before the shipment arrives?
Have your installer ready for the expected arrival, but don’t schedule a full installation crew until the shipment is received, inspected, and ready to install.
Questions About Your Delivery?
Whether you’re preparing for your first freight delivery or have a concern about a shipment, our team can help you with the next step.
Or email [email protected]
Easier Living. Safer Homes.
One Order at a Time.