Even though modern mail carriers are incredible (all you have to do is click a button, and stuff shows up at your door), some deliveries won't fit in a shoe box and the back of a postal truck.

Many of our products are heavy yet delicate. Our dependable freight carriers quickly deliver even the heaviest items to the curbside when orders are big enough for pallet shipping.

We've outlined all the crucial information here to make the significant drop-off simple and quick because freight delivery is different from the typical shipping process.

We advise printing our helpful freight delivery checklist to have a practical step-by-step manual on delivery day. Contact us at info@premiumwinecoolers.com if you need any assistance with your freight shipment or have a few questions you would like answered.

6 Easy Steps to a Successful Freight Delivery & Setup of Your Appliance

1.  Look out for Your Shipping Confirmation Email

As soon as your order leaves our warehouse, you will receive a shipping confirmation email. This email outlines the shipping procedure based on your carrier and includes a link to the order status page where you can track your order. While most carriers provide only a tracking number and an estimated delivery date, a few may contact you to arrange a precise delivery window.

2.  Prepare for Curbside Delivery

Your shipment will arrive on a pallet or pallets and will be left at the curb at the end of your driveway. You are responsible for moving your freight shipment from the curb into your home or backyard. Please arrange to have at least two helpers on call as drivers are not insured to enter your property or assist beyond the curb.

3.  Be There on Delivery Day

You must physically be present during the designated delivery window to sign the delivery receipt provided by the driver. Even if no appointment was made, your presence is crucial to inspect your shipment and make decisions regarding acceptance.

4.  Inspect Your Pallet and Accept (or Refuse) Your Shipment

Carefully inspect the shipment for any dents, tears, or other damage upon arrival. Document any damage with photographs and make detailed notes on the delivery receipt. If significant damage is evident, refuse the shipment and notify us immediately at info@premiumwinecoolers.com. If you are not present, ensure that your helpers are aware of these steps. Should any issues or damage be discovered post-acceptance, report them to info@premiumwinecoolers.com with photos within five calendar days to expedite the replacement process.

5.  Unpack & Verify Order Accuracy

If the shipment appears to be in good condition, carefully move it from the curb to your desired location and begin unpacking. Verify that all components are present and in good condition, as smaller items may be packed inside larger ones. If any issues arise, such as an incomplete order or damaged goods, contact us within five calendar days from delivery.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth delivery process for your large and heavy items. Remember, our customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your delivery. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@premiumwinecoolers.com for further assistance.

Print our delivery checklist 

6.  Setup Instructions After Unpacking

After your refrigerator/cooler arrives, it’s important to take a few preparatory steps to ensure optimal performance:

1. You already have carefully unpacked the unit, now place it in your desired location.
2. Before plugging it in, let the unit sit upright for 24 hours.
   • This allows the refrigerant and any displaced oil to settle properly, preventing damage to the compressor and ensuring efficient, trouble-free operation.

This is standard practice for all refrigerators/coolers. Taking this step helps maintain the appliance's performance and prolong its lifespan.

 

Common Questions about Freight Delivery

Although we've gone over the essentials of freight delivery, some aspects of the procedure can be challenging to comprehend. Therefore, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions covering everything from scheduling your delivery to how you should handle damaged packages to make sure you're always aware of the situation. Have a question that still needs to be addressed here? Contact our professionals at info@premiumwinecoolers.com.

How do I know if my shipment is being delivered by freight?

After placing your order, watch for your shipping confirmation email because it will include the delivery method. Of course, you can always call us if you believe there will be a freight delivery involved; we're working on ways to notify you sooner.

When will the freight carrier call me to schedule a delivery?

Typically, freight carriers won't call you before delivery. However, some delivery services may contact you as a courtesy to schedule a delivery. When your order gets to a local facility of a freight company, the carrier may call to schedule this with you. Therefore, it is essential that you provide the best phone number to reach you when placing an order with us. The freight company will call that number, and you don't want the delivery process slowed down because the carrier can't get through to you. Decide on a delivery window (which can last between 4 and 8 hours), mark it on your calendar so you remember it, and plan to be there.

Do I need to be home to accept the delivery?

If the carrier calls you to schedule your delivery, you only need to be there to accept your shipment. To confirm delivery, the freight driver will give you a receipt you must sign (unless you reject the delivery due to package damage; see below for more information). You do not need to be home to receive your delivery if they did not call to schedule it, but we still advise you to be there to check it out and move it from the curb.

Will the driver help me move the pallet to my backyard?

No, all truck drivers will only make curbside deliveries. Their liability insurance does not cover the inside of your property. Although the liftgates on their semi-trucks are used to unload the goods, it is ultimately your responsibility to drive the shipment up your driveway and into your house or backyard. To help you when your delivery arrives, we advise having at least two helpers close by. You'll appreciate the assistance because items only ship via freight when they are too big or heavy to be delivered by a regular courier.

What do I need to do when my shipment arrives?

Upon delivery, look over the pallet and packaging for any issues. Spend some time checking for any dents or tears. You have two choices after carefully inspecting your shipment: either refuse the delivery if there is excessive damage or make a note of any minor damage on the receipt before signing to accept the delivery. Please only refuse the delivery if several items are damaged, but call us immediately if anything is damaged.

Be aware that sometimes smaller items are shipped inside larger ones, giving the impression that your order isn't complete. Please unpack each item completely before calling to report any missing parts. If you check your shipment and find any problems after you do so, don't worry if the driver is not there. Any problems should be reported to info@premiumwinecoolers.com within five calendar days.

What should I do as soon as the driver leaves?

1. Grab the packing list inside your packages after carefully removing the shrink wrap.
2. To ensure your order is complete, cross-reference the model number of each item with the packing list. The box's exterior or a UPC sticker attached to the box will be printed with the model numbers. Make sure to completely unpack each component because some items might be packed inside of others. Carefully open the boxes and inspect each item to check for physical damage. Verify all of the moving parts, including the hinges, knobs, arms, legs, and feet.
3. Call us as soon as you can if there are any issues with damages or missing items. After accepting the delivery, you have five calendar days to report any issues, but we want to take care of you immediately.

What should I do if my shipment is damaged?

Before calling us:

1. Note any obvious damage on the receipt, such as a tear in the shrink wrap, that can be seen on the packaging itself. If there are several damaged items in the shipment, you can refuse the delivery.
2. Unpack each item completely and check it for physical damage as well.
3. If you notice any scratches or dents on the items themselves, take pictures and notify us by e-mail at info@premiumwinecoolers.com immediately.

How long do I have to notify Premium Wine Coolers about an issue with my shipment?

You must report any damages or other issues with your order within five calendar days of delivery. Please include photos of the damage (including the boxes) to info@premiumwinecoolers.com.

What happens if the carrier misses the scheduled delivery window?

We know how frustrating it can be to plan a day off work and round up some friends to help, only for the delivery window to pass with no sign of your shipment. If that happens, kindly call us immediately so we can assist you in rescheduling a delivery time and inform the freight company about the missed appointment. Of course, we'll always set up whatever works best for you, but we may also look into alternatives like a terminal pickup.

Are there places freight companies won't deliver to?

Freight carriers usually make deliveries in semi-trucks, which cannot navigate narrow, dead-end, or obstructed streets. If your residence is in such a location, please let us know at the time of your order, and we'll work with you to find a solution. For example, we may arrange a terminal pickup, allow for a change of address, hire movers to assist with delivery or find a carrier with a truck small enough to reach your residence.

Have any other questions? Get in touch with our experts at info@premiumwinecoolers.com.