Taking Pallet Delivery

[NY_Caveman]

i have never taken a pallet delivery before. I was just informed my JBJ 30 aquarium and stand would be shipped by pallet. First question, they said free shipping so I assume everything is covered at both ends? Do they always take it off the truck for you? Any other concerns I should have? I am unsure what to expect. The total weight is about 140 pounds I believe. Will have more info soon. Thanks.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Been reading up on this and it seems leaving it on the street using a lift gate is standard. That is about what I expected and would be fine. Perhaps anyone who has taken a pallet delivery has some useful comments or suggestions? Thanks

 

[andyg1960]

Same thing for my Red Sea Reefer. It was on a pallet. 700 something pounds. The delivery was curbside. However, a clear driveway and a small gratuity and the driver wheeled it into my garage for me. In any case, yes, they will take it off the truck for you. Inspect carefully for damage before you sign for it.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Thanks! Yes, I planning on having cash on hand for any extra needs.

 

[malacoda]

They'll have a pallet jack to roll it on and off the truck's lift gate. And as long as it's not a half-mile away, I'm sure they wouldn't mind rolling into your driveway or garage. I've receive probably 6-10 pallet deliveries over the past few years and never had a driver not roll it into my garage 20 feet way. I just offer to give them a hand pulling/pushing the jack (slightly uphill driveway), and slip 'em a of tip a few bucks afterward.

If there is any type of hurdle to getting inside that would require lifting, unpacking, etc., that's where you will run into the probability of not getting help from a driver (mostly due to potential injury or liability issues).

 

[NY_Caveman]

That is great information guys. Thank you!

 

[cmcoker]

I'm in am apartment, both pallet deliveries I've had brought it to my door. Both offered to bring inside. I did take one of them up on it, and even got him to take the pallet with him for a few bucks.
Third took it off the pallet on the truck and brought it inside also.

 

[BlueCursor]

The guy who unloaded my curbside pallet delivery was happy to drop it in my garage. I was happy to give him a $20 for the extra effort. No discussion of money occurred in advance, but I was willing to bring up the subject if necessary.

He's going to look at your garage and see how much effort this is going to be for him. Have the cars out of the garage and a clear path for him; he'll be much more inclined to help you out.

 

[rblair]

you might want to contact the shipping company and make sure it states you need lift gate delivery, it's not fun when they show up in a flat truck with no way to get it to the gound

 

[Aquarist76]

I've ordered both a Red Sea 750XXL v1 and a Planet Aquarium 210G 96". For the Red Sea the freight driver brought it in 40ft in a blizzard through snow to my garage; he refused money but then after that he hit on me which was a bit awkward so take that for what you will. The Planet Aquarium came while my 75yr mom was house sitting for me while I was at work. The driver was nice and brought it the 40 feet into the garage I think because it was my sweet old mom that was there to receive it. In general they are only obligated to drop it at the curb though. YMMV Worst case scenario it will probably be fully wrapped in plastic and you can go to Home Depot and rent a pallet jack and probably some guys to help. No one is going to steal that from your curb unless they're seriously motivated.

To move the Red Sea into the house I hired furniture movers. I told them they needed at least 3-4 people and 2 skinny guys showed up with shoulder straps. It was really sketchy, they almost dropped it raising it up on the stand. For the PA96 a friend of mine had some members of his church come and help me get it in the house.