We encourage you to be prepared for large, bulky and heavy items in your delivery. Plan for the right people and equipment needed to accept the delivery. By following these guidelines below, you can ensure a seamless delivery experience.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare for receiving a freight shipment of outdoor playground equipment:
- Customer Responsibility for Off-Loading:
- You are responsible for off-loading playground materials from the truck.
- Most delivery trucks will not have a lift gate or way to get materials off the truck and to the ground.
- Required Equipment and Labor:
- Playground items are large and heavy, often requiring specialized equipment such as a bobcat or forklift, which you must provide.
- Ensure you have appropriate staff, laborers, and equipment available to offload.
- Skid/Pallet Breakdown Inside the Trailer:
- Some skids/pallets may need to be broken down inside the trailer to unload the equipment.
- Lift-Gate Service Details:
- A liftgate is a motorized platform attached to the back of a truck that can be lowered to the ground, making the off-load of materials process easier.
- When possible, lift-gate service will be included in the freight cost.
- Lift-gates can take the equipment off the truck but may not accommodate all playground items due to their size and weight.
- Delivery Scheduling:
- The delivery company or driver will communicate the delivery day and time. Be prepared to have the necessary resources on-site to ensure a smooth delivery process.
- Moving Equipment After Off-Loading:
- Once off-loaded, it’s your responsibility to move the equipment to its desired location.
- Inside Delivery Not Available:
- Inside delivery services are not provided for playground equipment.
- Inventory Shipment:
- Count your total skids, pallets.
- Make note of the number of cartons on a pallet when you sign the delivery document.
- Inspect each carton, skid, or item for any damages. Document (photograph) any visible damage and sign the bill of lading with the total number of items received. If you discover damages or missing items after delivery, please report these to Kaplan within 4 days of delivery.
Let us know if you have any specific concerns or need additional clarification!