Truck Delivery

We are as small family owned and operated boutique shop. I have created this information list to make it easy for truck deliveries. I am so happy you ordered something big and important enough to warrant a truck delivery. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and allowing us to be a part of yours. 

Standard Truck Delivery: 

In order to keep shipping charges as low as possible our standard freight service is curbside delivery.  

  •  What is curbside delivery? Curbside delivery means that the shipper will bring the package to your address, pull the truck up to the front of your house, and make the shipment available for offloading.  Many of the items we ship by freight can easily be lifted off the pallets. Curbside delivery does not include use of the lift gate. Items difficult to move from the truck to your driveway or entryway may require your assistance. 

Any service beyond this, such lift gate, inside delivery, and white glove delivery are not included but can be added for an additional price if you deem it necessary.  

Premium Truck Services: 

Optional delivery services are available depending on your area. If you require a lift gate, inside delivery or additional services, such as un-crating or assembly please contact us @ 912-601-1265. We will be happy to get a quote for you.

  • What is lift gate delivery? A lift gate is a device used to raise and lower items from ground level to the level of a tractor trailer.  If your delivery location does not have a loading dock or fork-lift and the item is too heavy to remove from the trailer by hand, then you may need a lift gate for an additional cost.  Freight companies charge $65.00 and up for lift gate service.
  • What is inside delivery? Inside delivery means the freight company will unload your shipment using the lift gate and take your shipment onto the property, or into the garage of the residence.  It does not include taking the shipment up any stairs.  
  • What is white glove delivery? White glove delivery means the shipment will be unloaded with care and taken to the exact location where you want it.  In some instances, if the item needs put together they will do that as well.  Any packaging materials used and garbage are removed.  White glove delivery is not always available, but we will do our best to find a carrier that offers it in your area.

*** NOTE - Please be sure to measure all doors, elevators, and stairways.  Delivery fees, both ways, are non-refundable should merchandise not fit.

ONCE YOUR ORDER HAS SHIPPED

The freight company will call you to schedule your delivery. Truck deliveries are typically made Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM and someone must be present to take delivery. Please be sure to inspect the merchandise upon receipt and note any damage with the driver before he leaves your home. If damage is noted, please retain the original packaging for return.

**** IMPORTANT - Read the Following ****

I really want your truck delivery experience to be a good one, frustration free and exciting. 


RULE #1) Know when to CALL

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, CALL US RIGHT AWAY! 
Even if it's just the first hint of a problem, we want to help. Call CHOF customer care at 912-601-1265. We are here in Atlanta, Georgia from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm EST, Monday thru Friday.

RULE #2) Know what to EXPECT

You should be prepared for a vehicle of considerable size arriving at your residence. If for any reason you think this may be a problem, please notify us immediately.

STANDARD DELIVERY IS "CURBSIDE ONLY". Curbside delivery means that the shipper will bring the package to your address, pull the truck up to the front of your house, and make the shipment available for offloading.  Many of the items we ship by freight can easily be lifted off the pallets. Curbside delivery does not include use of the lift gate. Items difficult to move from the truck to your driveway or entryway may require your assistance. 

DELIVERY OPTIONS THAT MUST BE SCHEDULED IN ADVANCE. 
a) Lift Gate - The truck will have a lift gate to aid you in unloading your shipment from the truck.
b) Inside Delivery - The driver will assist in bringing the shipment to the threshold, or doorway of your residence (stairs are additional).

If you wish to upgrade your shipping options, please contact us immediately for a price quote.

RULE #3) Know when to EXPECT it

SCHEDULING YOUR DELIVERY. Once your order has shipped, and the shipment has reached the designated service terminal you will receive a phone call from the truck company to schedule a delivery appointment. Truck deliveries are typically made Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, you will be given a 3-4 hour window of time, and someone must be present to take delivery. Freight companies charge storage fees for shipments held in their warehouse for extended periods of time. Common reasons for storage fees are customers out of town or the truck company is unable to reach the customer. To avoid any chance of storage fees:

a) Please make sure that we have a valid daytime phone number on file for you. 
b) If you have plans to be out of town between now and the estimated shipping date, please let us know ASAP so that we may schedule your freight shipment accordingly.

RULE #4) Know how to INSPECT it

NOW THIS PART IS VERY IMPORTANT! 
When your shipment arrives the freight carrier will require a signature to confirm delivery. It is your responsibility to inspect all packages and their content so it is very important that you do not sign for the delivery without being sure that the contents are in good condition. Signing for a shipment states that you have received all pieces in good condition and relieves the tuck company from any obligation for damages.

DO NOT SIGN FOR ANY SHIPMENT BEFORE COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING

ASK FOR YOUR FREIGHT BILL. 
The truck driver will provide you with a freight bill which indicates the number of cartons you should have received. (The freight bill may also be called the "bill of lading" or "delivery receipt").

COUNT THE CARTONS.
Make sure that you have received the correct number of cartons indicated on the freight bill. If there are any cartons missing, indicate this on the freight bill.

EXAMINE THE CARTONS FOR DAMAGE.
Before your shipment was accepted by the freight carrier for delivery it was inspected and found to be in perfect condition. Carefully examine the outside of the boxes carefully. If you locate any area of the carton that is stressed, ripped, smashed, or torn, pay particular interest to large furniture items. If there is any visible damage - note it on the freight bill "carton damaged, contents may have hidden damage".

EXAMINE THE CONTENT FOR DAMAGE.
(Keep in mind that the boxes do not have to be visibly damaged for the contents to be damaged. Dropping a package or pallet from even 6" can crack welds or shift product and scar finishes). You must inspect the contents of your shipment while the driver waits. Open all cartons, remove the packaging and inspect the contents for any physical damage. If there is any damage, indicate so on the delivery receipt. If the merchandise appears to be damaged in any way, please describe the damage in writing on the freight bill and refuse the delivery. (If your order consists of several boxes, it is okay to accept the undamaged boxes and refuse the damaged ones.)

Then notify our customer service department immediately so that we can get a replacement order sent out right away. We can be reached at:  912-601-1265 10:00am - 5:00pm EST, Monday - Friday.

Colonial house of Flowers cannot accept responsibility for any damaged product once you sign for a delivery. Damage that occurs during shipment is the responsibility of the shipping company. It's your responsibility to be sure your freight is acceptable when you sign. Once you have sign, any later recourse may have to be taken up directly with the freight company that delivered your goods.

RULE #5) Know what to do IF

WHAT IF THE DRIVER LEAVES MY SHIPMENT WHEN I AM NOT THERE TO SIGN FOR IT. 
Drivers are required to get a signature before leaving a shipment. But, if for any reason your shipment is left without you being there to sign for it - please notify us immediately. You may go ahead and inspect the boxes and the contents, but Do Not Throw Away any Packaging Materials. If there is any damage to your shipment you must have all of the packaging materials in order to file an insurance claim.

WHAT IF I FIND HIDDEN DAMAGE AFTER THE SHIPPING COMPANY HAS LEFT? 
If you find hidden damage after the shipping company has left - the most important thing to do is Save All Packaging Materials and Call Us Immediately. If you had noted possible hidden damage on the bill of lading there is a chance that we can get the claim paid as long as we have all the original packaging materials. If you discard this packaging material your claim will be rejected.

RULE #6) Always REMEMBER Rule #1

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, CALL ME RIGHT AWAY! I will do my very best to help. 

Damage that occurs during shipment is the responsibility of the shipping company. Please make sure your freight is acceptable when you sign for it. Once you have signed off any later recourse may have to be taken up directly with the freight company that delivered your goods. CHOF CANNOT accept responsibility for any damaged product once you accept and sign for a delivery.

We hope this information will help your delivery go smoothly. Thank you SO much for your business!