What to Expect When Your Equipment Ships

Shop equipment is big and heavy, so it doesn't arrive like a normal package. Knowing what to expect on delivery day makes everything go smoothly, from the moment the truck pulls up to the moment your equipment is running.

How equipment ships

Most equipment ships by LTL freight (less-than-truckload), meaning your order shares a truck with other freight. Larger orders and full shop packages may ship by full truckload. Either way, it arrives on a pallet or in a crate, not in a box on someone's porch.

How big and heavy it is

Here's what typical shipments look like, based on our product specs:

• Two-post lifts: a long crate about 9 to 10 feet long, weighing roughly 1,400 to 2,600 lbs.
• Four-post lifts: long crates up to about 16 to 19 feet, weighing roughly 1,800 to 3,200 lbs.
• Tire changers and balancers: palletized machines, typically a few hundred pounds each

You'll find the shipping weight in the specs on most product pages.

Unloading: plan ahead

This is the step that catches people off guard. Freight drivers typically aren't equipped to move a 2,000 lb. crate into your shop. Deliveries usually go to a commercial address, and you'll typically need a forklift or other unloading equipment on site.

• Have a forklift ready with forks long enough for the crate
• Clear a path from where the truck parks to where the crate will sit
• Have a few people on hand if needed
• No forklift? Call us before you order and we'll talk through your options

Inspect before you sign

Before you sign the delivery receipt, walk around the shipment and look for damage: broken crates, crushed corners, or punctures. If you see anything, note it on the delivery receipt before you sign and take photos. Then call us right away. Noting damage at delivery makes any freight claim much easier to resolve.

Or skip the freight: pick it up

If you're within driving distance of Daleville, Indiana, you can pick up your equipment from our showroom. Bring a trailer, and in-stock equipment can often go home the same day. It's also a great excuse to see the rest of the lineup in person.

Getting it installed

Truman doesn't install equipment directly, but we'll connect you with a trusted installer from our nationwide network and help coordinate the process. Before install day, make sure your concrete and power are ready, and that you have the hydraulic oil your lift calls for, since many lifts ship without it.

Our take

The smoothest deliveries happen when the buyer plans for unloading before the truck is scheduled. Confirm your delivery address, line up a forklift, and have your floor and power ready. Do that, and you'll go from crate to working equipment fast.

Questions about shipping?

Thinking about picking up instead? Plan your visit to our Daleville, Indiana showroom.