Large commercial kitchen equipment arrives by LTL freight truck on a pallet, curbside, after the carrier calls to set an appointment. Before you sign, count the pieces, walk around the pallet, photograph anything wrong and write the damage on the delivery receipt, because a clean signature ends the carrier’s liability for visible damage.
Shop the equipment in this article: Work Tables, Commercial Refrigerators and Cooking Equipment. Freight is included on every order.
How your order ships
Our shipping policy splits deliveries in two. Smaller items such as faucets, shelving, smallwares and hand sinks go by UPS or FedEx Ground, and very small parcels may go by USPS. Anything large or heavy, such as ranges, refrigeration, work tables, compartment sinks and ice machines, ships by LTL freight carrier on a pallet. Every price on our site includes freight to the continental United States, so nothing is added at checkout and no carrier surcharge is billed afterward. Free freight covers the 48 contiguous states; we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, other U.S. territories or international addresses.
Our policy lists these times: in-stock items ship within 1 to 2 business days, parcels typically arrive 2 to 5 business days after shipping, freight typically 3 to 7 business days after shipping depending on distance, and factory-direct items can take 7 to 14 business days to leave the manufacturer. We ship from warehouses in Florida and New Jersey, and if anything is delayed or backordered, we contact you before it ships.
Before the truck arrives
- Answer your phone. The carrier calls to schedule, usually within a 4 hour window. Undeliverable freight goes back to the terminal and can collect storage fees.
- Check the address type. Most freight goes to a commercial address. If the address on your order is residential, we call you before shipping to work out the best option, such as a nearby business address, your contractor’s shop or pickup at the local freight terminal.
- Make room for the truck. Many freight trucks are 48 to 53 feet long.
- Measure the path inside. Doorways, hallways, turns and stairs all have to clear the crate. Our guide on measuring for commercial equipment delivery covers it.
- Line up help and tools. A pallet jack, a dolly or a second pair of hands is usually enough for most items.
Liftgate and curbside delivery
Liftgate service is included at no charge. If you have no loading dock or forklift, the driver lowers the pallet to the ground with the liftgate on the truck. You do not need to request it and you are not billed for it.
Delivery is curbside. Drivers bring the equipment to the ground at your address and are not permitted to bring it inside, up stairs or into a basement. Plan how you will move a 400 lb range or a 500 lb refrigerator from the curb to its spot. Several of the reach-ins we sell list weights over 400 lbs on their pages.
Inspect before you sign
This is the most important step. Once you sign a clean delivery receipt, the carrier’s liability for visible damage ends, and so does our ability to claim on your behalf.
- Count the pieces against the delivery receipt.
- Walk around the pallet. Look for crushed corners, torn shrink wrap, punctures, dents, water staining, or a carton that has shifted on the pallet.
- Photograph anything that looks wrong while the truck is still there.
- Write it on the delivery receipt, specifically: “dent in left side panel”, “carton crushed, top right corner”. “Subject to inspection” alone is not enough.
- Do not let a driver talk you into signing now and sorting it out later.
If a unit is visibly destroyed, refuse it, write the reason on the receipt and call us. We arrange a replacement. Refusing damaged freight is far faster than claiming on it afterward.
Concealed damage: the 48 hour window
Some damage only shows once the packaging comes off. Uncrate and inspect the equipment within 48 hours of delivery, even if you are not installing it yet. Report concealed damage to us within 48 hours, with photographs of the item and its packaging, and keep all packaging until the claim is resolved. Carriers routinely deny concealed damage claims reported later or without the original packaging. Our guide to uncrating and inspecting new equipment walks through it.
If something arrives damaged
Contact us at info@express-kitchquip.com or call 1-877-558-2253 with your order number, photographs and a copy of the signed delivery receipt. All shipments are insured, and we file the carrier claim ourselves; you do not deal with the freight company. Once the claim is confirmed, we repair, replace or refund the item and tell you which and how long it will take.
After it is inside
- Refrigeration: follow the maker’s instructions on how long to let a unit stand before you plug it in. Our article on a new commercial refrigerator’s first 24 hours covers start-up.
- Gas equipment: have a licensed gas installer make the connection.
- Sinks and tables: level them before you plumb or load them.
Returns, if you need one
Unused equipment in its original packaging may be returned within 7 days of delivery for powered equipment, meaning anything that plugs in or connects to gas, and within 14 days for non-powered items such as work tables, sinks and shelving. Returns can carry a restocking fee of up to 25 percent, return freight is the buyer’s responsibility, and on freight-shipped items the original shipping cost is deducted from the refund. Contact us before returning anything, because a return shipped without a return authorization number cannot be credited.
Mistakes to avoid
- Signing a clean receipt before you look at the pallet.
- Throwing away packaging before you have inspected the item.
- Not answering calls from an unknown number the week of delivery.
- Assuming the driver will bring equipment inside.
Frequently asked questions
Is liftgate delivery extra?
No. Liftgate service is included at no charge on freight deliveries.
Will the driver bring the equipment into my kitchen?
No. Delivery is curbside. Drivers are not permitted to bring equipment inside, up stairs or into a basement.
What if I find damage after the driver leaves?
Report it to us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs of the item and the packaging, and keep the packaging until the claim is resolved.
Can I cancel before it ships?
Yes, at no cost any time before it ships. After shipping, a cancellation is treated as a return. Browse our work tables, commercial refrigerators, commercial ranges and three compartment sinks.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.