Receiving Instructions

We use a variety of carriers to get products to you including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and common freight system carriers. We endeavor to keep shipping costs as low as possible and will use the least cost carrier consistent with carrier history for timeliness and reliability, and your destination requirements. As we receive tracking information from our carrier(s), we will provide you with a carrier and tracking number. Tracking information provided by the carrier is the carrier’s “best estimate” as to delivery time to your area and may not include additional time for local delivery.

DELIVERY OPTIONS

Commercial address with loading dock or fork lift  - Choose this option on an item if you have access to a commercial loading dock or fork lift. A dock or fork lift operator must be available on-site during business hours to accept delivery. Commercial dock/fork lift delivery is included in the assessed shipping for an order. A re-delivery charge will apply if the dock is unattended or fork lift operator is unavailable when delivery is attempted.

Commercial address with lift gate delivery - Lift gate service is provided by trucks with a specialized elevator "lift" gate on the side or rear of the truck. We recommend lift gate for all freezer systems and set up your order for lift gate by default. Choose this option on on-line orders if you would like delivery to a commercial address. Someone must be available during business hours to receive the shipment.  Fee applies to lift gate service.  Re-delivery charge may apply if no one is available to accept delivery.

Commercial Restricted - This is delivery to a commercial location with restricted access such as a military base, government office, and some highly concentrated commercial areas (shown below). If you are in one of the area codes below or in an area that may have restricted access, please call us before ordering on-line. Additional fees may apply.

Current commercial restricted codes include but are not limited to:

100xx, 200xx, 60001, 60176, 606xx, 900xx, 902xx, 942xx

NOTE: On-line orders calculate shipping based on a national estimation system and cannot anticipate every shipping circumstance. As such, we reserve the right to hold an order pending receipt of additional payment for extraordinary shipping costs or services. This is an uncommon occurrence, typically happening only in restricted shipping areas or when special handling is required, but it does occur. Please contact us if you have a question about your shipping. 

Residential address with lift gate delivery - Similar to commercial deliveries, except to a residential address.  We usually request "call ahead" service to connect you and the carrier to set up a delivery appointment. The contact number you provide to us is what we provide to the carrier. Residential delivery usually adds a day or two to the delivery time frame. By the way, not all carriers offer appointment service or are consistent in providing it, but we'll always give you the best 'heads-up' we can regardless!  Additional fees apply.

Secondary pallets - Some orders are split into a primary pallet (typically the freezer unit) and a secondary pallet or sometimes package for a cart frame or accessories.  These secondary pallets will not normally be shipped with lift gate service as the pallet can be unloaded and/or opened at the truck and then the components easily moved.  Extra charges are not typically applied specifically for a secondary pallet.  

Carrier Terminal Pick-Up - Under certain circumstances we may be able (or need) to deliver to a carrier terminal  for customer pick-up. CTPU deliveries must be coordinated ahead of time and are not available for on-line orders.  Additional charges may apply.

Shipping to Canada/Caribbean - Some items may be shipped directly to our customers in Canada or to the Caribbean.  If you are in these areas (or anywhere else outside the continental US), please order off-line. 

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO INSPECT YOUR SHIPMENT CAREFULLY ON ARRIVAL!

Our carriers are responsible to get our products to you in perfect order. To that end all products are carefully packaged, loaded, transported and unloaded. It is your right and responsibility to carefully check your order BEFORE accepting delivery. 

As the receiving party, you are responsible to check to make sure merchandise is clear of any freight damage. You have the right to unpack each piece before signing the bill of lading and you have the “right to refuse” the shipment if you see any visible damage. If you accept the shipment, any visible damages should be noted on Bill of Lading by the driver before you sign acceptance. If you sign "in good condition" you are accepting the freight 'as is'. Once you have accepted delivery, responsibility for damages transfers from the carrier to you and our ability to make things right at no cost to you is limited. Carriers are not responsible for concealed freight damage after you sign.

If you have found damage in your shipment, do the following immediately:

1) Document the damage with the driver and/or reject the delivery (please call before rejecting as some damages may be corrected easily without a return)

2) TAKE PICTURES - PICTURES ARE HELPFUL IN ESTABLISHING CARRIER RESPONSIBILITY!

3) Notify Cardinal Carts at 888-864-3694 immediately while carrier is still on site if possible. Depending on the product being delivered and other circumstances, you may be provided number(s) to call in addition to or in lieu of Cardinal Carts, or other instructions.

NOTE 1: Delivery is accepted "on the truck" unless you request lift-gate service; lift-gate service extends carrier service to the curb which protects you if the freezer takes a tumble out of the back of the truck during unloading. 

NOTE 2: If additional delivery services or changes to delivery are requested after the order is placed, the order is subject to significant additional charges from the carrier which will be your responsibility.

NOTE 3: Deliveries rejected without documented damage with the carrier or without calling Cardinal Carts first are considered RETURNS and are subject to restocking fees plus return shipping costs.

NOTE 4: Minor rubs, blemishes, and scratches do occur in shipping—these are not considered damages unless extreme in nature as they are inconsequential and often easily remedied.