Freight Receiving Guide
This guide applies to drop-ship freight orders. It does not apply to projects for which Nationwide Office Furniture has quoted full delivery and installation services; those projects are handled directly by our delivery team and follow a separate process communicated at the time of quote.
For information on order processing timelines, tracking, and carrier scheduling, please see our Shipping & Order Process.
Please review this guide carefully prior to receiving any freight shipment from Nationwide Office Furniture. Adherence to these procedures is required to protect your shipment and preserve your right to file a damage claim.
Definition of Freight Delivery
Freight delivery is defined as curbside or dock-level delivery to the client's address. The freight carrier will deliver the shipment to the property line or loading dock only. Carriers will not bring items inside the building, transport items to upper floors, or perform unpacking or assembly unless additional services have been quoted and confirmed in writing prior to shipment.
Client Responsibilities
The client is responsible for offloading the shipment from the truck unless liftgate, inside delivery, or full delivery and installation services have been quoted in advance. The client must ensure that adequate personnel and equipment (such as a dolly, pallet jack, or forklift) are available on site at the time of delivery. The client must also be available during the scheduled delivery appointment; missed appointments may result in re-delivery fees assessed by the carrier.
Additional Services Available by Quote
The following services are not included in standard freight pricing and must be requested prior to shipment:
- Liftgate service (for locations without a loading dock)
- Inside delivery (threshold or room-of-choice)
- Residential delivery
- Limited-access locations (including schools, churches, military bases, construction sites, and similar)
- Scheduled appointment or after-hours delivery
- Full delivery and installation services (available throughout the contiguous United States)
Any of the above services may be quoted upon request. Please contact us before placing your order to confirm pricing and availability.
Inspection Requirements
Every freight shipment must be inspected before the delivery receipt (Bill of Lading, or BOL) is signed. The client is required to:
- Count the number of pieces delivered and compare against the BOL.
- Inspect all cartons, crates, and pallets for visible damage.
- Note any damage, shortages, or discrepancies directly on the BOL before signing. A clean (unmarked) BOL signed at delivery releases the carrier and manufacturer from liability for damage discovered after the fact.
- Photograph all damaged packaging and contents at the time of delivery.
- Retain all original packaging materials until the claim is resolved.
Damage Claim Reporting
All damage, shortages, or discrepancies must be reported to Nationwide Office Furniture within 48 hours of delivery and must include the following supporting documentation:
- The signed BOL with damage clearly noted
- Photographs of the damaged packaging and product
- A written description of the damage or shortage
- The original order or invoice number
Claims submitted without the required documentation, or submitted outside of the 48-hour window, may not be honored.
Refusing a Shipment
If a shipment arrives with severe or extensive damage, the client may refuse delivery. However, we strongly recommend contacting Nationwide Office Furniture before refusing any shipment so that we may guide you through the proper process.
Contact
For questions regarding freight shipments, damage claims, or to request a quote for additional delivery services, please contact us at 888-559-3917 or Cs@nationwideofficefurniture.com.