What to Expect on Delivery Day: A Homeowner's LTL Freight Guide

If you've never received an LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight delivery before, it can feel intimidating. A full-size semi-truck pulling up to your house is a different experience than a FedEx driver dropping off a package. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.

What Is LTL Freight?

LTL freight is how commercial goods — including flooring — are shipped across the country. Your order is loaded onto a pallet, placed in a shared trailer with other shipments, and delivered by a freight carrier. It's the most cost-effective way to ship heavy items like flooring.

At FloorFreight, orders of 3+ cartons typically ship via LTL freight. Smaller orders (1-2 cartons) ship via FedEx or UPS.

Before Delivery Day

Confirm your delivery window. The freight carrier will call you 24-48 hours before delivery to schedule a window (usually a 4-hour block). Someone needs to be home.

Clear a path. Flooring cartons are heavy — typically 30-80 pounds each. Make sure there's a clear path from where the truck will stop to where you plan to store the flooring.

Check truck access. The delivery will be made by a full-size semi-truck (53 feet long). Make sure the truck can physically reach your address. If you live on a narrow street or cul-de-sac, mention this when scheduling.

On Delivery Day

A responsible adult (18+) must be present to sign for the delivery. The driver will not leave the shipment without a signature.

Delivery is curbside only. The driver will unload your pallet to the curb or driveway. They will not carry cartons inside your home. Plan to have help available to move the boxes inside.

Consider liftgate service. If you don't have a loading dock (most homes don't), liftgate service uses a hydraulic lift to lower the pallet from the truck to ground level. This is available for an additional fee and is highly recommended for residential deliveries.

The Most Important Part: Inspection

This is where most delivery problems happen — and where you have the most control.

Inspect EVERY box before signing. Look for:

• Crushed corners or dented boxes
• Water damage or staining
• Torn packaging or exposed product
• Missing cartons (count them against your order)

Note ANY damage on the delivery receipt. Even if damage looks minor, write it down. "3 boxes with crushed corners" or "water stain on 2 cartons" — be specific.

Do NOT refuse the delivery. This is the most common mistake homeowners make. Even if some boxes are damaged, accept the delivery and note the damage. Refusing the entire shipment creates a logistical nightmare and delays your project by weeks.

Take photos. Photograph any damage before, during, and after unloading. Time-stamped photos are your best evidence if you need to file a claim.

After Delivery

Report damage within 24 hours. Contact FloorFreight immediately if you noticed any damage. We'll work with the carrier to resolve it quickly.

Store flooring properly. Stack cartons flat in the room where they'll be installed, and keep that room climate-controlled. How long they need to sit there before installation depends on the product, so check the installation guide that came with your flooring: COREtec states that acclimation of its planks and tiles prior to installation is not required as long as the room is climate-controlled,^{Source 1} while solid and engineered hardwood generally do need time to come into balance with the room's temperature and humidity first.

Open and inspect the product. Before installation begins, open each carton and inspect the planks. Check for manufacturing defects, color inconsistencies, or damage that wasn't visible through the packaging.

Shipping Timeline

• Processing: 1-2 business days after your order
• Transit: 5-12 business days depending on your location — we'll confirm your delivery date once your order is processed
• Scheduling: Carrier calls 24-48 hours before delivery

For complete details, visit our shipping policy page.

Questions?

Freight delivery doesn't have to be stressful. The key is preparation: clear the space, be home to inspect, document everything, and never refuse a delivery. Most deliveries go perfectly smoothly — this guide just ensures you're ready for anything.

Browse our shop to start shopping, and remember: orders over $1,799 ship free.