Getting it off the truck

Most of what we sell is too big for a parcel carrier. A box blade, a grapple or a rotary tiller goes on a pallet, on a freight truck, and that changes what happens when it reaches you. This page explains it before you buy, not after.

The short version: delivery is curbside, and you unload it. If that's a problem at your place, call or text (817) 587-4397 before you order.

What "curbside" actually means

Standard freight delivery puts your equipment at the end of the truck, at your delivery point. It does not include:

• Installation
• Assembly
• Placement inside a building
• Unloading labor or equipment
• Removal of packaging or pallets
• Transport across unsafe or inaccessible private roads

The driver's job is to get the freight to you. Getting it off the truck is yours.

What you need on site

A tractor with forks, a skid steer, or two to three people, depending on the weight. Check the shipping weight on the product page and be honest with yourself about what you can move. A 1,200 lb implement on a pallet is not a two-person job.

You are responsible for:

• A complete and accurate delivery address
• A working daytime telephone number
• Responding to delivery-scheduling requests
• Preparing a safe and accessible delivery location
• Providing any required forklift, tractor, loader, dock, crew or unloading equipment
• Inspecting the shipment on delivery

Can the truck actually reach you?

This is the question that causes the most trouble, and it is the cheapest one to answer in advance. Think about the whole route in, not just where you want the pallet to end up:

• Is the drive wide enough, and is there room to turn around?
• Are there low branches, a tight gate, a cattle guard or a soft spot?
• Is the drive passable when wet?
• Is there a bridge or culvert with a weight limit?

If any of that gives you pause, call or text us before you order. We would much rather have a two-minute conversation now than sort out a refused delivery later. A commercial address with a dock or a forklift is always the easier option if you have one available.

Costs that are not part of standard delivery

Free standard shipping covers the standard shipping or freight service we select. It does not cover optional or additional services you request, including expedited shipping, inside delivery, white-glove delivery, installation or assembly, unloading labor or equipment, storage from a missed delivery, redelivery, reconsignment, address correction, or ferry service. Any known charge for one of these is disclosed before it is added to your order.

You may also be responsible for extra costs caused by a missed delivery appointment, an incorrect or incomplete address, failure to respond to the carrier, failure to provide required unloading equipment, or an unsafe or inaccessible delivery location. These are not standard shipping charges and are not included in free shipping.

Inspect it before you sign

This is the part that costs people money. Signing the delivery receipt is you saying the freight arrived in the condition shown. Once you have signed clean, undocumented damage is very hard to claim.

Before the driver leaves:

1. Count all packages, pallets and crates against the paperwork.
2. Photograph the shipment before you remove any packaging.
3. Inspect the packaging and the visible product.
4. Write it down. Record any visible damage or shortage on the delivery receipt or bill of lading before you sign.
5. Keep everything: packaging, crates, pallets, straps, labels and any damaged components.

Then email hello@farmerdirectsupply.com within 24 hours with your order number, photographs of the product and the packaging, the shipping label, the serial number if applicable, the signed delivery receipt or bill of lading, and a description of the problem.

Do not discard packaging, and do not install, operate, modify, repair or return the product until we have given you instructions.

Should you refuse the shipment?

Usually not. Refusing sends the machine back across the country and delays everything while a claim is worked out. Note the damage on the paperwork, photograph it, accept the delivery, and call us. Refuse only for serious, obvious damage: a crushed crate, a bent frame, a machine that has clearly been dropped. Do not refuse a $3,400 implement over a scuffed crate corner.

Either way, call or text (817) 587-4397 and we will work it out with you.

Returns on freight items

Most eligible products have a 30-calendar-day return-request window, and written return authorization is required before you ship anything back. Be aware that on oversized items return freight is at the buyer's cost and can be substantial. That is the honest reason to get the fit right before you order rather than after. Call us and we will work through it with you.

Agricultural sales tax exemption

If you hold a valid agricultural or resale exemption certificate for your state, contact us before you place the order so we can apply it. Exemption rules and the accepted certificate vary by state, and it is far easier to set up beforehand than to correct after the fact.

Still not sure?

Call or text (817) 587-4397, any time. We are open 24/7. Tell us your address and what you're ordering and we will talk through what delivery looks like at your place.

Full terms are in our Shipping Policy and Return, Refund & Cancellation Policy.