Free Shipping Policy

Shipping & Freight FAQ

1) Why does freight shipping seem so expensive?
Freight costs are set by third-party carriers (not Zanduco) and depend on shipment size/weight, distance, delivery location, and any special services required (e.g., liftgate, limited access). We negotiate competitive rates, but some surcharges are unavoidable.

2) Does Zanduco mark up shipping?
No. We pass through carrier charges directly and always aim for the lowest available rate for your order.

3) What’s the difference between parcel and freight?
Parcel = smaller boxes (couriers). Freight = palletized or oversized items (trucks). Freight pricing considers pallet size, weight, route, and accessorial services—so it often costs more than parcel.

4) What is a common freight carrier?
Freight carriers are logistics companies that move large palletized or oversized shipments. Common carriers include FedEx Freight, TForce, A Duie Pyle, Day & Ross, and regional trucking companies. Zanduco works with multiple carriers to secure competitive rates.

5) What is a residential delivery surcharge?
Carriers add a fee when delivering to homes or locations not zoned as commercial. Narrow streets, limited parking, or extra handling can require different vehicles and time.

6) What counts as a “limited access” location?
Sites that are harder for trucks to reach or unload. Examples include:

• Downtown addresses with limited parking or unloading zones
• Areas where full-size trailers can’t enter (narrow roads/restrictions)
• Schools, malls, churches, military bases, construction sites
• Rural/farm properties with long or unpaved driveways
• Locations without a loading dock or clear truck access

7) What is a remote location surcharge?
Addresses outside standard carrier routes may incur “out-of-area” fees. Carriers define these zones—not Zanduco.

8) Do I need a liftgate? / When should I select commercial liftgate?
Select a liftgate if the delivery location does not have a loading dock or forklift to unload a pallet. The liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the back of the truck that lowers heavy shipments safely to the ground. Restaurants, small stores, and residential deliveries usually require this service.

9) What is inside delivery?
Standard freight is “curbside” or to the nearest accessible point. Inside delivery means the carrier moves the shipment beyond the threshold (inside a doorway or into a specific room). It is not included in standard service and comes at an additional cost. Availability varies by carrier and building access.

10) When should I select appointment charges?
Appointment or call-ahead deliveries are helpful when your business hours are irregular, if staff isn’t always on-site, or if you need time to arrange receiving staff. Carriers charge a fee for setting a delivery window, but it can prevent missed deliveries or re-delivery fees.

11) How can I reduce my shipping costs?

• Ship to a commercial address with dock/forklift whenever possible

• Confirm truck access (space to park/turn, door clearances)

• Pre-arrange liftgate only if needed

• Combine items into fewer shipments when possible

• Share access details up front to avoid re-delivery or unexpected fees

12) Can I use my own freight carrier?
Often yes. Provide your carrier name, account number, and pickup instructions at checkout or via Customer Service, and we’ll coordinate (subject to warehouse readiness).

13) What information helps get an accurate freight quote?
Delivery address (and whether it’s commercial or residential), site access details (dock/forklift, parking, restrictions), need for liftgate or appointment, and any special requirements (inside delivery, call-ahead, limited access).

14) Do you offer inside delivery or white-glove service?
Standard freight is curbside/threshold. If you need inside delivery, debris removal, or installation, ask us—availability and pricing vary by carrier and location.

15) What is an “appointment” or “call-ahead” delivery?
Some carriers can schedule a time window for delivery. This is an optional accessorial service and may carry a fee.

16) How are transit times determined?
Transit depends on distance, carrier network, and service level. We’ll provide an estimate, but weather, route volume, and access issues can affect delivery dates.

17) What if I miss the delivery?
Carriers may charge re-delivery, storage, or return fees. If you need to change the date or address after shipment, contact us ASAP—reconsignment fees may apply.

18) What should I do when my order arrives?
Inspect before signing:

• Count pieces and check for damage or tilt indicators

• Note any damage or shortages on the delivery receipt (be specific)

• Take photos and keep packaging

• Report to Zanduco within 24–48 hours so we can assist with a claim

19) Who is responsible for damage during shipping?
Freight damage claims are filed with the carrier. Clear notes on the delivery receipt + photos greatly improve outcomes. We’ll help guide you through the process.

20) Can you deliver to schools or campuses?
Yes. Many schools are “limited access” and may need appointment and/or liftgate services. Sharing details up front helps minimize fees and delays.

21) Do downtown or farmland addresses cost more?
They can. Downtown sites with parking restrictions and rural/farm addresses with long/unpaved access often trigger limited-access or remote surcharges.

22) Why was I charged extra after checkout?
If carriers discover access issues (no dock, tight turns, low clearances), re-delivery needs, storage, or address changes, they can add accessorial fees. We’ll always inform you if a carrier revises costs.

23) Can Zanduco guarantee no extra fees?
We’ll work hard to prevent them, but carriers control accessorial charges. The best way to avoid extras is to provide accurate delivery details and requirements up front.