Freight Policy

At Specialty Doors, we take the utmost care in packaging and shipping every custom product we manufacture. However, once a shipment leaves our facility, the freight carrier assumes responsibility for its safe delivery. Understanding your rights and obligations upon receipt of your order is critical to protecting your investment. Please read the following policy carefully before your shipment arrives.

Step-by-Step: What To Do When Your Shipment Arrives

Every delivery requires your careful attention. Follow these steps every time a freight shipment arrives at your location.

1. Inspect Before You Sign

Before accepting delivery or signing any paperwork, thoroughly inspect all cartons, crates, and packaging for visible damage. Look for dents, punctures, torn corners, or any sign that the freight was mishandled in transit. Do not let the carrier rush you through this process.

2. You Are Not Required to Sign Without Inspecting

Under no circumstances should you allow a carrier to pressure you into signing before inspecting your shipment. If a driver tells you that you must sign immediately — you do not. You have the right to inspect first. If there is visible damage, refuse the shipment or note the damage clearly on the Bill of Lading before signing.

3. Visible Damage — Refuse or Sign With Notation

If you observe visible damage to the carton or product, you have two options:

• Refuse the delivery entirely and notify us immediately at 424-282-0525.
• Accept the delivery but note the damage in writing on the Bill of Lading. Be as specific as possible — indicate the location of the damage (e.g., middle of carton, end of carton, corners, etc.).

If damage is not noted and you sign a clean Bill of Lading, a freight claim cannot be filed.

4. Ask for a Claim Number

If the driver refuses to wait for inspection or if damage is found upon opening, ask the driver for a claim number before they leave. This number is essential for initiating a freight claim with the carrier.

⚠️ All damages must be noted on the Bill of Lading or refused at delivery in order for a freight claim to be processed. Failure to do so may result in the claim being denied and you being held liable for the damaged merchandise.

Concealed Damage

In some cases, damage may not be visible on the outside of the packaging but is discovered once the carton is opened. This is known as concealed damage. If this occurs:

• You have 5 business days from the date of delivery to report concealed damage to Specialty Doors.
• Contact us immediately at 424-282-0525 or email Info@specialtydoors.com.
• After 5 business days, you may be held liable for the damages and a claim may no longer be accepted by the carrier.

Do not install any damaged product. Product inspected and found damaged after installation cannot be covered, as damage may have occurred during or after installation.

When the Driver Won’t Wait for Inspection

We understand that freight drivers are often pressed for time. If the driver refuses to wait while you open and inspect the carton, take the following steps:

1. Mark the Bill of Lading to indicate there was visible damage to the packaging. Note the approximate location of the damage on the outside of the carton (top, middle, bottom, corners, etc.).
2. Sign the Bill of Lading with your written damage notation — do not sign a clean receipt.
3. Once the driver leaves, immediately open and inspect the full contents of the shipment.
4. If concealed damage is found, report it to us within 5 business days of delivery.

Do Not Move Freight From the Delivery Location

If freight cartons are moved from the original delivery location before a damage inspection is completed, the freight carrier will not accept a damage claim. Always inspect freight at the point of delivery before relocating it.

Pre-Installation Inspection Is Required

All products must be inspected thoroughly before installation begins. Once a product has been installed, Specialty Doors and the freight carrier cannot be held liable for damage, as it becomes impossible to determine whether the damage occurred in transit, during handling, or during installation. No exceptions will be made.

Reconsignment Charges & Storage Fees

Specialty Doors does not accept reconsignment charges or storage fees of any kind unless pre-approved by Specialty Doors, Inc. in writing prior to the shipment. Any such charges incurred without written pre-approval will not be reimbursed.

Pricing & Lead Time Notice

Due to ongoing market volatility in both freight and raw materials, prices and lead times are subject to change without prior notice. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date estimates at the time of your order. You will be advised of any changes that may affect your order during the order review process.

Freight Policy Summary

• Inspect all shipments before signing the Bill of Lading
• Note all visible damage on the Bill of Lading at time of delivery
• Refuse severely damaged shipments and contact us immediately
• Report concealed damage within 5 business days of delivery
• Ask the driver for a claim number if damage is present
• Inspect all products before installation — no exceptions
• Do not move freight from the delivery location before inspection
• Do not sign a clean receipt if damage is observed
• Reconsignment or storage fees are not accepted without prior written approval

Questions About a Shipment or Damage Claim?

Our team is here to help guide you through the process. Whether you’ve received a damaged shipment or have questions before your delivery arrives, speak with a real person — not a bot.

📞 424-282-0525 ✉️ Info@specialtydoors.com