Altiora Gym: Freight Delivery Guide for Large Equipment
Because you are investing in professional-grade gymnastics gear—like high-bar sets, full-sized vault trainers, or heavy-duty landing mats—your order may arrive via LTL (Less Than Truckload) Freight rather than a standard parcel service like UPS or FedEx.
Freight deliveries are different from regular mail. To ensure your gymnast’s new equipment arrives safely and you aren’t hit with unexpected fees, please review this guide.
1. The Delivery Appointment
Unlike small packages, a freight truck will not just drop your equipment on the porch and drive away.
Scheduling: Once the equipment reaches your local terminal, the trucking company will call you to schedule a delivery window (usually a 4-hour block).
Be Present: An adult must be home to inspect the shipment and sign the Bill of Lading (BOL).
Phone Number: Please ensure the phone number provided at checkout is accurate, as the carrier cannot deliver without reaching you first.
2. “Curbside” Delivery Explained
Standard freight shipping is Curbside. This means the driver is required to bring the pallet to the end of the truck (the “tailgate”) or drop it at the curb of your driveway.
Driver Limitations: Drivers are generally not permitted to bring heavy equipment inside your garage, backyard, or home.
Extra Hands: Because gymnastics mats and bars are bulky, we highly recommend having two adults present to move the items from the curb to your training area.
3. The Inspection Process (Most Important Step)
Before you sign the driver’s paperwork, you must inspect the shipment. Once you sign the Bill of Lading, you are legally stating that the equipment arrived in perfect condition.
Check for Holes/Tears: Look for punctures in the boxes or shrink-wrap. This could indicate a snagged mat or a scratched bar.
Check the Count: Ensure the number of boxes matches the number listed on the shipping receipt.
If the driver is in a rush and you cannot open every box, write “Subject to Inspection – Possible Hidden Damage” next to your signature.
4. What to do if there is Damage
If you see significant damage (e.g., a metal bar is bent or a vault base is cracked):
Note it on the BOL: Write “DAMAGED” clearly on the driver’s paperwork.
Take Photos: Take pictures of the damaged box and the damage to the equipment itself.
Contact Us: Email support@altioragym.com within 24 hours. If you note the damage on the paperwork, we can easily send a replacement. If you sign it as “Clear,” it is much harder to file a claim with the carrier.
5. Access Issues
If you live on a narrow dead-end street, a steep hill, or in an apartment complex that cannot fit a full-sized semi-truck, please let us know immediately after ordering. We may need to arrange for a smaller delivery vehicle to ensure your equipment can reach you.
Summary Checklist for Delivery Day:
- Phone is on and nearby to receive the driver’s call.
- Driveway or curb is cleared for the truck.
- At least one other person is available to help move the gear.
- Camera/Phone ready to take photos of the boxes.
- Â Pen ready to sign (and note any damage) on the delivery receipt.