Shipping Policy

Receiving Freight Shipments

Commercial equipment is commonly delivered by freight carrier. Proper inspection at delivery is essential. The person accepting the shipment on your behalf must follow the instructions below.

Signing a delivery receipt without noting visible damage may limit our ability to assist with a freight claim. Never sign until you have inspected the shipment and are satisfied with its condition.

For immediate assistance with a damaged delivery, contact LaBel Foodservice Equipment & Design at 631-582-8800.

1. Prepare for Delivery

Standard freight delivery does not include unloading or bringing equipment inside your building.

Unless additional services are confirmed in writing, the driver will position the truck at the closest safe and accessible delivery point. You are responsible for removing the shipment from the truck.

Before delivery:

• Arrange for enough experienced people to receive and unload the shipment.
• Have the necessary equipment available, such as a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck, dolly, or liftgate.
• Confirm that the delivery area is accessible to a commercial freight truck.
• Purchase liftgate service in advance if you do not have a loading dock or forklift.

Liftgate, inside delivery, placement, uncrating, installation, and removal of old equipment are not included unless specifically stated in your order confirmation.

2. Inspect the Shipment Before Signing

Inspect every carton, crate, pallet, and piece of equipment for visible damage.

Look for:

• Torn, crushed, punctured, or wet packaging
• Broken pallets or shipping restraints
• Dents, scratches, or bent panels
• Damaged corners
• Broken glass or plastic
• Crimped or punctured pipes, tubing, coils, screens, or grilles
• Missing cartons, parts, or accessories

Take clear photographs of the shipment, packaging, equipment, and any damage before the driver leaves.

3. Refuse Significantly Damaged Shipments

If the shipment has significant visible damage, refuse the damaged item.

Write "REFUSED—DAMAGED" on the delivery receipt and describe the damage clearly. Do not sign a clean delivery receipt for a visibly damaged shipment.

Contact LaBel immediately at 631-582-8800 so we can document the issue and help coordinate the next steps.

4. Accepting a Shipment With Minor Damage

Minor cosmetic damage may sometimes be resolved by replacing a panel, handle, glass component, or other part.

If you decide to accept an item with minor damage:

• Describe the damage clearly on the delivery receipt before signing.
• Photograph the damage and packaging.
• Keep a copy of the signed delivery receipt.
• Retain all packaging materials.
• Contact LaBel immediately.

Do not write only "subject to inspection." Record the specific visible damage.

5. Unpack and Inspect Promptly

When the carrier permits, inspect as much of the equipment as possible before signing. Freight carriers may limit how long a driver can remain at the delivery location, so have your receiving team and equipment ready.

After delivery, unpack and inspect the shipment promptly for concealed damage. Keep the equipment, cartons, pallet, packing materials, and delivery documents until the inspection is complete.

If concealed damage is discovered:

• Stop unpacking.
• Photograph the equipment and all packaging.
• Do not discard or alter the packaging.
• Contact LaBel immediately at 631-582-8800.
• Keep the shipment available for inspection by the carrier if requested.

Freight carriers impose strict deadlines for reporting concealed damage, and those deadlines vary. Report any problem immediately.

6. Signing for an Undamaged Shipment

If the shipment is complete and no damage is found, sign the delivery receipt and retain a copy with your order records.

Your signature confirms the shipment's condition at the time of delivery. A clean signed receipt can make a later freight claim more difficult.

Important Reminder

Inspect every shipment before signing. Refuse significantly damaged items, document minor damage on the delivery receipt, take photographs, and retain all packaging.

For help with a freight delivery, contact:

LaBel Foodservice Equipment & Design
631-582-8800
labelfoodservice.com