Every order on Storage Sheds Outlet ships free to the 48 contiguous United States. Larger structures (sheds, carports, gazebos, greenhouses) ship via LTL freight; smaller accessories ship via standard ground carriers. This page covers what to expect from order to delivery, and what to do if something goes wrong.
The short version
- Lead time: Most orders ship 5–15 business days after order confirmation. Custom-cut or made-to-order structures may take 3–5 weeks.
- Method: LTL freight (curbside delivery) for large structures; standard ground for accessories under 150 lbs.
- Cost: Free to the lower 48. Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico may require a surcharge — contact us before ordering.
- Scheduling: The freight carrier will call you 24–48 hours before delivery to schedule a window.
- Inspect on arrival: Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt before signing. This protects you for damage claims.
How LTL freight delivery works
Most of what we ship is too large and heavy for UPS or FedEx. These items move via less-than-truckload (LTL) freight — the same shipping method used to send a kit-form shed, carport, or greenhouse from a regional warehouse to your driveway.
LTL is different from a regular package delivery in three important ways:
- Curbside, not doorstep. The driver delivers to the end of your driveway or curb in front of your property. They are not contractually obligated to bring the freight inside, onto a porch, or around to a backyard.
- You must be present. Someone 18 or older must sign the delivery receipt (the BOL — Bill of Lading). The carrier won’t leave a large freight shipment unattended.
- You unload. Standard curbside delivery means the carrier delivers the freight; they do not unload it. Plan for 2–4 capable adults (or a forklift) to move pallets off the truck. The driver may help remove pallet straps but is not required to assist with unloading.
Liftgate, inside delivery, and other options
If the standard curbside flow doesn’t work for your property, the carrier can usually arrange one of these upgrades — for an additional fee:
| Service | What it does | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Liftgate | Hydraulic platform lowers pallets to ground level so you don’t have to lift them off a 4-foot trailer bed. | $50–$125 |
| Residential delivery | Sometimes auto-added; covers extra effort to access non-commercial addresses. | $30–$75 |
| Inside delivery | Driver moves the freight a short distance from the truck (e.g., onto a driveway or porch). | $75–$200 |
| Limited access | Required for rural addresses, narrow driveways, gated communities, or sites the carrier deems hard to reach. | $50–$150 |
| Appointment delivery | Specific time window vs. a general 4-hour window. Useful if you can’t take a flexible delivery. | $50–$100 |
If you know in advance that you’ll need any of these, contact us before ordering so we can quote the total and include it in your shipping confirmation. Adding services after the freight is in transit costs significantly more.
What to do before delivery
A 15-minute checklist that prevents most delivery problems. See our full Preparing for Delivery guide for the longer version.
- Confirm clear access. A standard 53-ft trailer needs about 12 ft of width and 14 ft of overhead clearance. Low branches, mailbox arms, and narrow gates are the most common blockers.
- Identify the drop point. Decide where you want the pallets staged. Curbside is default; anything else may need a special service.
- Arrange labor. 2–4 adults, or a tractor/skid steer/forklift. A shed kit pallet can weigh 1,500–3,000 lbs.
- Have ID ready. The driver may ask. Whoever signs the BOL is the legal recipient.
- Inspect before signing. Walk around every pallet. Look for crushed corners, torn shrink-wrap, gouges, holes, or anything that suggests rough handling.
If the freight arrives damaged
Damage during transit happens occasionally with LTL freight. The good news: as long as you follow the steps below, you are protected and we will replace damaged components at no cost.
- Note damage on the BOL before signing. Even if it looks minor, write “visible damage to packaging” or describe specifically what you see. Signing a clean BOL waives most damage claims.
- Take photos. Photograph the packaging, the damage, and the truck and trailer if visible. Date-stamped photos from a phone are ideal.
- Don’t refuse the shipment unless damage is severe. Refusing causes longer delays. Accept it with damage noted; we’ll arrange replacement.
- Email us within 48 hours at sales@storageshedsoutlet.com with order number, photos, and BOL annotation. We’ll file the claim with the manufacturer and carrier on your behalf.
Damaged components are replaced free; we coordinate the freight back to you. Most claims resolve within 2–3 weeks.
Delivery timing
From the day your order is confirmed:
- Order confirmation & payment processing: 1–2 business days.
- Manufacturer processing: 3–10 business days for in-stock kits; 2–5 weeks for made-to-order, custom-cut, or seasonal items.
- Freight transit: 3–10 business days, depending on distance.
- Carrier scheduling call: 1–2 days before delivery.
If timing is critical (closing on a property, seasonal use), email us before ordering and we’ll confirm realistic lead times for your specific product.
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada
We ship to AK, HI, and PR for most products with an additional freight surcharge — please request a quote before ordering. We do not currently ship to Canada or international addresses.
Have a question?
Email sales@storageshedsoutlet.com with your order number and we’ll respond within one business day. For damage or carrier issues, please include photos of the freight and a clear description of what you observed.