That's a great question! Getting a full pallet of commercial-grade trash cans delivered involves a few more steps than a standard parcel. Here’s a typical breakdown of what you can expect.
First, after you place your order, the supplier will confirm the details and prepare your pallet for shipment. This involves securely strapping and wrapping the units—often heavy-duty plastic or steel bins—onto a standard shipping pallet. They'll then book the shipment with a freight carrier, as this is a large, heavy item that requires a truck, not a standard delivery van.
You'll receive a Pro Number or Bill of Lading (BOL) number for tracking. The carrier will contact you to schedule the delivery, which is a crucial step. You need to be prepared for a "liftgate" service (a truck with a hydraulic lift to lower the pallet to ground level) and likely a "limited access" delivery, meaning the driver is not responsible for moving the pallet beyond the curb or loading dock.
On delivery day, the freight truck will arrive. The driver will use the liftgate to lower the pallet to your specified location—typically a driveway, loading dock, or curb-side. It's your responsibility to have equipment (like a pallet jack or forklift) and personnel ready to move the pallet to its final storage or installation area. The driver does not unpack or place individual bins.
Finally, once you've moved the pallet, you'll inspect the shipment for any transit damage (noting anything on the driver's paperwork if needed) and then break down the pallet to deploy your new urban trash cans. The entire process, from order to delivery, usually takes 5-10 business days, depending on your location and the supplier's stock. Clear communication with your supplier about your site's access is key for a smooth delivery.