I'm exploring options for getting some solar panels delivered, but the company's notice says a loading dock is necessary. I'm curious about where others have had their panels delivered and how they transported them to their building site. I do have a local business I can use for delivery, but it's about 50 miles from my construction location. What have been your experiences with delivery?
4 Answers
Just a heads up, not all freight companies offer liftgate service for larger pallets. You typically have two choices: either arrange for the delivery truck to drop off at your place if you have a forklift to unload, or have them deliver to a business that can help. I once unloaded my panels at home one-by-one, but when I ordered again, they required me to pick them up at a location with a forklift. I even tried to hire a nearby roofing company to help, but they didn’t want to take on the liability!
I managed to have my panels delivered to a local lumber yard. They used their forklift to load the panels into my truck, and I transported them home piece by piece.
You can usually request liftgate service from freight companies for an extra charge. It's worth calling the company supplying your panels to ask if they offer that for an additional shipping fee.
My delivery was done by FedEx freight on a semi, and the driver navigated into my driveway like a pro! I struggled to park my camper, but he pulled it off without a hitch. In the past, I’ve had deliveries where the dispatcher made me pick them up from a local plant, so it’s really a mixed bag with delivery options!