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Frequently Asked Questions - Freight Best Practices & Optimization

Navigating freight and shipping logistics doesn't have to be complex, but when you need some extra support, we're here to help. We have put together a list of most frequently asked questions to help provide clear, practical answers to the most common questions we receive about freight estimates, shipping methods, delivery logistics, and more. Whether you're coordinating a small order or managing a complex supply chain, these insights will help you make informed decisions and optimize your shipping experience with Boelter.

Shipping Options & Methods

  1. Q: What shipping method is best for protecting glassware from breakage in transit?

    Q: What shipping method is best for protecting glassware from breakage in transit?

    A: Although damaged product is a risk with any shipment, we take extra measures to “overpack” glassware with additional shipping materials when necessary. When our team reviews your order, we may recommend an alternate shipping method based on specific items in your order.

  2. Q: Will Boelter recommend or override the requested shipping method?

    A: Yes, our warehouse operations team reviews all orders and will recommend alternative shipping options on a case-by-case basis.

  3. Q: Should I ship items separately if some are backordered?

    A: We recommend shipping your order as a single shipment to reduce costs and optimize the experience for you. For situations that require multiple shipments, our team will communicate with you to ship your order within your preferred timeline while maintaining shipment integrity where we can.

  4. Q: What is blind shipping and does Boelter offer it?

    A: Blind shipping is a shipment from a 3rd party partner on behalf of the seller where the identification of the 3rd party partner is protected from the customer’s view. Boelter can provide blind shipping services to meet customer needs.

Freight Estimates & Shipping Costs

  1. Q: What is a freight estimate and how is it calculated?

    Q: What is a freight estimate and how is it calculated?

    A: Shipping charges are calculated using a variety of factors, including shipping locations, weights, dimensions and service method. Using the expertise of our logistics team and carrier partners, we estimate freight as accurately as possible prior to shipping your order. This estimate may change based on variables not available to us at the time of quoting including additional assessorial fees for remote locations, lift gate requirements, inside delivery requests and/or appointment requests.

  2. Q: Does Boelter ship internationally? How should I request a freight quote?

    A: Yes, Boelter does ship internationally. Freight quotes for international orders can be requested by contacting your customer service representative, who will work with our internal logistics team to prepare the international freight quote. Note, you may need to work with a customs broker for assistance on ensuring your order can be cleared for import per your customs authorities' specifications.

  3. Q: What are assessorial fees?

    A: An accessorial is an additional service fee assessed by the freight carrier during delivery. These include, but are not limited to inside delivery, lift gate, limited access, appointment request, residential, etc. To quote freight as accurately as possible, we do our best to collect information on these special circumstances prior to quoting, but in certain cases, accessorial fees may be included after the fact if one of these services is requested on site.

Tracking & Delivery Logistics

  1. Q: Is tracking info available for all shipping methods?

    Q: Is tracking info available for all shipping methods?

    A: Yes, tracking info is available for all shipment methods. These details are shared with customers by our team once an order has shipped. Please note that we will do our best to meet the delivery date included in your order confirmation. Shipment tracking information is available from the carrier and can provide the most accurate indication of the true delivery date for your order.

  2. Q: I don’t have a loading dock. Can I still opt for LTL delivery?

    A: Yes, LTL delivery is available with a lift gate to assist with loading and unloading from the carrier’s delivery vehicle. A lift gate is a platform at the back of the truck that can raise and lower a shipment using a hydraulic system. When the receiving address does not have a loading dock and/or a forklift, manual loading and unloading is necessary, and an assessorial fee is added.

  3. Q: What is shipment integrity?

    A: Shipment integrity references the concept of a single delivery for an entire order versus multiple parcels arriving as multiple deliveries. As an example, an order containing 8 individual packages shipped via parcel service may be delivered over a period of days but will arrive as a single delivery when shipped via an LTL freight carrier.

  4. Q: What should I do if I receive damaged or broken items?

    A: In the event you receive product damaged during shipping, please document and sign the shipping paperwork indicating the damages, including taking photographs. You should also contact your Customer Service Representative to initiate a freight claims process and assist with any replacement order needs. Failure to properly document damages on the shipping paperwork can reduce the success of having a freight claim approved.

Still have additional questions?

While these FAQs cover many of the most common shipping and freight topics, we know every order can be unique. If you need further clarification or personalized support, please fill out the form below and one of our experts will reach out to you with more information. We're committed to making your shipping experience as smooth and efficient as possible.

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