Getting Your Gear Home: Understanding the Shipping Process

Getting your order to your doorstep, wherever you are in the lower 48 states, is a top priority for us. The logistics behind shipping can seem complex, especially when dealing with items of different sizes and destinations. Understanding how your purchase travels from our warehouse to you can help set clear expectations and ensure a smooth delivery process.

This guide breaks down the different shipping methods we use to serve our customers across the contiguous United States.

Shipping Across the Contiguous 48 States

We are committed to delivering our products throughout the contiguous United States. Whether you're ordering a small accessory or a large piece of equipment, we have a shipping solution tailored to your needs. We partner with a variety of trusted carriers to handle everything from small packages to oversized freight. This ensures your items are transported safely and efficiently.

For customers outside the lower 48 states, such as those in Canada, we can deliver to a U.S.-based freight forwarder of your choice. Once the shipment is handed over to the forwarding company, our delivery obligation is complete. From that point on, all responsibility for the shipment transfers to you and your chosen freight forwarder.

Small Package Deliveries with FedEx and UPS

For smaller items, we rely on the speed and reliability of carriers like FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS). These companies have extensive networks that make them ideal for getting packages to you quickly. FedEx and UPS do not deliver to PO Box addresses, so we are unable to accept orders shipped to a PO Box.

How it Works

When you purchase an item that can be shipped in a standard box, we process it for shipment, typically within one business day after payment is received. We select the most appropriate carrier for your order at our discretion to ensure the best service. Once your order is shipped from our facility in Greenville, SC, you can expect delivery times to vary between one and five business days, depending on your location.

Upon shipment, we provide you with a tracking number, allowing you to monitor your package's journey and see its estimated arrival date. It is important to inspect all packages as soon as they arrive. If you notice any damage, you must report it to the carrier and notify us immediately so we can assist. 

For high-value shipments, including items such as sink stands and fairings with audio, a signature is required at the time of delivery. This requirement helps ensure the safe and secure receipt of your order, so someone must be available to sign when the shipment arrives.

Handling Larger Items with LTL Freight

What happens when an item is too large or heavy for standard package delivery? This is where Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight carriers come in. Products like trailers, hot dog carts, and campers require specialized handling, and LTL shipping is the perfect solution.

Understanding LTL Shipping

LTL shipping is a method used to transport freight that does not require a full truck trailer. Instead of paying for an entire truck, your shipment is combined with others heading in the same direction. This makes it a cost-effective and efficient way to move large items across the country.

We partner with reputable LTL carriers like XPO Logistics and R+L Carriers to manage these shipments. Because these deliveries involve large items, the process is different from a standard package delivery. You must be present to receive, inspect, and sign for the shipment.

Using Freight Forwarders for International Shipments

We frequently have customers from outside the contiguous U.S., particularly from Canada, who wish to purchase our products. While we do not ship directly to Canada or other international destinations, we can facilitate the process by shipping to a freight forwarder.

The Role of a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is a U.S.-based company that specializes in receiving goods and arranging for their transport to another country. If you are an international customer, you can hire a freight forwarder located within the United States, often near the border. We will ship your order to their facility.

Once the freight forwarder receives and signs for the shipment, our responsibility for the delivery ends. The forwarding company then takes over, managing the logistics of getting the product across the border and to your final destination. This arrangement allows our international customers to access our products while keeping the shipping process streamlined on our end.

Ensuring a Smooth Delivery: Coordinating the Process

Delivery companies manage a large number of deliveries each day and rely on carefully planned routes to keep shipments moving efficiently. Drivers work within set schedules to ensure all deliveries are completed in a timely manner. To help support this process, customers  must be home and ready to accept their shipment when delivery is scheduled, particularly for items that require inspection or a signature.

Being prepared and mindful of delivery windows helps deliveries go smoothly and ensures a positive experience for both customers and delivery teams. In shipping, time is an important factor, and cooperation at delivery helps everyone stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be present when my order is delivered?

A: For small package deliveries via FedEx or UPS, customers do not need to be present for lower-value shipments unless a signature is specifically required. However, for LTL freight shipments—such as trailers or hot dog carts, you must be present to inspect the items and sign the delivery paperwork.

Q: How long will it take for my order to arrive?

A: Most orders are processed within one to two business days. Once they leave our facility in Greenville, SC, small packages typically arrive within one to five business days. LTL freight transit times generally range from three to ten business days, depending on your distance from our warehouse.

Q: What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged?

A: It is vital to inspect all items immediately upon arrival. If you notice any damage, write the word “Damaged” on the delivery ticket when signing and notify us right away so we can assist.

Q: Can you ship directly to my home in Canada?

A: We do not ship directly to international destinations, but we frequently assist Canadian customers by delivering orders to the U.S.-based freight forwarder. Once the forwarder signs for the shipment, they take responsibility for transporting the product across the border to you.

A Seamless Shipping Experience

At The USA Trailer Store, our goal is to ensure that the excitement of your new purchase isn't overshadowed by the logistics of getting it home. By partnering with a network of trusted carriers, we can handle orders of all sizes and deliver them across the nation safely and efficiently. Whether your item arrives via FedEx, an LTL freight truck, or is coordinated through a freight forwarder, we provide a clear and reliable process so you can shop with confidence.