LTL Freight Policy

Revised 2026-04-30

These LTL Freight Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all deliveries performed using a third party freight carrier. By placing an order that includes LTL Freight, the customer agrees to these Terms in full.

LTL Freight

Eligibility & Minimum Order Requirement

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Freight is offered solely at our discretion and is subject to eligibility requirements.

Generally each pallet may not exceed 2800lbs or be greater than 48” Tall, subject to additional location and carrier constraints. Orders that exceed the pallet weight, dimension or stacking limits will be split onto additional pallets or shipped via alternative methods. Eligibility is subject to delivery location, route availability, scheduling capacity, product type, and operational considerations. Clay Art Center reserves the right to decline LTL Freight services based on operational, safety, logistical, or compliance considerations.

Order Processing, Lead Time & Order Completeness

Estimated lead time for LTL Freight orders is approximately three (3) weeks from order confirmation. Lead times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Transit times vary and are not included in lead time estimates. Lead times may be affected by product availability, manufacturing schedules, special-order items, and operational constraints.

Clay Art Center endeavors to ship orders complete whenever possible. However, we make no guarantee that all orders will ship complete. Partial shipments, substitutions, delays, or cancellations may occur at our discretion. Please inform us in advance if your order must ship complete. Please refer to our Sales Policy for more information regarding order processing.

Refunds, credits, or adjustments of shipping fees related to incomplete or delayed orders are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Payment & Billing

All LTL Freight orders must be paid in full prior to shipment, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Delivery fees are non-refundable once an order has been dispatched to the third party carrier. Additional charges may apply for extended unloading time, special handling, site complications, or delivery interruptions. Any additional delivery fees incurred such as attempted delivery or inside delivery will be invoiceable at customer’s expense.

Scheduling & Delivery Windows

Delivery dates and windows are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Additional services such as guaranteed delivery, appointment-based delivery or driver notification are non-standard and can be quoted with your order for an additional fee. Missed or failed deliveries caused by customer unavailability, inaccessible delivery sites, or inaccurate delivery information may result in additional fees, delays, or cancellation. Failed delivery attempts may result in redelivery, storage, or return-to-sender fees imposed by the carrier, which are the customer’s responsibility.

Unloading & Placement of Bulk Materials

A Liftgate service does not include placement beyond curbside delivery. All orders without Liftgate service are unloaded by customer provided forklift and operator or loading dock and pallet jack. Destination of delivery must have a clear path capable of accommodating a pallet jack. Standard delivery is curbside only. Drivers are not required to move materials beyond the curb, into buildings, studios, garages, or storage areas. Additional fees will apply for unloads that deviate from this standard.

Any deviation from curbside delivery is not guaranteed and is performed solely at the driver’s discretion. May be refused for any reason, including safety or time constraints. Long carries, stairs, uneven terrain, soft ground, or obstructed access may result in refusal of delivery or additional charges.

Residential vs. Commercial Delivery Conditions

Customers must accurately disclose whether the delivery location is residential or commercial. Any delivery location that does not have a loading dock and forklift will require liftgate service. Any provided forklift or dock must be operational, accessible, and staffed at the time of delivery. Failure to disclose site conditions prior to shipment or inoperable receiving equipment at time of delivery may result in refusal of delivery, delays, or additional charges.

Equipment Delivery (Kilns, Wheels & Large Equipment)

Equipment delivery via LTL Freight is drop to curbside only. Driver does not provide installation, assembly, calibration, electrical hookup, plumbing, venting, anchoring, or testing. Equipment is delivered to curbside drop location only, unless otherwise approved in writing. Drivers are not authorized to move equipment into buildings, up or down stairs, or into final placement locations.

Site Preparation & Access

Customer is solely responsible for ensuring the delivery site is properly prepared, including but not limited to:

  • Adequate clearance for equipment dimensions and weight
  • Sufficient load-bearing surfaces
  • Clear, unobstructed access from curb to drop location
  • Availability of appropriate lifting equipment, forklift, pallet jack, or loading dock if required

Failure to provide safe and adequate site conditions may result in refusal of delivery, delays, or additional fees.

Inspection, Acceptance & Transfer of Risk

Customers are responsible for inspecting all materials and equipment at the time of delivery. Any visible damage, shortages, or discrepancies must be clearly noted on the delivery receipt prior to signing. Discrepancies or damage claims must be submitted to Clay Art Center in writing within 48 hours of receipt of delivery. Carrier delivery receipt or proof of delivery marked ‘Delivered’ constitutes evidence of delivery. Title and risk of loss transfer to the customer upon tender of the shipment to the third party carrier, subject to applicable carrier claims procedures.

Damages, Loss & Theft

Clay Art Center is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage occurring after the order has been tendered to the third party carrier. Clay Art Center is not liable for damage caused by improper storage, environmental exposure, weather, movement, installation, or handling after order has been tendered to third party carrier. Responsibility for the shipment transfers to the customer upon delivery and acceptance.

Discrepancies, Concealed Damage, Claims & Returns

Claims for concealed damage or discrepancies must be submitted to the Clay Art Center carrier in writing within 48 hours of delivery. Required documentation includes but is not limited to delivery receipt stating damage, photos of pallet as delivered, photos of concealed damage, and itemized list of damaged/missing items. Carrier claim deadlines and requirements govern and may vary by carrier. Failure to provide required documentation within stated timeline may result in denial of claim. Claims submitted after this period will not be accepted. All returns require prior approval and may be subject to restocking fees. Custom, special-order, bulk, or made-to-order materials and equipment may be non-returnable.

Weather, Force Majeure & Delays

Clay Art Center is not responsible for delivery delays or failures caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather conditions, traffic incidents, road closures, labor shortages, acts of God, or government actions.

Such delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, or damages.

Site Conditions & Driver Safety

Carrier may reserve the right to refuse, delay, or terminate delivery based on operational, safety, logistical, or compliance considerations. Customer is solely responsible for ensuring a safe delivery environment.

  • Unsafe conditions include, but are not limited to:
    • Steep grades or unstable surfaces
    • Obstructed access
    • Aggressive animals
    • Hazardous, hostile, or unsanitary environments

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law Clay Art Center’s liability is limited to the invoiced value of the affected materials or equipment. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including loss of use, production delays, or lost profits. Third party carrier is solely responsible for any damage to property during delivery.

Right to Refuse or Cancel Service

We reserve the right to refuse, suspend, or cancel LTL Freight at any time for any reason, including non-compliance with these Terms, misrepresentation of site conditions, or safety concerns.

Policy Updates

These Terms may be updated without notice. The version in effect at the time an order is placed governs that order.