Have you ever added a railing section to your cart and eagerly clicked “check out” only to see that the product requires freight shipping? Instead of standard shipping options, it might have included a notice like this: “We will contact you with shipping details and pricing after your order is placed.” Don’t worry — a freight shipping quote isn’t a roadblock. It’s actually MMC Fencing & Railing’s way of ensuring you get the most accurate and cost-effective shipping for your project.
Why Some Products Require Freight Shipping
Some railing materials aren’t your typical online purchases. They can’t easily be boxed up and shipped through a standard shipping service. These products might be pre-assembled, oversized, heavy, or require special handling due to their length or construction materials. Standard shipping carriers simply can’t accommodate items that exceed specific size and weight limitations, which is why freight shipping becomes necessary.
When you see a notice that you’ll be receiving a freight shipping quote, it typically means your selected products fall into one of these categories:
- Pre-assembled
- Longer than 8 feet
- Weighing over 150 pounds
- Bulky and won’t fit in standard delivery vehicles
- Requires specialized handling to prevent damage
- Didn’t meet minimum free shipping requirements
At MMC Fencing & Railing, you might receive a freight shipping quote if you purchase one of our Juliette Balconies or a Riviera or Verticable railing.
The Quote Process: Simple and Straightforward
How does the quote process work?
Once you submit your order or inquiry, our shipping team springs into action. Within 1-3 business days, you’ll receive a personalized call or email with your freight shipping quote. This isn’t an automated response — it’s a real person who has carefully calculated the most efficient shipping method for your specific order and location.
During this contact, we’ll provide you with several key pieces of information:
- Total Shipping Cost: This is based on your exact location and the dimensions/weight of your order. Unlike standard shipping rates, freight costs vary significantly based on distance and regional carrier availability.
- Estimated Delivery Timeframe: This typically ranges from 5-15 business days, depending on your location.
- Delivery Details: This might include whether the freight company provides curbside delivery or liftgate service (if needed) or if you’ll need to arrange for equipment to unload heavy items.
What Makes Freight Shipping Different
Freight shipping operates differently from the package deliveries you’re accustomed to. The freight company will typically call you 24-48 hours before delivery to schedule a convenient time window. Most freight deliveries occur during business hours, Monday through Friday.
It’s important to plan ahead for delivery day. Make sure that someone will be present for the delivery. Keep the weather conditions in consideration — you won’t want to unload cardboard boxes outside if it’s pouring rain! Our team will let you know during the quote process if any special arrangements are needed.
The Benefits of Our Freight Quote System
While it might seem like an extra step, our freight quote system actually saves you money and ensures your materials arrive safely. We work with multiple freight carriers and can often negotiate better rates than you’d find shipping these items independently. Plus, we handle all the logistics, paperwork, and coordination so you don’t have to.
Our experienced team also knows which carriers handle construction materials best, reducing the risk of damage during transit. We’ve built relationships with freight companies that understand the importance of delivering your railing and fencing materials in perfect condition.
Ready to Move Forward?
When you receive your freight quote, you’ll have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your purchase. The quote will be valid for a specified period, giving you time to coordinate the delivery with your project timeline.
Remember, freight shipping for specialty building materials like fencing and railing is standard industry practice. By providing detailed quotes upfront, we ensure there are no surprises and that your beautiful fencing and railing products arrive ready for installation.
At MMC Fencing & Railing, products that don’t require freight shipping are typically delivered by UPS, FedEx, or U.S. Mail.
Do you have any questions about freight shipping? If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to explain the process and help you understand what to expect for your specific order.
Are you ready to replace your worn-out railing with a shiny, top-quality, new railing? MMC Fencing & Railing is here for you. Our online shop sells aluminum and vinyl railing in various styles and colors. No matter what you’re looking for or how large your budget is, you’re sure to find something beautiful. Give us a call at 866-931-5002 or contact us online to get started. We look forward to hearing from you!