Mastering Cabinet Deliveries: Your Guide to Smooth Shipping with Meridian Products

Have you ever found yourself eagerly awaiting the delivery of your cabinet materials, whether via a Meridian truck or a common carrier? At Meridian Products, we know that timely and safe delivery is crucial to your project timelines and client satisfaction. Our dedicated fleet of Meridian trucks serves the greater Northeast and reaches as far as lower Virginia. However, when deliveries fall outside this service area, we partner with FedEx or our newest carrier, Old Dominion, to ensure your orders reach you promptly and in excellent condition.

To clarify the decision-making process behind our shipping choices, we sat down with Meridian’s Shipping Supervisor, Mike B., to discuss how we prioritize delivery efficiency and reliability for our valued customers.

Q: What factors determine the choice between Old Dominion and FedEx for delivery?
A: The first consideration is the skid size. For example, Old Dominion does not accept anything 8 feet and over, while FedEx does. Next, we evaluate the cost, followed by the number of delivery days. Our main goal is to get products to our customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Q: What are the benefits of using Old Dominion?
A: Two benefits stand out. First, Old Dominion tends to take better care of our products during transportation. Second, we’ve built a solid relationship with them. If anything is lost or there’s an issue, I can call our representative directly, and they will assist me immediately.

Q: What are the benefits of FedEx?
A: FedEx accepts any skid size, but there is an additional over-length fee for larger items. Additionally, filing claims with them is relatively straightforward if needed.

Q: Can you explain what the bill of lading is?
A: The bill of lading is critical information for the shipper, driver, and customer. It details what is on the skid, including weight and size, and provides the delivery address, tracking number, and any specific instructions, such as liftgate requirements or residential delivery locations. When a customer receives a bill of lading from the driver, it gives them a clear understanding of what they are receiving and from whom.

Q: Do either of the carriers perform “layovers” where the shipment changes trucks to complete delivery?
A: Every carrier has a specific “footprint” that they ship directly to. We typically avoid layovers by selecting carriers based on the number of delivery days required. If delivery takes one day, it usually falls within the carrier’s footprint and is more cost-effective. Layovers are more common for longer-distance deliveries, particularly to the South.

Q: Are there ever additional fees billed after the delivery?
A: Yes, additional fees can occur if the customer does not indicate a residential or lift gate requirement, but the carrier uses one or delivers to a residential area. Sometimes, the carrier’s measurements of the skid differ from our initial measurement, and unfortunately, these discrepancies are usually challenging to contest after the fact.

At Meridian Products, our priority is your satisfaction. We work hard to ensure your deliveries are timely, cost-effective, and securely handled. If you have any further questions, please contact your Sales Representative or Customer Service Representative, and they will be happy to address your concerns.