Shipping & Delivery • Nick’s Building Supply

Shipping Your Door: What to Expect

Whether you’re considering a purchase or you’ve already ordered and received a QR code text, this page explains how freight delivery works, how doors are crated, and what to do on delivery day to protect your insured order.

Tip: Save this page or keep the QR text handy for delivery day.

Quick Summary

  • Carrier: Common carrier freight (LTL)
  • Delivery type: Scheduled + typically tailgate/curbside
  • You provide: Offloading help & moving the crate
  • Crating: Custom pallet/crate built for your order
  • Protection: Inspect + note damage on the Bill of Lading

Crating & Quality Assurance

Every order is carefully packaged for freight shipping. We photograph crating and included accessories, then archive images for reference. Tap any image to view larger.

Tap image to enlarge
Exterior doors inventoried before shipping

For Potential Buyers: How Shipping Works

Common Carrier Freight (LTL)

Doors are large and heavy, so most orders ship by common carrier freight (LTL). Freight shipments are typically scheduled deliveries—the carrier contacts you to set a delivery window.

“From” Shipping Prices

When you see (from $xxx.xx freight shipping), that’s an average across the continental U.S. Your final freight cost may be slightly higher or lower depending on location and service needs. Shipping charges are subject to change.

Crating Types: Assembled vs “KD” (Knocked Down)

Some orders can ship assembled (exterior systems) or KD (knocked down), where components are packed loose in the crate and assembly is required.

  • KD shipping is often ideal for unfinished doors (finish on site) and protection.
  • Assembled exterior systems can reduce installation time on site.
  • Talk to a sales rep about what’s best for your order and delivery method.

Canada Shipments

For Canadian deliveries, written quotes typically include applicable broker fees and taxes (GST/PST/HST) to make delivery straightforward. Call if you’d like a quote or special handling.

For New Customers: What to Expect When Your Door Ships

1

Shipment Confirmation

Once shipped from our Indiana warehouse, you may receive shipment confirmation and (often) a carrier reference (PRO/tracking). Keep your phone near by — freight deliveries are scheduled with you directly.

2

Scheduled Delivery by Common Carrier

This is a common carrier (freight truck). The carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery window. Doors and crates can be extremely heavy—plan unloading help and equipment ahead of time.

3

Tailgate / Curbside Delivery

Most freight deliveries are tailgate (curbside). The driver is not required to bring the crate into your home, garage, or jobsite interior.

  • Have 2–4 people available (depending on door size/weight).
  • Bring a dolly/hand truck, straps, and basic tools.
  • Make sure access is clear for a larger truck.
Questions? Call 1-219-663-2279

Important: What To Do If There Is Damage

Your Order Is Insured — Insurance Is Based on Your Actions

If the crate or packaging shows damage, you must inspect and note it on the carrier’s delivery paperwork (the Bill of Lading) before you sign. If damage is not noted at delivery, carriers often deny claims and repair/replacement may become the customer’s responsibility.

Damage Checklist (Do This at Delivery)

  1. Inspect the crate for holes, crushed corners, punctures, broken bands, or water damage.
  2. Take photos of all sides of the crate and the shipping label.
  3. Open enough to confirm condition if packaging is compromised.
  4. If you see damage, write clearly on the Bill of Lading: “DAMAGED – SUBJECT TO INSPECTION” and describe what you see (e.g., “crate crushed on left corner”).
  5. Keep all packaging until the issue is resolved.

If Damage Is Severe

If the crate is clearly crushed or the product appears heavily damaged, you may refuse delivery. If you refuse, document everything with photos and contact us immediately.

Check Out Shipping Videos

Quick walkthroughs to help you understand the freight process and what to do on delivery day.

Freight Delivery: What to Expect
Common carrier, scheduling, and tailgate delivery basics.
Inspection & Damage Documentation
How to inspect packaging and protect your insurance coverage.

How To Inspect Your New Door

Inspect the shipping crate before signing. Content should be inspected within 72 hours. If there’s visible damage, photograph it and note it on the Bill of Lading.

Step 1: View the full crate before opening
1) Check the Full Crate
Before opening, inspect all sides for punctures, crushed corners, or water damage.
Step 2: Remove the top plywood panel
2) Remove Top Plywood
Open carefully so packaging can be preserved if a claim is needed.
Step 3: Remove the bottom plywood panel
3) Remove Bottom Plywood
Continue to inspect packaging and contents as panels are removed.
Step 4: Measure and compare to your order (and finish color if applied)
4) Compare to Your Order
Measure and confirm the door style and finish (if applied) match your order.
Step 5: Measure length and width
5) Measure Door Size
Confirm width/height match your order. Keep the crate until inspection is complete.
Bonus: Measure jamb size and compare
Bonus: Measure Jamb Size
If included, confirm jamb size. Do not discard packaging in case a return/claim is needed.

Returning Orders Process

Please review carefully before removing packaging or installing your door.

  • Nick’s Building Supply uses A‑grade materials to package and protect your order.
  • If a return is required, the customer is responsible for re‑crating the product in a similar manner to how it was received.
  • Inspect your door before fully uncrating. This allows a return to be handled with minimal effort if necessary.
  • Return freight and related costs are the customer’s responsibility.
  • Installed doors may not be canceled, returned, or refunded.
  • If any issue is discovered during inspection, contact the Nick’s Service Department immediately for instructions.

Do not discard packaging until inspection is complete.

Pick‑Ups & What to Expect

Pick‑Up Hours

  • Monday–Friday
    9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday
    9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (no loading assistance)

Weekend pick‑ups must be scheduled and the order confirmed complete in advance.

What to Bring

  • Blankets or padding
  • Straps or bungee cords
  • Tarps, foam, cardboard, or other protective materials

Important Notes

  • Doors are fully assembled unless arranged otherwise with your salesperson
  • Trim packs (brickmold & casing) are loose and wrapped separately
  • Locks are not included automatically — don’t forget to pick them up if purchased
  • Orders are not crated for pick‑up

Recommended Vehicles

  • Long‑bed trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Pull‑behind trailers

Before You Leave — Pick‑Up Checklist

  • ✔ Confirm door style, size, swing, and finish
  • ✔ Verify trim packs and accessories are included (if purchased)
  • ✔ Pick up locks and hardware (if ordered)
  • ✔ Inspect for visible damage before loading
  • ✔ Secure the door properly for transport
  • ✔ Keep packaging until installation and inspection are complete

       Shipping FAQ       

Will the door be delivered in my house?
No. This is a tailgate / curbside delivery. The carrier delivers to the curb/driveway area. You are responsible for moving the crate inside and arranging unloading help.
Will the carrier contact me first?
Yes. Freight deliveries are typically scheduled. The carrier contacts you using the phone number provided to arrange a delivery window.
How do I track my freight shipment?
Once your order ships, you may receive a carrier reference (PRO/tracking). If you need help locating your shipment details, call us and we’ll assist.
Who unloads the door?
You do. Due to size/weight, customers typically need 2–4 people and/or equipment (dolly/hand truck) to unload and move the crate safely.

We Make Custom Entry Doors and Glass Very Reasonable Pricing too! Call us for a quote 1-219-663-2279

Chicagoland Wood Doors Showroom is Open in Crown Point, Indiana - Dealers Welcome

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Nick's Building Supply, Inc. 11100 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307 1-219-663-2279
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