For our Pro and Brewmaster customers, selecting the correct shipping configuration is vital to keeping costs low and avoiding unexpected carrier surcharges.

Quick Summary for Pro Orders

  • Parcel vs. Freight: We automatically ship small, inexpensive items via FedEx or USPS Parcel. Pallet options only apply to large or bulk orders.

  • The Golden Rule: When in doubt, select "Residential" and "With Liftgate." The upfront cost is almost always lower than the "Accessorial Fees" carriers charge if the delivery is more difficult than expected.

1. Commercial vs. Residential Delivery

Choosing "Commercial" just because you are a business is a common mistake. Carriers, not customers, determine an address's classification.

  • Carrier Discretion: Carriers often use city zoning or historical route data to classify an address. Even a registered business can be flagged as "Limited Access" if it is in a difficult area or requires a specialized truck.

  • Limited Access Fees: If you select Commercial but the carrier determines the delivery is difficult, they will apply a "Limited Access" surcharge.

  • Our Recommendation: If your brewery or shop is not in a strictly industrial zone with a dedicated freight lane, select the Residential option. It is safer to pay the residential rate upfront than to be hit with a surprise surcharge later.

2. Liftgate vs. No Liftgate

A liftgate is the motorized platform on the back of a truck that lowers the pallet to the ground.

  • Select "With Liftgate" if: You do not have a standard-height loading dock or a forklift on-site.

  • Select "No Liftgate" only if: You have a forklift and an operator ready to unload the truck immediately upon arrival.

  • Hand Unloading: Most freight companies do not permit unloading a pallet by hand. If they do allow it, they will often charge a Delay Fee for the extra time spent at your location.

  • Our Recommendation: Unless you have a loading dock or forklift, always choose the Liftgate option.

3. Pallet Consolidation

We aim to be your partner in cost-efficiency. We will never send a small item on a pallet if it can go via parcel. If you are placing a large order and want to discuss palletization or consolidation to save on Pro-tier shipping, please contact your account representative or call us at 1-800-600-0033.