Shipping Support

Generally speaking, freight refers to anything larger than a 2 x 4 Flat Pan, or larger than a Full Pint Hybrid Pan.

While it is most common for the Dauntless and StarCat Evaporators to be shipped via FedEx Ground, we will still opt to deliver these hobby evaporators via our White Glove Carrier Network if there is a route heading through your area.

Freight shipments will be scheduled within our white glove carrier network whenever possible. Alternatively, Smoky Lake also works with commercial carriers such as Dayton Freight, FedEx Freight, etc.

For the Free Freight shipping offer, we offer THREE options. Below, we outline the benefits and considerations for each option and the logistical requirements of each: White Glove Carrier Network , Common Carrier, and Freight Terminal Pick Up below.

BENEFITS: This is the safest way to ship freight, and allows us to provide a much more personal experience. Hence, this is always our preferred method of delivery. These drivers specialize in carrying maple equipment and they bend over backwards to accommodate our customers whenever possible. These drivers are great about calling ahead of time and keeping you informed as they make their way through their route (assuming cell reception is available). They are also happy to accommodate residential delivery whenever logistically possible. (See WHITE GLOVE CARRIER REQUIREMENTS below).

CONSIDERATIONS: White glove carrier routes are limited. You may need to be patient while we plan and schedule a route through your particular area. Also, white glove carriers go from house to house to house, moving as swiftly as possible. Hence, they do not have the luxury of scheduling very specific appointment times with you. They will give you their best estimate regarding their arrival time and they will keep you posted as they travel.

WHITE GLOVE CARRIER REQUIREMENTS: Please be kind and flexible. Remember, these drivers are doing everything they can to accommodate your wishes. These drivers are often towing large trailers or driving semi trucks. Due to the realities of maneuvering these larger rigs, your delivery address MUST meet the below criteria to ensure smooth delivery.

• Street and/or driveway must allow a semi trailer to pass and TURN AROUND fully and easily.
• Streets must be suitable / safe to drive a heavy semi trailer upon. For example, bumpy gravel roads and pot holes are notorious for damaging trailers and the cargo within them.
• Alert the driver if there is any nearby road construction/closures, bridges with low clearance, steep hills or any other obstacle. Remember, that the driver does not know your area as well as you do. Make sure they are on the best route to find you efficiently and safely!
• Some locations — such as the state of New York — do not allow semi traffic on residential streets. Please provide a commercial address or alternate drop point that offers easy access for a semi trailer. Speaking from experience, it’s no fun when our drivers get pulled over and receive fines.
• Some locations — such as New Jersey and Long Island — have such a high volume of tolls and other obstacles that our white glove carriers typically decline to travel to these areas. If you are in an area such as this, we have more options below.
• All equipment MUST be paid in full before delivery. In some cases we may accept payment at time of delivery. If payment is “in the mail” at the time of delivery, a new check must be provided or the order will not be unloaded.
• Smoky Lake will make ONE delivery attempt. If delivery cannot be made, then the customer must forfeit their free shipping. Additional shipping fees will be calculated on a case by case basis.

BENEFITS: Common Carriers can sometimes reach locations that our white glove carrier routes cannot. They also have more regularly timed routes. You will receive a tracking number. Equipment is palletized.

CONSIDERATIONS: We can do non-rural commercial addresses with this option, but NOT residential. (See COMMON CARRIER REQUIREMENTS below). Often with a common carrier, the pallets are transferred to several different trucks before reaching the destination. For the safety of your equipment, we will do our best to limit the amount of handling and find a carrier with most direct route.

COMMON CARRIER REQUIREMENTS:

• NON-RURAL, COMMERCIAL ADDRESS: Farms, churches and schools do NOT fit this parameter, unfortunately. Trust us, we’ve tried this many times! The freight carrier has the last say in whether or not an address is “commercial” according to their own definition.
• OPEN, EASY ACCESS: Common freight carriers will consider a gated facility or a school to be “limited access” for example. We need to remove any barriers to allow these carriers to get in and out quickly.
• LOADING DOCK AND/OR FORKLIFT REQUIRED: This allows freight to be pulled off the semi much more smoothly.
• LOCATION: Just as with White Glove Carriers, there may be some unique locations that are cost prohibitive for Common Carrier to travel to. If this option does not work, see Freight Terminal Pick Up below.
• SIZE: Evaporators require specialized, custom crates for this shipping method. Evaporators longer than 6 feet will not fit in these specialized crates.
• DELIVERY ATTEMPTS: The carrier will make ONE delivery attempt. Customer will be responsible for any additional carrier fees incurred in the event of a failed delivery attempt, or additional delivery attempts.
• See “How to Receive Freight” and other information below.

BENEFITS: This is great for folks whose delivery address does not work for White Glove Carriers nor Common Carriers. Work with the terminal to schedule a pick up time that works best for you.

CONSIDERATIONS: Terminals can not hold your equipment for extended periods of time. If you do not pick up your order in a timely fashion, they may need to charge a storage fee OR send the pallet back to Smoky Lake. (Requirements vary by carrier.) We can only send freight to an “approved” terminal for our free freight program. (Unapproved terminals may either be unavailable or may require an additional shipping charge.)

FREIGHT TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS:

• We will give you all the contact information for the terminal, as well as tracking number. Please work directly with the terminal to arrange a pick up time.
• Please make sure your truck/trailer is large enough to transport your equipment safely before arriving at the terminal.
• Bring tie-downs and moving blankets/tarps so that you can move your equipment safely. If applicable, bring your own drill and hooks to secure attachment points within your trailer. We also recommend bringing head lamps to make it easier to load inside of a dark, enclosed trailer.
• If using an open trailer, it is often wise to check the weather report before pick up.
• See “How to Receive Freight” and other information below.

If you prefer to work outside the parameters of our free shipping options (White Glove Carrier, Common Carrier, Freight Terminal Pick Up), please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your wishes. Once we identify the best solution for your situation, we will provide you with a discounted shipping quote to be paid before shipping.