Shipping policy

Shipping & Delivery Policy

Last updated: [Month Day, Year]

If you have any questions about shipping before or after placing an order, you can reach us at:

Email: info@patriotdocks.com
Phone: 651-674-2450
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central

Where We Ship

We currently ship to addresses within the contiguous United States.

We do not ship to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses.
Orders to Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations are not available through our standard checkout. If you’re interested in shipping to one of these locations, please contact us for a custom quote.

Dock Packages and Other Freight Shipments

After placing an order for a dock package, your order will be processed, palletized, and shipped. Since freight shipments are different from typical box shipments, there are some important details that will help you choose the best shipping address and be ready for delivery.

All dock packages and some other large orders are shipped on a shrink-wrapped pallet to either a commercial or residential address.
When the dock leaves our facility, a tracking email is sent to you (or the retailer you purchased from, if ordered through a retailer).
Most carriers provide an estimated delivery date and in-transit updates.
For residential deliveries, the trucker calls ahead to give delivery details, and plans can be made directly with the driver.

Truck and Access Requirements

Dock packages typically ship on a semi-truck, so it is best to choose a shipping address with no weight restrictions, low-clearance bridges, or tight access issues.
Some residential addresses require the customer to meet the truck at a nearby accessible location if the semi cannot safely access the driveway or street.
Access to some addresses may be restricted by the local terminal due to road limitations. In these cases, address changes or extra services must be arranged prior to shipping.

Unloading & Customer Responsibilities

Unless other arrangements are made, the customer is responsible for being present at delivery to:

Inspect the shipment for damage, and
Unload the contents of the pallet by hand.

Key details:

Oversized pallets do not fit on a standard liftgate, so the easiest method is to cut the shrink-wrap and unload the pallet piece-by-piece.
Typical dock pallets include about 10–25 parts, and the heaviest part is approximately 45 pounds.
This process generally takes 5–15 minutes with two people.

Shipments can also be picked up at the freight terminal if you prefer. General safety precautions (gloves, proper lifting, a safe utility knife, etc.) are strongly recommended when handling freight.

Freight Damage at Delivery

Any visible damage must be noted on the delivery receipt before signing.
If the shipment is mostly or severely damaged, you should refuse the shipment and contact us immediately.
For hidden (concealed) damage discovered after delivery, please contact us as soon as possible with photos so we can help file a claim with the carrier.

Smaller Orders and Parcel Shipments

Orders for smaller parts and accessories are shipped via FedEx or a similar ground carrier.

Many of these orders do not require a pallet or freight shipment and will be shipped in one or more boxes.
After the order is processed and shipped, you will receive tracking information for delivery updates and an estimated delivery date.
Parcel shipments are typically delivered without a signature, and someone does not need to be present to sign for the package.

Infrequently, there may be delays in transit or boxes in a multi-box shipment may arrive on different days. Your tracking information will show the latest updates, and our customer service team can help with any additional questions.

Local Pick Up (Harris, MN)

Shipping arrangements are typically made through our retailers, but in some situations customers can save on shipping by picking up at our warehouse in Harris, MN.

Pickups are scheduled by appointment only and on a case-by-case basis.
To see if your order qualifies for pickup, please refer to the policies of the retailer you ordered from or contact one of our dock professionals to inquire about this option.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated based on the size, weight, destination, and method of shipment:

Parcel orders (small parts & accessories): Rates are based on package weight, dimensions, and delivery address.
Freight orders (dock packages & large items): Rates are based on freight class, total weight, destination, and any extra services required (such as residential delivery or special access).

Your final shipping cost will be displayed at checkout before you complete your order. For complex or custom orders where the automated system cannot calculate a rate, we may contact you with a custom freight quote for approval prior to shipping.

Turnaround Time (Processing & Transit)

Actual delivery time = Processing time + Transit time.

Dock Packages & Freight Orders

In-stock dock packages usually ship within 1–10 business days of order processing.
Transit time is typically 1–10 business days depending on distance and carrier scheduling.
Spring is our busiest season, and orders may take longer than in fall or winter.

Smaller Orders & Parcel Shipments

Smaller orders shipped via typical ground service generally have a 1–5 business day handling time and 1–5 business day transit time.

Orders placed during peak season or involving out-of-stock items may take longer. If you have a specific deadline or launching date at your lake, please contact us—we’re happy to see if we can meet your timeline.

Lost, Missing, or Delayed Shipments

If your tracking shows “delivered” but you have not received your order:

Check around your property and with neighbors or building management.
Confirm that the shipping address on your order confirmation is correct.
Contact the carrier with your tracking number to open an investigation.
If the issue remains unresolved, contact us at info@patriotdocks.com with your order number and tracking number.

We’ll work with the carrier to investigate and will do our best to assist, although final decisions on lost-package claims are made by the carrier.

Order Changes & Address Corrections

Once an order has been processed, we may not be able to modify the shipping address or shipment details.

If you need to change an address, please contact us as soon as possible.
Carriers may charge additional fees for address corrections or re-delivery. If these apply, they may be passed on to you.