800-320-8383
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & receiving your new automotive equipment

Please read and understand all of the information below before purchasing a lift (or large shop equipment). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our Customer Service department at 1-800-320-8383.
  1. Most small items will be shipped via UPS or FedEx Ground. All lift and large equipment shipments will be delivered via a common carrier such as Yellow Freight or USF Holland on an enclosed semi trailer approximately 53 foot in length. Occasionally freight may be delivered on a flatbed.

  2. Residential deliveries cannot be made for larger equipment if the carrier cannot drive a 50 foot semi in the neighborhood due to local ordinances or because of obstacles preventing this size of vehicle from safely maneuvering through the neighborhood.

  3. The driver is NOT responsible for unloading the equipment.Please have someone available for this.

  4. Any complaints about delivery should be directed to the carrier’s customer service department.

  5. You may need a forklift to unload the equipment. one with a 1500 to 3000 lb lift capacity depending on item ordered.

  6. Due to size, some items may not be available for lift-gate delivery.

  7. Carriers will not allow you to remove the lift one piece at a time; the complete lift must be removed all at once.

  8. Carriers will not and do not guarantee specific delivery times or dates.

  9. Carriers can call 24 hours before delivery to schedule delivery if requested at the time the order is placed. Usually this is done at no cost, but occasionally there may be a fee for this service.

  10. If any of the above create problems accepting delivery you can arrange to pick the lift up at one of our distributor warehouses, have it shipped to a location that has the required equipment to unload, or you can have the carrier hold the delivery at a local terminal for pick-up. We will need this information at the time the order is placed. There will be fees from the carrier for any changes made after shipment.

  11. If you decide to pickup your lift from a warehouse you will need a trailer to safely haul your lift. A four post lift is approximately 16 feet long and a two post lift is approximately 10 feet long, so make sure your trailer is long enough for the lift.

  12. All shipments are shipped "FOB Origin" which means the shipper pays the carrier for shipment at the time of pickup. The shipper bills the customer for freight and the customer owns the equipment while in transit and must file any claims for damage with the carrier.
If your shipment is damaged you have two options:
 
1) ACCEPTING AN ITEM WITH FREIGHT DAMAGE
Choose this option if you only have minor cosmetic damage or a part that needs replaced to make the unit complete. Make note of the damage on the freight bill prior to signing and accepting delivery. You will be responsible for filing the freight damage claim with the carrier; the driver can provide a number for you to call his terminal to begin the process. Once you have filed the claim, American Hoist can provide any replacement parts or touch up paint needed should you choose this option and the carrier should reimburse you for the cost of these items. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service department @ 1-800-320-8383.  
 
2) REFUSE A DAMAGED ITEM
If a carrier has severely damaged the freight beyond what you consider a simple repair. American Hoist or the distributor will file all freight claims if refused due to severe damage. Make a copy of the freight bill and fax to 616-475-7805 or email it to [email protected] with a brief explanation of the damage. If this is not possible, call us at 800-320-8383 to notify us of the damage so that we can arrange to have a replacement lift shipped.
 
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