Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers
Our shipping process

Our Process

Follow your order through each step from confirmation to delivery

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Order Confirmation

Customers receive an order confirmation with estimated lead times.

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Production & Packing

Lumber is milled, inspected, and packaged securely (palletized and shrink-wrapped).

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Freight
Booking

Orders are shipped via trusted LTL freight carriers nationwide.

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Tracking & Updates

Customers receive tracking details and are notified of delivery windows.

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Delivery

Freight arrives curbside or to the designated drop location.

Shipping Methods

How We Ship Your Order

Not every order is the same, and shipping works differently depending on the size of your order, your location, and your project needs. At Black Locust Lumber, we work with trusted carriers across the U.S. to make sure your lumber arrives safely.

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LTL (Less Than Truckload)

Best for small to medium orders that don't need a full truck.

  • Your lumber shares space with other freight on the truck. This helps keep costs down.
  • Transit can take a little longer since the truck makes several stops before reaching you.
  • LTL is a good fit for residential deliveries or smaller commercial projects where unloading equipment may not be available.
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Dedicated
Flatbed

Best for large orders, usually commercial or public projects, where your shipment fills an entire truck.

  • The flatbed truck carries only your lumber directly from our mill to your site.
  • This option is faster, reduces handling, and minimizes the risk of damage.
  • Dedicated flatbeds are often chosen for projects with strict deadlines or larger material packages that require careful handling.
Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Intermodal
(Rail + Truck)

A great option for clients on the West Coast.

  • Your lumber travels by train across the country, then transfers to a local truck for final delivery.
  • This method is often the most cost-effective for long distances and heavier loads.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint
What need

What We Need From You to Provide a Quote

To prepare an accurate shipping quote, we'll need a few details from you. These details help us match your order with the right carrier, avoid delays, and keep costs as low as possible.

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Delivery Address

  • Can be your job site, a commercial location, a local lumberyard, or even a home address.
  • Commercial addresses are almost always easier and less expensive for carriers because they are designed for truck access.
  • Residential deliveries are possible, but they may cost more and require special arrangements.
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Contact Person & Phone Number

  • Carriers require a contact name and number to confirm delivery.
  • This ensures someone is available to receive the order, preventing missed or delayed deliveries.
  • Having a reliable contact on site makes scheduling smoother and reduces the chance of extra fees.
Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Dock or Loading Hours

  • Most carriers operate Monday through Friday.
  • Providing your exact receiving hours (for example, "8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.") helps us schedule deliveries within your window.
  • This avoids re-delivery charges if the truck arrives when no one is available.
Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Unloading Method

  • Tell us how the lumber will be unloaded when it arrives.
  • If you have a forklift or loading dock, the process is quick and cost-effective.
  • If not, we can arrange for a liftgate truck. A liftgate lowers the lumber to the ground, but it is only available for bundles under 8 ft in length.
Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Liftgate Service Explained

Not every job site has a forklift or loading dock available to unload lumber. For smaller orders, a helpful option is liftgate service. A liftgate is a hydraulic platform attached to the back of a truck that can raise or lower heavy bundles between the truck bed and the ground.

Important Limitations

Liftgates can only handle bundles up to eight feet in length. Longer boards are simply too big and heavy for the platform, which means they must be unloaded by hand or with machinery such as a forklift.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Delivery Address

Provide the exact job site, commercial location, lumberyard, or residence.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Site Contact & Phone Number

A reliable person must be available to coordinate with the carrier.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Receiving Hours

Share the specific hours your site or dock can accept deliveries (Monday–Friday).

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Unloading Method

Confirm whether you have a forklift, loading dock, or require liftgate service (liftgates only work for bundles under 8 ft).

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Site Access

Ensure the truck has enough space to park and unload safely.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Long Lumber Plan

For boards over 8 ft, be prepared to unload by hand or arrange equipment.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Inspection on Arrival

Check your shipment for damage or missing items before signing paperwork.

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Photo Documentation

Take pictures of any damage immediately and note it on the Bill of Lading

Black Locust Lumber - Decking, Siding & Pavers

Black Locust Contact Info

Keep our email handy (sales@bllpro.com) in case you need support.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our shipping process

Can you deliver directly to my house?

Yes. We can deliver to residential addresses, but it often costs more than a commercial delivery. If possible, using a job site or local lumberyard address can save money.

Do I need a forklift to unload my order?

Not always. If you don't have a forklift or dock, we can arrange a truck with a liftgate. Keep in mind, liftgates only work for bundles under 8 feet long. For longer boards, you'll need to unload by hand or with equipment.

What happens if my lumber arrives damaged or short?

Inspect your shipment as soon as it arrives. Take clear photos, write any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt, and email us right away at sales@bllpro.com. We will assist you in filing claim against the carrier

How long does shipping usually take?

Delivery times vary depending on location and method. LTL shipments normally take 3–7 business days. Dedicated flatbeds can be overnight to 5 days, while intermodal shipments to the West Coast may take longer. We'll confirm timing when we book your truck.

Is shipping included in my lumber price?

No, shipping is calculated separately based on your order size, weight, delivery location, and method. We always look for the most cost-effective option.

Can I request a specific delivery day?

In most cases, yes. Carriers allow us to schedule deliveries within your receiving hours. We'll work with you to match the timing to your project needs.