The Caterpillar tunnels are shipped on a 4x8 wooden pallet via motor freight (an 18 wheel tractor trailer). Depending on the order, sometimes multiple tunnels can fit on one pallet. Below is an example of what a past shipment looked like. 

Delivery Time

You will receive a pro number for tracking from Farmers Friend when your shipment is picked up from our facility. It is recommended that you contact the carrier prior to delivery to make arrangements for time and date. There is some flexibility in date and time of delivery, but customers in remote areas should accept delivery at the carriers convenience to avoid excessive delays or extra charges. 

Change of Shipping Address

If a change of shipping address needs to be made before your order is picked up from our facility, no problem. However, if this change is made after your order is picked up from Farmers Friend, there will be a reconsignment fee which generally ranges from $50-$150. Charges are determined by the carrier. 

Verifying Contents

Prior to moving or unloading, please take pictures of the order. This is in case items are missing or damaged we have a way to verify contents and condition. We recommend conducting an inventory of the shipment with your included packing list as soon as possible after unloading.

Unloading

Prior to mov­ing or unload­ing, please take pic­tures of the order. This is in case items are miss­ing or dam­aged we have a way to ver­i­fy con­tents and con­di­tion. We rec­om­mend con­duct­ing an inven­to­ry of the ship­ment with your includ­ed pack­ing list as soon as pos­si­ble after unloading.

As far as unload­ing, it is the cus­tomer’s respon­si­bil­i­ty. The car­ri­er will not have a fork­lift to unload. A fork­lift or trac­tor with forks is not required, as the ship­ment can be unloaded by hand with two peo­ple. Simply break the bands and remove the pack­ag­ing. The indi­vid­u­als unload­ing should be capa­ble of team-lift­ing 130 pounds. Out of con­sid­er­a­tion for the car­ri­er, we request you pre­pare to unload as quick­ly as possible.

Farmers Friend will not autho­rize the use of any lift­ gate ser­vices, and they are not includ­ed in any ship­ping charges, nor is it includ­ed with free ship­ping. If the local ter­mi­nal or dri­ver offers lift gate ser­vices, do not accept them for any rea­son as there will be an addi­tion­al charge billed to you from Farmers Friend at $150.

Each pallet will not exceed 2500 pounds. Below are some estimated example weights:

(This is only an example and not your actual order)

• 4x8 Pallet            100 lbs
• 50' Tunnel Kit     350 lbs
• 100' Tunnel Kit   625 lbs
• 24' Silage Tarp    61 lbs
• 32' Silage Tarp    83 lbs
• 40' Silage Tarp    99 lbs
• 50' Silage Tarp    124 lbs

Some carriers have lift gates, but there is a charge associated with its use. If you want lift gate, please let Farmers Friend know before purchase if possible. Lift gate services are not included in any shipping charges, nor is it included with free shipping. Lift gate service charges generally range from $50-$200 depending on the carrier. R and L is the only exception—they have free lift gate but their standard service rates are higher. Charges are determined by the carrier. 

If the driver offers lift gate services on site and you have not paid for them in advance, please do not accept as there will be an additional charge billed to you from Farmers Friend. 

Damage

In the event of your shipment being visibly damaged, we recommend both the driver and you taking pictures. The driver should also note the damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL) and you should send pictures to Farmers Friend. If the damage is excessive (obvious multiple items missing/damaged, pallet has been re-packaged) please refuse the shipment and contact Farmers Friend. We will arrange for a replacement order to be shipped via a different carrier. If there are only a few items damaged/missing, please accept the shipment and Farmers Friend will gladly make arrangements for quick replacement. 

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact Farmers Friend Customer Service at 931-583-0397 or [email protected].