Freight Delivery Day: What to Expect When Your Outdoor Kitchen Arrives

Curbside freight explained in plain English, so the best day of your backyard's life goes smoothly.

By Dustin “Newbomb” Newberry, U.S. Navy veteran, lifelong cook and host, and founder of Feast & Fire Co.

Buying a premium outdoor kitchen online works because freight shipping works. But freight is a different animal than a box on your porch, and knowing exactly what happens on delivery day is the difference between a smooth landing and a headache. Here is the whole process, start to finish.

Before delivery day

• Build time first. Your unit is built to order: most orders are built and crated in about a week, then ship by freight, with typical delivery 2 to 3 weeks from purchase. Occasionally an off-site component runs long; if that affects your build, we contact you within 3 business days with a real timeline. See our shipping policy for the full details.
• The carrier will call. Freight deliveries are scheduled, usually with a delivery window a day or two ahead. Keep your phone handy.
• Line up your muscle. Islands run 800 to 1,800 pounds crated, fireplaces roughly 600 to 800 pounds, grills 130 to 280 pounds. Decide now how it gets from the curb to the patio: strong friends, a rented pallet jack or appliance dolly, a local moving crew, or white glove service arranged with us before it ships.
• Walk the path. Measure gates, check for steps and soft ground, and clear the route from curb to final position.

On delivery day

1. Be home. Freight requires a live human to receive and sign.
2. The truck arrives with a liftgate. The driver lowers your crate to the ground at the end of your driveway or the nearest safe spot the truck can reach. Long, steep, or tight driveways may mean the crate lands at the street.
3. Inspect before you sign. Walk all four sides of the crate. Look for punctures, crushed corners, forklift damage, or a tilted crate. This is the single most important five minutes of delivery day.
4. Note anything on the delivery receipt. If you see damage, write it on the receipt before signing: "crate punctured on left side" beats "received" every time. If damage is severe, you may refuse the delivery and call us immediately.
5. Take photos. Crate on the truck, crate on the ground, any dings. Thirty seconds of photos makes any claim painless.

After the truck leaves

• Uncrate carefully and inspect the unit itself. If you find concealed damage the crate hid, report it to us within 5 business days with photos and we will work with the manufacturer and carrier to make it right.
• Move it into position with your crew or equipment. Keep the unit upright and lift from the base.
• Connect utilities with pros. Gas by a licensed plumber or certified gas technician, electrical on a GFCI-protected outdoor circuit by a licensed electrician. This keeps you safe and keeps the manufacturer warranty intact.
• Fire it up. The best part.

Frequently Asked Questions