A building kit does not arrive like an ordinary package.
Large shelters, barns, garages, and storage structures may ship on pallets, flatbeds, or specialized freight trailers. The customer may need to provide truck access, a suitable unloading area, equipment, and people ready at the scheduled time.
A little preparation can prevent delays, damage, redelivery charges, and a great deal of frustration.
Because every product and carrier is different, always follow the product-specific instructions and confirmed delivery arrangements. This checklist is a practical starting point.
1. Confirm what is arriving
Before delivery day, verify:
- The estimated delivery date or appointment window
- The carrier or delivery provider
- The number of pallets, crates, bundles, or packages expected
- Approximate shipment dimensions and weight
- Whether the load arrives on a flatbed, enclosed trailer, or other equipment
- Who is responsible for unloading
- What equipment will be required
- Who the carrier will contact to schedule delivery
Do not assume liftgate service will be available or sufficient for an oversized building kit.
2. Check the entire delivery route
Look at the property from a truck driver’s perspective.
Confirm that roads, bridges, culverts, gates, and driveways can accommodate the expected vehicle. Check for narrow turns, steep grades, soft shoulders, low branches, overhead wires, parked equipment, animals, and limited turnaround space.
A passenger vehicle fitting through a gate does not mean a tractor-trailer can safely use the same entrance.
Tell FHBB or the delivery provider about known access restrictions before the truck is dispatched.
3. Prepare a firm unloading area
Choose a level, stable, and unobstructed location where the truck and unloading equipment can operate safely.
The area should have enough room for:
- The delivery vehicle
- The unloading machine
- Safe movement around both
- Temporary placement of all components
- Separation from animals, children, traffic, and overhead hazards
Wet soil, deep gravel, mud, snow, steep slopes, and hidden underground systems may make an otherwise open area unsuitable.
4. Arrange the correct unloading equipment
Depending on the shipment, unloading may require a forklift, telehandler, skid steer with suitable forks, tractor attachment, crane, loading dock, or another approved method.
Confirm the weight and dimensions of the heaviest bundle before selecting equipment. The machine must have adequate rated capacity at the required reach, and it should be operated by someone qualified to use it.
Do not improvise with undersized machinery, damaged attachments, chains of unknown capacity, or people standing beneath suspended loads.
5. Keep the staging area organized
Plan where each bundle will go before unloading begins.
Store components on firm supports and protect them from standing water, mud, traffic, animals, and unnecessary handling. Keep doors, hardware, coverings, anchors, and smaller boxes together so they are not misplaced.
Do not begin assembly until the shipment has been inspected and inventoried.
6. Inspect before signing
When the shipment arrives:
- Count the visible pallets, crates, bundles, and packages
- Examine wrapping and exposed components
- Photograph the load from several angles
- Photograph labels and identifying information
- Note visible damage, shortages, or irregularities specifically on the delivery receipt
- Keep a copy or clear photograph of the signed receipt
Do not sign that everything arrived in good condition when significant visible damage or missing components are apparent.
If damage appears serious, contact Flint Hills Barns and Buildings for guidance before refusing the shipment whenever reasonably possible. An unauthorized refusal can sometimes create additional freight, storage, or redelivery complications.
7. Report problems promptly
If you identify visible damage or missing components, contact FHBB as soon as possible and preserve:
- Photographs
- Packaging
- Labels
- Delivery paperwork
- Damaged components
- A list of missing items
If concealed damage is found while unpacking, stop before assembling or altering the affected parts and request guidance.
8. Wait before scheduling installation
Delivery estimates are not guaranteed installation dates.
Weather, production, inventory, freight scheduling, and other factors can affect arrival. Avoid committing to contractors, equipment rentals, travel, or installation crews based only on an estimated delivery date. Receive, inspect, and inventory the shipment first.
Make delivery part of the building decision
Delivery planning should begin before checkout—not when the truck is already on the road.
When comparing structures, consider the property entrance, unloading equipment, staging space, weather, and who will be available on delivery day. A building that fits the job must also be deliverable to the site.
Review the complete FHBB Shipping and Delivery Policy and all product-specific information before ordering.
Questions about an upcoming purchase or delivery? Talk with Bobby, call or text 620-551-1194, or email bobby@flinthillsbarns.com.
Shipping methods, costs, delivery areas, unloading requirements, inspection procedures, and lead times vary by product, supplier, carrier, and location. Product-specific instructions and confirmed order documents control when they differ from this general guide.