Why is LTL Shipping so Expensive for Boat Docks?
If you've ever purchased a large item like a floating dock, you may have noticed that shipping costs can seem high. Let’s dive into why Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, especially for boat docks packed on 4'x4' and 8'x4' pallets, comes with a hefty price tag.
Size Matters
Boat docks are bulky, and when shipping on pallets of this size, the amount of space they take up in a truck is significant. An 8'x4' pallet, for instance, occupies a large footprint, which means fewer other items can be shipped in the same load. Freight companies charge based on the space your items use, and large pallets like these reduce how many shipments can be combined on a single truck.
Multiple Pallets
Shipping a single boat dock often requires more than one pallet. Whether you’re ordering a Flexx Floating Dock or another dock system, the components usually don’t fit onto one pallet. This increases the weight and volume, pushing costs up even further.
Residential Delivery Costs More
While shipping to a commercial location can keep costs manageable, delivery to a home typically costs much more. Unlike commercial addresses, residential areas often don’t have loading docks or forklifts readily available, requiring the freight company to use special equipment like lift gates to unload the docks. Additionally, navigating residential streets adds complexity and time to each delivery, increasing the overall expense.
On average, shipping boat docks to residential addresses costs around $1200. This price covers the specialized handling required to get such large, unwieldy items safely to your doorstep. However, it doesn’t end there.
We Cover 75% of Shipping Costs
To help you avoid sticker shock, our business subsidizes approximately 75% of the shipping costs on most orders. We understand that boat docks are not only essential but a significant investment for your property. By absorbing the majority of the shipping expenses, we aim to make your purchase more accessible and manageable.
Freight Rates are Increasing
Another factor affecting shipping costs is the steady rise in freight rates. Over the last few years, fuel costs, driver shortages, and higher demand for shipping services have all pushed freight rates upward. Unfortunately, these rising costs are passed down the supply chain, making it more expensive to ship larger items like boat docks.
The Bottom Line
Shipping boat docks via LTL may seem expensive, but when you factor in the large size of the pallets, the number of pallets needed, and the complexity of residential delivery, it’s understandable why costs add up. Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to minimize that cost for you by covering 75% of the shipping expenses and working to maintain our rates despite increasing freight charges.
Thank you for choosing us for your docking needs! We’re committed to delivering your product efficiently and cost-effectively.
