How Your Gym Arrives
How Your Gym Arrives
You're about to have a 300 to 700 lb steel machine delivered to your house. Here's exactly how that works, step by step, so there are no surprises on delivery day.
Why freight, not a delivery van
Body-Solid equipment doesn't fit in a UPS or FedEx truck, and that's the point. A power rack or a stack machine is built from heavy-gauge steel, not stamped sheet metal, so it doesn't ship the way a treadmill motor or a set of dumbbells might. It ships LTL freight, which stands for "less than truckload" - your crate rides on a pallet, on a semi-trailer, alongside other freight headed the same direction.
This is the normal, standard way heavy equipment moves in the U.S., and it's actually a good sign. If a company's gear could survive being tossed around a parcel sorting facility, it probably isn't built as heavy as you think it is.
The delivery process, step by step
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Order confirmed
You get an email the moment your order goes through, with your order details for reference.
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We confirm stock and ship
We confirm your item is in stock and hand it off to the freight carrier. You'll get shipping confirmation with tracking information once it's on the truck.
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The carrier calls you
This is the part most people don't expect: a real person from the freight company calls you to schedule a delivery appointment. You agree on a day and a window together. You will not be guessing when a truck might show up.
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Delivery day, curbside with a liftgate
The truck arrives in your scheduled window. The driver uses the liftgate to lower your crate from the trailer down to your driveway or curb, no dock or forklift required.
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You inspect before you sign
Before you sign anything, walk the crate. This is the single most important step in the whole process, and we cover exactly how below.
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It's yours
Sign the delivery receipt, the driver heads out, and the crate is in your driveway. From here it's just moving it to where it's going and opening it up.
Curbside vs. white glove
Curbside delivery
The liftgate lowers your crate to the driveway or curb. From there, you move it inside.
- Free, standard on every order
- Crate sits on a pallet or has wheels/skids built in
- Manageable with a hand truck and one helper
- Most guys have it in the garage in 15 to 20 minutes
White glove / in-home
The carrier brings the crate inside your garage, basement, or gym room instead of leaving it at the curb.
- Available in most areas, priced by address and item
- Request it at checkout or contact us and we'll quote it
- Best for stairs, no driveway access, or if you'd rather not lift
Curbside is the standard for a reason: it works. These crates are built to be moved by one or two people with basic equipment, not a moving crew.
What a liftgate actually is
A liftgate is a powered platform mounted on the back of the freight truck. The driver loads your crate at the warehouse dock, drives to your house, then lowers the platform like a small elevator until it's flush with the ground. That's how a 500 lb crate gets from a trailer bed down to your driveway without a loading dock, a forklift, or anyone lifting the full weight of it.
Inspect before you sign
This is the step that protects you, and it takes two minutes. Before you sign the delivery receipt:
- Walk around the crate and look for crushed corners, tears, or holes in the packaging
- If you see any damage, write it on the delivery receipt itself, not just verbally to the driver
- Take photos of the crate and the damage before it's moved or opened
- If the damage looks serious, you can refuse the shipment on the spot
Signing a clean receipt tells the carrier the crate arrived in good shape. Note anything you see, even if you plan to fully inspect the contents later.
If something arrives damaged
Sometimes freight gets banged up in transit. If you find damage, whether it's noted on the delivery receipt or you find it once you're unboxing, here's what to do: photograph it, note your order number, and contact us. We'll work with the carrier and the manufacturer to make it right, whether that's replacement parts for a damaged panel or a full replacement unit. Send us the photos and the details, and we'll take it from there.
This is separate from your equipment's standard manufacturer warranty, which covers the machine itself once it's set up and in use.
What to have ready
- Someone home for the full delivery window the carrier gives you
- A clear path from the street to your driveway, the truck needs room to maneuver
- A second person to help move the crate, if you're taking curbside delivery
- A hand truck or furniture dolly to move the crate from the driveway into the garage
Freight FAQ
How long until it ships?
Once your order is confirmed and stock is verified, we hand it off to the carrier. Exact ship time depends on the manufacturer's current stock on that item, and you'll get shipping confirmation with tracking as soon as it's moving.
How will I know when it's coming?
The freight carrier calls you directly to schedule a delivery appointment. You'll agree on a day and a window together, it's not a guess.
Do I need a loading dock?
No. The truck has a liftgate that lowers the crate to ground level at your driveway or curb. No dock, no forklift, nothing on your end but a clear path.
What if I'm not home for the appointment?
Someone needs to be present to sign for the delivery. If you miss the scheduled window, the carrier will need to reschedule, which may come with a redelivery fee from them. Let us know ahead of time if your schedule is tight and we'll help you work with the carrier on timing.
Can I get it brought inside instead of left curbside?
Yes, white glove or in-home delivery is available in most areas as an upgrade. Request it at checkout or contact us and we'll get you a quote for your address.
What if it arrives damaged?
Note it on the delivery receipt if you see it at drop-off, photograph the crate and the damage, and contact us with your order number. We'll get you replacement parts or a replacement unit to make it right.