Logistics
How your materials get from the nursery to your jobsite — freight options, insurance, title transfer, and what happens if something goes wrong.
Freight options
We either work with trucking coordinated by a given nursery, or dispatch our own trucks from our carrier network. The choice depends on load size, route, and nursery preference. Our Load Builder recommends a vehicle class based on total mass, canopy volume, and floor-space configuration — from a Sprinter van for a small order to a 53-foot semi for a full corridor load.
Transit insurance
All trees are insured at full declared value while in transit. In the event of damage, Tree Supply Co. facilitates the insurance claim process to secure replacement or credit. You don't file the claim — we handle it.
Title transfer
You take ownership of the trees when they come off the truck — FOB Destination. Until that moment, the trees are our responsibility. Signature is required for all specimens 15-gallon and larger. Signature confirms physical receipt and initiates the inspection window.
Inspection & claims
You have 12 hours from delivery to inspect and report any defects not visible in pre-shipment photos. Claims must include photographic evidence — trunk, canopy, root ball, and container — submitted to claims@treesupply.co. Defective trees are credited or replaced at no charge.
What's excluded
Living specimens adapt to transit. Minor cosmetic stress — localized leaf drop, interior foliage yellowing, or secondary branch breakage under 4 inches — is normal and does not constitute damage. These conditions are excluded from claims. No growth guarantees are offered due to variables in local soil, irrigation, and planting depth.
Vehicle classes
The right truck for the load. Our system recommends based on total mass, canopy volume, and floor-space configuration.
Questions about shipping
Can I schedule delivery for a specific day?
Yes. You receive a delivery window in advance — typically a 4-hour window on the scheduled day. For time-sensitive projects, let us know your constraints when you place the order.
What if my jobsite has access restrictions?
Tell us upfront — gate codes, hours of access, road width, overhead clearance, and whether equipment is needed for unloading. A 53-foot trailer requires different access than a Sprinter van.
Who unloads the trees?
The driver stages materials at the curb or driveway. Planting and final placement is your contractor's job. For large specimens requiring a crane or equipment, we coordinate that as part of the freight plan.
Do I need to be on-site for delivery?
Someone must be present to sign for specimens 15-gallon and larger. Signature confirms receipt and starts the 12-hour inspection window.
How long does shipping take?
Depends on route and load type. Local orders within 100 miles typically deliver next-day or within 2–3 days. I-5 corridor loads from PNW to California are 1–2 days in transit. You'll receive tracking and an ETA once the truck departs.
What if a tree arrives damaged?
You have 12 hours from delivery to report defects not visible in pre-shipment photos. Email 5 photos (trunk, canopy, root ball, container, and overall) to claims@treesupply.co. We replace or credit at no charge. Claims filed after 12 hours are not eligible.
When does the nursery get paid?
ACH direct deposit within 7 days of confirmed pickup (FOB transfer at the nursery gate). No invoicing, no net-60, no chasing payments.
Can the nursery deliver directly?
If the nursery has delivery capability and wants to quote on freight, we can discuss that on a per-order basis. By default, we handle freight through our carrier network so the nursery only has to pull the order and load it.
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