Procedure for receiving freight shipments
Click here to see the used and refurbished lab equipment at American Instrument Exchange.
At American Instrument Exchange we have over 50 years’ experience packing and shipping used and refurbished lab equipment to customers all over the world. 99% of the time everything goes smoothly: after testing and cleaning the equipment we pack it carefully on a pallet, protected with impact resistant sheeting if necessary, strapped and bound in shrink wrap. The equipment is loaded onto an LTL truck or air-ride truck (or boat or plane, depending on the destination) and delivered to the customer’s dock with no problems.
But every now and then, despite our best efforts there’s a different scenario: a shipment gets damaged in transit.
Below are a few tips to protect yourself and your investment when receiving lab equipment via freight shipment.
- Inspect the packaging before you sign. Make sure there are no dents or dings to the cardboard and impact resistant sheeting, and make sure the pallet holding the equipment is intact – if there dents or marking this could be a sign of rough handling and potential internal damage. Also look for scuffs and tears on the shrink wrap. If you see any indication of damage to the exterior packaging be sure to note this as thoroughly as possible on the Proof of Delivery (POD) before you sign for receipt of the goods.
- Take pictures. In addition to noting damage on the POD, take pictures of the damage/marks on the packaging material. The more documentation you have the better off we’ll all be.
- Carefully inspect the equipment. You may find that only the packaging was damaged – good. But if the equipment itself is dented or any glass or small components are broken you’ll need to document this as well. Pictures are best; written descriptions to supplement are helpful as well.
- Call or email American Instrument Exchange. We want to make sure our customers are happy with their purchases the equipment they receive from us, and this includes making sure that damage claims are properly filed with the freight carrier for any equipment that is broken in shipment.
If you have any questions at all about freight shipment of used and refurbished lab equipment please don’t hesitate to email or call us today. Thanks!
American Instrument Exchange has been a reliable source for used laboratory and scientific equipment for over 50 years, buying and selling equipment since 1969. Our surplus lab equipment is reconditioned for many types of laboratories, including biotech, biomedical, medical research, chemical, pharmaceutical, and university and hospital research laboratories. All lab equipment listed on our website is in stock and ships from our 30,000 square foot warehouse in Massachusetts. Our facilities include a fully equipped shop with highly trained technicians who thoroughly test each instrument before it reaches your laboratory. Please visit our website at https://www.americaninstrument.com/.