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Why It Matters
Our Own Fleet.
Your Peace of Mind.
Most reclaimed lumber companies rely on third-party freight carriers. That means less control over scheduling, handling, and accountability. We took a different approach. We built our own transportation fleet from day one because we believe the same company that processes your wood should be the one delivering it.
Our drivers are not general freight haulers — they are trained specifically for lumber loads. They know how to stack, strap, and protect reclaimed material, especially finished pieces that cannot afford transit damage. They understand weight distribution on flatbeds, the importance of dunnage between layers, and how to secure irregular loads like beams and timbers that do not stack neatly into standard pallet configurations.
That specialized knowledge shows in our numbers. Our transit damage rate is 0.1%, compared to the industry average of 2-4% for third-party carriers handling lumber. When your material arrives at the job site, it looks exactly like it did when it left our facility. No broken edges, no scuffed surfaces, no water damage from uncovered loads.
Owning our fleet also gives us complete scheduling flexibility. We are not waiting for a carrier to have availability — we schedule deliveries on our own timeline, match them to your project needs, and adjust on the fly when construction schedules shift. For local deliveries in the Greater Boston metro area, we can often accommodate same-day requests.
No third-party carriers for regional deliveries
Available for local Boston metro orders
On-time delivery rate across all routes
Transit damage rate (industry avg: 2-4%)
Minimum notice for local deliveries
Free local delivery threshold
Our Fleet
The Right Vehicle for Every Load
We match the vehicle to your order size and delivery location, so you are never paying for more truck than you need. Each vehicle type is equipped for the specific challenges of hauling reclaimed lumber safely.
Flatbed Trucks
Large timber orders, beams, and full truckloads of dimensional lumber. The workhorse of our fleet for commercial-scale deliveries.
- Stake sides for secure stacking up to 8 feet high
- Forklift-accessible loading and unloading
- Tarping available for weather protection in transit
- Heavy-duty ratchet straps rated for lumber loads
- Dunnage and corner protectors included on every load
- DOT-compliant tie-down configurations for all routes
Ideal for: Commercial contractors, large renovation projects, full truckload orders
Box Trucks
Medium orders, finished material, and deliveries requiring full weather protection throughout transit.
- Enclosed cargo area protects from rain, snow, and road spray
- Lift gate for ground-level unloading without a forklift
- Ideal for urban job sites with limited equipment access
- Climate-controlled option for sensitive finished material
- Interior padding to prevent shifting and surface damage
- GPS-tracked for real-time delivery status updates
Ideal for: Interior designers, furniture makers, urban construction sites
Pickup & Trailer
Small orders, local deliveries, and residential drop-offs where large trucks cannot access the property.
- Fits tight driveways, alleys, and residential streets
- Quick turnaround scheduling with minimal lead time
- Same-day delivery available for local orders
- Hand-unloading for precise placement at delivery site
- Ideal for homeowner projects and small contractor jobs
- Flexible delivery windows including early morning and evening
Ideal for: Homeowners, small contractors, residential renovation projects
How It Works
Delivery Process: Step by Step
From the moment you confirm your order to the moment you sign for delivery, here is exactly what happens at every stage of the transportation process.
Delivery Scheduling
Tell us your delivery address, preferred date, time window, and any site access restrictions (low clearance, narrow streets, no forklift on-site). We confirm a delivery window that fits your project schedule. Local deliveries can be scheduled with as little as 48 hours notice.
Load Planning
Our logistics team selects the right vehicle based on your order size and delivery location. They plan the load configuration — which pieces go on the bottom, how layers are separated with dunnage, and where straps are placed for optimal security during transit.
Loading & Securing
Your order is carefully loaded at our Medford facility. Finished material gets extra protection with cardboard corner guards, foam padding, or plastic wrap. Straps are tensioned to DOT standards. Tarps are applied for weather protection on flatbed loads. Every load is photographed before departure.
In-Transit Communication
Your driver departs with your contact information and delivery instructions. We provide a delivery tracking update when the truck leaves our yard. The driver calls you approximately 30 minutes before arrival so you can prepare for unloading.
Arrival & Unloading
Our driver arrives within the scheduled window and unloads at your specified location. For flatbed deliveries, forklift access is required unless you have arranged a crane. Box trucks include lift gate service for ground-level unloading. Pickup-and-trailer loads are hand-unloaded.
Inspection & Sign-Off
You inspect the delivery against your order specifications — checking species, dimensions, quantity, and condition. If everything matches, you sign the delivery receipt. If there is a discrepancy, we document it on-site and resolve it within one business day.
Material Protection
Packaging & Load Protection Standards
Dunnage & Stickers
Hardwood stickers are placed between every layer of boards to allow air circulation and prevent moisture trapping. Dunnage at the bottom of the load protects material from fork tines and truck bed abrasion.
Banding & Strapping
All loads are banded with heavy-duty steel or poly strapping. Strap tension is calibrated to hold the load securely without crushing or indenting the wood surface. Corner protectors prevent strap damage at edges.
Tarping & Wrapping
Flatbed loads receive heavy-duty tarps secured with bungee straps to protect from rain, road spray, and UV exposure during transit. Finished material can be individually wrapped in stretch film or plastic sheeting.
Corner Protectors
Cardboard, foam, or plastic corner guards are applied to exposed edges of the load. This prevents chipping, denting, and crushing at pressure points where straps contact the wood.
Foam Padding
For finished and surfaced material, foam padding sheets are placed between layers to prevent surface-to-surface contact marks. This is standard for furniture-grade and architectural-grade orders.
Load Photography
Every load is photographed after loading and before departure. These photos document the condition of your material at the point of shipment and serve as a reference in case of any transit damage claims.
Coverage
Insurance & Liability
Every delivery from our fleet is covered by comprehensive cargo insurance. Our policy covers the full declared value of your shipment against loss or damage during transit. In the rare event of transit damage, we handle the claim process and either replace the damaged material or issue a credit.
Site Requirements
Loading Requirements by Vehicle
Flatbed (5,000+ BF)
- Forklift on-site with 5,000 lb capacity
- Level paved surface
- 14-foot vertical clearance
- Designated staging area
Box Truck (1,000-8,000 BF)
- Lift gate included — no forklift needed
- Level ground at delivery point
- 12-foot vertical clearance
- Clear path to storage (50 ft max)
Pickup & Trailer (under 2,000 BF)
- Driveway or street parking access
- 1-2 people to assist unloading
- Protected staging area if needed
- Ground-level access preferred
Pricing
Delivery Pricing by Zone & Vehicle
| Zone | Pickup & Trailer | Box Truck | Flatbed | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (0-25 mi) | $150 | $250 | $350 | 48 hours |
| Zone 2 (25-75 mi) | $250 | $400 | $550 | 3-5 days |
| Zone 3 (75-150 mi) | N/A | $650 | $800 | 5-7 days |
| Zone 4 (150-300 mi) | N/A | $950 | $1,200 | 7-10 days |
| Zone 5 (300-500 mi) | N/A | $1,600 | $2,200 | 10-14 days |
| Zone 6 (500+ mi) | N/A | Custom | Custom | 14-21 days |
Free delivery for orders over 5,000 BF within Zone 1, over 10,000 BF within Zone 2. Prices are estimates — final delivery cost quoted with your order.
For Sellers
Pickup Service for Sellers
Our transportation service works in both directions. When we deliver to your job site, our trucks often return with salvaged material from the area — a practice called backhauling. This eliminates empty return miles, reduces fuel waste, and lowers costs for both buyers and sellers. Over 40% of our inbound reclaimed lumber arrives via backhaul trips.
If you have reclaimed lumber to sell, we will send our fleet to your location, handle all loading, and transport the material back to our Medford facility. Our drivers carry the same loading equipment and protective materials whether they are delivering or picking up. Pickup costs are factored into our purchase offer, so there are no separate transportation charges for sellers.
For large salvage lots (5,000+ BF), we can coordinate multi-trip pickups over several days and stage material at our facility as it arrives. This is common for active demolition sites where material becomes available in phases rather than all at once. We work with your demolition schedule to ensure pickups are timed for maximum convenience and minimum disruption.
What to Have Ready for Pickup
- Material sorted by species and dimension if possible
- Clear access path for truck (minimum 10 feet wide)
- Material staged at ground level or on loading dock
- Forklift or loader available if material exceeds hand-carry weight
- Site contact available during pickup window
- Any known hazards flagged (nails protruding, unstable stacks)
- Approximate board footage count or weight estimate
- Species identification if known (photos help if unsure)
Good to Know
Delivery Terms & Conditions
Key terms that apply to all deliveries. Full terms and conditions are available upon request.
Delivery Window
We provide a 2-4 hour delivery window for all scheduled deliveries. Our driver calls approximately 30 minutes before arrival with an updated ETA. We cannot guarantee exact arrival times due to traffic and loading conditions.
Signature Required
All deliveries require a signature on the delivery receipt. If the authorized contact is not available at the time of delivery, the driver will attempt to reach them by phone. Unattended deliveries are not permitted.
Inspection at Delivery
Inspect material upon delivery before signing. Note any damage or discrepancies on the delivery receipt. Claims for transit damage must be documented at delivery to be eligible for replacement or credit.
Risk of Loss
Risk of loss transfers to the buyer upon delivery and acceptance (signature) at the specified delivery location. We recommend inspecting all material before signing the delivery receipt.
Rescheduling Policy
Reschedule up to 24 hours before your delivery window at no charge. Reschedules with less than 24 hours notice may incur a fee of $75-150 depending on distance and vehicle type.
Wait Time Charges
Our drivers allow 30 minutes for unloading at no additional charge. Extended wait times beyond 30 minutes are billed at $75 per hour. Pre-arrange forklift availability to minimize wait time.
Client Feedback
What Clients Say About Our Delivery
“We have used Boston Lumber's delivery service on over a dozen projects. Their flatbed guys know how to handle reclaimed beams without damaging them — something we could never count on with third-party freight carriers. The pre-delivery call is a nice touch too.”
Kevin Marsh
Site Superintendent, Marsh Building Group
“I ordered a small amount of reclaimed barn board for my dining room accent wall. They delivered it on a Saturday by appointment, the driver helped me unload it into my garage, and the wood was in perfect condition. Could not have asked for better service.”
Jennifer Stein
Homeowner, Wellesley, MA
“The same-day delivery option saved a project for us. We realized we were 800 board feet short on a Friday afternoon, called Boston Lumber, and had the material on-site before 4pm. That kind of responsiveness is why we keep coming back.”
Paul DiMaggio
Project Manager, Heritage Restoration Co.
Eco-Conscious Logistics
Greener Transportation
Route Optimization
We consolidate deliveries along common routes, reducing total miles driven and fuel consumed per board foot delivered. Multiple orders heading to the same region are combined onto a single truck whenever feasible, cutting per-delivery fuel use significantly.
Backhaul Sourcing
When our trucks deliver, they often pick up salvage material on the return trip. This practice eliminates empty return miles and keeps our supply chain efficient. Over 40% of our inbound reclaimed material arrives via backhaul trips from delivery routes.
Fleet Maintenance Program
Regular preventive maintenance keeps our vehicles running at peak fuel efficiency. Properly maintained engines, correctly inflated tires, and clean filters reduce fuel consumption by 5-10% compared to neglected equipment, while also extending vehicle lifespan.
Reusable Packaging Materials
We use reusable steel and poly strapping, hardwood dunnage, corner protectors, and heavy-duty tarps. These materials are returned to our yard by our drivers after every delivery and reused on future loads, minimizing packaging waste across our operation.
Local Inventory Strategy
By maintaining over 200,000 board feet of inventory at our Medford facility, we keep average delivery distances short. Over 60% of our deliveries travel under 50 miles, and 80% stay under 100 miles. This local-first approach dramatically reduces transportation emissions.
Carbon Emissions Tracking
We track fuel consumption and calculate estimated carbon emissions for every delivery we make. This data is included in our annual sustainability report and is available to individual clients pursuing LEED certification or corporate ESG reporting requirements.
Pro Tips
Delivery Scheduling Best Practices
Planning your delivery properly saves time, money, and headaches. Here are our top recommendations for getting the smoothest delivery experience.
Order Early for Best Rates
Deliveries scheduled with standard lead time (5-7 days for regional routes) are priced at base rates. Rush scheduling adds 25-50% to the delivery charge. Planning ahead saves money on every shipment.
Confirm Site Access in Advance
Verify vertical clearance, turning radius, and surface conditions at your delivery point before scheduling. Trucks that cannot access the site result in rescheduling fees and project delays.
Stage Your Receiving Area
Clear and level the area where material will be unloaded before the truck arrives. Having a designated staging area with forklift access (for flatbed deliveries) cuts unloading time in half.
Have Your Team Ready
Ensure the authorized contact and any needed helpers are on-site during the delivery window. Box truck and pickup deliveries may require hand-unloading assistance from your team.
Bundle Deliveries When Possible
If your project requires multiple material types, try to consolidate into fewer, larger deliveries rather than multiple small ones. Fewer trips mean lower total delivery costs and less site disruption.
Communicate Special Requirements
If your site has weight restrictions, noise ordinances, limited hours, or requires crane access, tell us when scheduling. Surprises on delivery day cause delays and additional charges.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I schedule a delivery?
Local deliveries: 48 hours. Regional New England: 5-7 days. Long-haul to Tri-State and beyond: 10-14 days. Rush scheduling is available for an additional fee.
Can I get a same-day delivery?
Yes, for orders within Greater Boston, subject to fleet availability. Email info@boston-lumber.com early in the day for best same-day availability.
Is delivery included in my order price?
Orders over 5,000 BF in Zone 1 include delivery. Orders over 10,000 BF in Zone 2 include delivery. Other deliveries are quoted separately.
What if I need to reschedule my delivery?
Reschedule up to 24 hours in advance at no charge. Same-day reschedules may incur a $75-150 fee depending on distance.
Do your drivers handle job site unloading?
Drivers unload at ground level or dock height. Flatbeds require a forklift; box trucks include lift gates. Communicate special equipment needs in advance.
What happens if material is damaged during delivery?
Note damage on the delivery receipt. We replace damaged material or issue a credit. Cargo insurance covers the full declared value.
Can you deliver to a residential address?
Yes. Pickup-and-trailer rigs work well for residential deliveries; box trucks need driveway access. Full-size flatbeds typically cannot access residential streets.
Do you deliver on weekends?
Saturday deliveries are available by appointment for an additional fee. Schedule at least a week ahead. No Sunday or major holiday deliveries.
What freight class is reclaimed lumber?
Reclaimed lumber generally ships as Class 85 (dimensional) or Class 100 (processed) under NMFC. We assign accurate freight classes for all LTL shipments.
Can I track my delivery in real-time?
Box trucks are GPS-tracked with updates available on request. All deliveries include a departure notice and a 30-minute pre-arrival call from the driver.
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