How to Receive and Inspect Your New Air Compressor

10/08/2014
by Matt Mazanec

An air compressor can be a big purchase both in terms of cost and size. It's therefore important to protect yourself and your company when using the services of a trucking company to deliver your compressor to you. Knowing how to receive and inspect a compressor will help protect you in the event your compressor arrives damaged necessitating you to file a freight claim.

We have sold and shipped a lot of compressors which gives us a pretty unique insight into this subject. Our first bit of advice is that it is vitally important to fully inspect your compressor on arrival and before you sign the Bill of Lading from the trucking company. Our sales staff cannot tell you how many times customers have received their compressor without inspecting it only to find later that it arrived with damage from shipping. If you sign the Bill of Lading without inspecting the machine, you accept it free and clear and you own it as is.

Here are some other bits of advice on how to receive and inspect your shipment:

  1. Someone will need to be present for the duration of the delivery appointment because inspection & signature are required.
  2. Make sure you have the right equipment to remove the compressors from the truck.
  3. Before signing for the delivery, perform a thorough inspection of the outer packaging.
  4. If there is any damage to the packaging (e.g. creases or dents, puncture holes, tears, etc.), take pictures, note "BOX DAMAGED" on the delivery receipt, and describe the damage on the delivery receipt. If the air compressor is significantly damaged, refuse the shipment and have it sent back to the manufacturer. Let them figure it out.
  5. Inspect the interior of the package as there may be interior damage.
  6. There may be cardboard cone(s) strapped to the top of what was shipped. These are to prevent the trucking company from stacking anything heavy on the compressor or component. If these are damaged, closely inspect the compressor. 

Some freight companies have been known to deny freight claims for the smallest details so it's critical that you fully inspect your shipment and note any damage at all to the equipment or packaging. Only when you are fully satisfied should you sign the Bill of Lading and accept the shipment. 

If you have any questions about receiving and inspecting your new air compressor, please call our team at (866) 934-4491 or email info@compressorworld.com.