800.549.3832
  We aren't in the shipping business, but e-mail dagny_shipping@galtwine.com before, during or after any order is placed if we can provide any coordinative assistance.

Other than such products as wine cellar cabinets, pre-fab rooms and some specific imports/exports, shipping logistics and charges are usually handled by the respective vendor.  Unlike many re-sellers, we do not mark up those charges or play games with intermingling costs with that of the product.  Fed Ex, U.P.S., SEKO Freight or any other carriers do not charge any customer or vendor any more or less from "point A" to "point B" ... we simply assure that our clients don't pay any hidden charges. 

Certainly, we aren't going to insult anyone's intelligence by claiming that such an animal as "free shipping" exists.  One way or another, the carrier gets paid and the consignee pays the bill.

Our international clientele usually finds it most efficient to work with a local freight forwarder or customs broker from their end.  Time zones, language barriers, currency exchange, duties and local laws can present challenges otherwise.  Of course, we'll coordinate things with the vendor and the shipper stateside.

When it comes to cellar cabinets, pre-fab rooms and such, we go a bit "above and beyond" in protecting our clients' interests ....  Everyone in this business pretty much operates the same way as we, we're just up front about it.  Cabinets are shipped "F.O.B. Factory."  This means that once it leaves the dock, you're in possession and control and any service issues such as damage, extra charges, delivery appointments are between you and the carrier.  That's true throughout this business.

Neither we, nor dealers, nor "factory direct" entities own the trucks, drive the trucks or deliver the merchandise.  Galt just makes it clear up front and won't hide the fact in small print.  As will we, most reputable vendors will assist in logistics, claims or coordinative services, but ultimately, you and the moving company have the relationship after pick up.

We really are focused on service - and for that very reason - we emphasize our limitations in order to avoid false expectations.  We're always available to help - but we have no means or resources to manage 3d party moving companies.  No wine storage company does - they'll all tell you that.  Some just wait 'til after the fact.

Unless you have a business or personal relationship with a given furniture moving company, we do offer the benefits of longstanding relationships with dependable, reputable van lines - all of whom know that they are in a competitive bid posture. 

Galt Wine Cellars' approach is distinct in a few ways:

• We don't mark up shipping costs or get kickbacks.  We don't hide shipping costs in the product cost or vice versa.  We see that our clients pay the moving companies directly so that they know what the actual charges are. 
• We obtain competitive bids from a variety of proven carriers to assure lowest rates possible for full service delivery* among folks that show up on time with the product in one piece and who will answer the phone in the outside event of damage.
• We will not solicit quotes from carriers with a substandard service record.  The industry average of damage claims is 1.5%.  A few well-known names not only exceed that figure dramatically, but ignore (not deny - ignore) the public's claims as a matter of standard operating procedure.  Of course, we're glad to provide weights and dims to any client should they want to get a quote from or any carrier, but we don't have the time or staff to babysit 3d party incompetence.
• We request a brief site survey (60 seconds) be completed by our clients in order to assure that there are no "extra charges" or other surprises once the moving company has your cellar hostage.
• Once the wine cellar is picked up, our clients have the name and contact information (including cell phone) of ONE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL SHIPPING AGENT employed by their furniture moving company ... no extended voice mails, no chasing the cabinet through a bureaucratic maze, no repetition to the next clerk that answers the phone.
• Carriers are allowed to bid based on their past performance.  When we're confronted with questions we can't answer because the van lines dropped the ball - we drop the van lines from the bid sheet.

*  Assuming that you don't own a forklift, "residential, van accessible, 2-man, liftgate-equipped truck, standard ground floor, inside delivery, debris removal and full insurance" is the standard van lines service level.  Freight companies (that haul oilfield equipment, not furniture) will usually have one truck driver, skinnier than our owner, show up with a 600# crate 6 feet off the ground and ask the lady of the house how she's going to get the thing off his trailer.