Shipping policy
Freight & Delivery Timeframes
1) All lead times stated are the timeframe from the date of order to the date the product leaves the Utemaster warehouse. Lead times do not include delivery or freight transit time.
2) Any delivery timeframe provided after dispatch is an estimate only. Delivery may be affected by the delivery location, carrier capacity, weather, road closures and other events outside Utemaster’s reasonable control. Utemaster will provide available tracking information and assist with carrier enquiries where reasonably possible.
3) Orders containing multiple components may be freighted separately to optimise freight efficiency. Separate consignments may have different tracking information and may arrive on different dates. An order will not be considered incomplete solely because another component remains in transit.
4) Lead times are provided in good faith based on the information available at the time of order. Utemaster will use reasonable efforts to dispatch within the stated lead time. However, production or supply-chain changes may result in the estimated dispatch date being brought forward or delayed.
Freight Damage
1) Customers must inspect the packaging and product for visible freight damage when the order is delivered. Where damage is visible, it should be recorded on the carrier’s delivery documentation before the delivery is signed for.
2) Any visible or concealed freight damage must be reported to Utemaster as soon as reasonably possible. To help Utemaster meet carrier claim deadlines, customers should report freight damage within seven working days of delivery.
3) A freight-damage report should include:
• The Utemaster order or invoice number.
• The carrier consignment or tracking number.
• A clear description of the damage.
• Photographs of the damaged product.
• Photographs of the packaging, pallet and shipping labels.
• A copy of any delivery documentation showing that damage was recorded.
4) Customers must retain the damaged product and all original packaging until Utemaster or the freight carrier confirms that they may be disposed of. The product must not be installed, used, repaired, returned or disposed of without prior approval from Utemaster.
5) Where Utemaster arranged the freight, Utemaster will manage the freight claim with the carrier. The customer must provide any information or assistance reasonably required to support the claim.
6) Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, Utemaster may arrange for the product to be inspected, repaired, replaced, returned or otherwise resolved in accordance with the customer’s applicable legal rights.
7) Nothing in this policy limits any rights or remedies available under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or any other applicable law.
Loading
1) The vehicle driver and operator are responsible for ensuring that all loads carried on or restrained to a Utemaster product are properly secured and that the load-restraint methods and equipment used are suitable for the load, vehicle and operating conditions.
2) Published load ratings are maximum ratings. Over-tightening load-restraint equipment or applying excessive point loads may damage the product and is not covered under warranty.
3) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Utemaster is not responsible for loss, damage, injury or death caused by overloading, inadequate load restraint, incorrect installation, misuse, unauthorised modification, failure to follow supplied instructions or use outside the product’s intended purpose.
4) The driver of the vehicle is responsible for load security and for ensuring that the load, restraint method and driving behaviour are appropriate for the driving environment, road surface, terrain, weather and operating conditions.
5) Published load ratings apply only where the product has been correctly installed, the load is evenly distributed and the product is used in accordance with Utemaster’s instructions. The vehicle manufacturer’s load limits and the ratings of all mounting systems, roof racks, crossbars and accessories must also be followed. The lowest applicable load rating must not be exceeded.
6) Load restraints and mounting points must be inspected before travel and checked regularly during travel. Loads must be adjusted or re-secured whenever conditions or the load position change.