How to Avoid Delivery Issues When Ordering Large Items from Walmart or Target
Published on April 23rd, 2025
1. Discover practical tips to ensure smooth delivery of large items from Walmart or Target, avoiding common freight issues and damaged goods with expert advice. 2. Learn how to prevent delivery delays, damage, and miscommunication when ordering bulky items online—boost your shopping experience with these essential strategies. 3. Improve your large-item deliveries by understanding carrier options, scheduling tips, and handling damaged packages effectively for a hassle-free shopping experience.
### Tips for Avoiding Delivery Hassles from EFW and Similar Freight Companies
- **Check the delivery company before ordering:** When purchasing large or oversized items from Walmart or Target, pay attention to who’s delivering. If it's Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW), consider requesting a different carrier for a smoother experience.
- **Be prepared for scheduling issues:** EFW often mishandles delivery scheduling, leading to multiple missed delivery attempts despite taking PTO. Confirm delivery dates and times directly, and expect potential rescheduling.
- **Demand better communication:** Many users report poor communication and last-minute cancellations. Contact the retailer to escalate issues if delivery companies fail to inform you properly.
- **Avoid situations requiring signature or on-site presence:** EFW sometimes insists an adult signs or is home, but they often deliver to “the first dry spot outside.” Being home is crucial for large shipments requiring signatures or damage inspection.
- **Inspect packages upon arrival:** Freight often arrives damaged or incorrectly handled—holes, crushed items, or missing goods. Refuse damaged shipments immediately and report them to the retailer.
- **Report issues to retailers:** Notify Walmart, Target, or the store where you purchased the item about delivery problems. Retailers can often pressure freight companies for better service.
- **Choose alternative pickup options:** If possible, opt to pick up from the store directly or have items shipped to a local store for pickup instead of home delivery.
- **Be cautious with fragile or high-value items:** Fragile goods may arrive smashed, stacked improperly, or missing. Refuse damaged goods to avoid losses.
- **Understand the limitations of third-party freight:** Many delivery companies lack professionalism, with reports of rude drivers, poorly handled packages, and no recourse. Consider hiring a dedicated freight forwarder for important shipments.
- **Learn from experiences:** Many users advise avoiding EFW due to consistent issues; opting for reputable carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS often results in fewer problems.
- **Consider in-store pickup:** If available, ordering for in-store pickup can save time and frustration, and offers more control over the collection process.