Pacific Columns

PCI says "Based on the photos you sent, the defects shown are a result of damage sustained in transit. Damage was not noted on the carrier's bill of lading which releases them and our production team of liability. Because of this, I [PCI] cannot provide free replacements or a refund." CAUTION #1 - If you buy their columns, DO NOT allow the freight carrier to depart until ALL cartons are opened and inspected. DO NOT allow them to leave without first documenting any damage on the Proof of Delivery (POD) and DO get the driver's signature on it and retain a copy. DO get photos BEFORE they come off the truck and photos of ANY damage to cartons and product. Our shipment weighed 560 pounds and the columns weigh in excess of 100 pounds each. Insist that the freight carrier assign two men to get the columns off the truck WITHOUT YOUR ASSISTANCE when they call to set a delivery appointment. CAUTION #2 – PCI Terms & Policies at https://www.pacificcolumns.com/terms-and-policies state "Orders Shipping Common Carrier require you to unload the items." DO read the following: "To Delivery... And Beyond!: The Boundaries of Carrier Liability for Unloading (A Clear Answer to Muddled Facts)" at https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=03897da1-330a-48a5-8983-76b53c01caf1 D. It reads in part:: Consignee Duty and Liability: A Clear Supreme Court Holding and Its Progeny Unlike many other situations, here, there is very clear case law on this point. The United States Supreme Court has squarely held that the duty to unload goods rests upon the consignee: The general rule is that it is the responsibility of the carrier... to `deliver' the goods by placing them in such a position as to make them accessible to the consignee. Normally unloading is not a part of the delivery and is performed by the consignee. PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT - PCI may not have packaged correctly. In view of the apparent fragility of the columns, notwithstanding PCI Online claims to the contrary, the columns fractured. Regardless of how the damage was inflicted, and by whom, mere cardboard boxing of columns stacked upon one another and banded to a pallet less in length than the overhanging eight-foot columns does not afford adequate protection. Additionally, NO SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIREMENTS appear anywhere in any PCI website pages or available pdf literature. CONCLUSION: In view of the above, it is my VERY STRONG RECOMMENDATION that you DO NOT purchase products from PCI unless you can obtain a written and signed agreement from them that THEY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DAMAGE TO THE SHIPMENT UNTIL IT IS DEPOSITED ON YOUR PROPERTY BY THEIR CARRIER and THEY obtain "CARGO GOODS IN TRANSIT INSURANCE" for the shipment AT THEIR EXPENSE.