Buying a large generator online may seem simple enough —until delivery day arrives. One Home Depot shopper researching a Champion 11,000W Inverter found that "curb delivery" can mean very different things depending on the carrier, the road, and the driver.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread on r/Generator, the poster detailed their issue. Because their driveway is steep, the shopper wanted details on how an online order would actually arrive. They made clear they meant shipping rather than store delivery and asked: "Does it come on a box truck with a lift gate or a semi truck?"
The answer seems to depend on the order.
One buyer said their online order for an 18KW Generac arrived on a truck with a liftgate, and the driver even backed up the steep driveway to unload it.
Not everyone had that kind of delivery. Describing a Westinghouse 11500tfc shipment, one user said, "a semi truck cannot make it down my road much less my rural driveway. it took me 3 weeks to get it delivered by another company that had a small box truck," and said the retailer could not switch it to store delivery after it had already shipped.
One user who said they had worked for FedEx Freight said buyers should assume the basic service level is limited unless something else has been arranged: "Unless special provisions are made by the shipper, curbside is the standard delivery."
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More background
Damage was another recurring concern. One user said they "ALWAYS ALWAYS" send large items to Home Depot for pickup because "Otherwise other Shippers damage it."
The OP replied that if the generator showed up in bad condition, "I'll refuse delivery."
Access issues came up repeatedly. One user said many companies avoid pulling onto residential driveways to avoid risking cracks, while another described a 53-foot trailer with a liftgate that still had to stop about 50 feet from the house.
For at least one FedEx shipment, a user said buyers should expect a shipment notification and tracking number once the generator is on its way.
What can be done?
Unless the shipper makes special arrangements, buyers should plan for curbside delivery, even if some drivers are willing to help beyond that when they can.
Being there for the handoff was one of the most common suggestions. One user said, "It's best to be around for the actual delivery and ask them what they can do." A helpful driver may agree to place the pallet closer to a garage or another practical spot, but buyers should not count on it.
Checking the shipment before accepting it was another clear takeaway. The OP said they would refuse delivery if the generator arrived damaged, and another user warned that damage to the outer box can sometimes signal damage to the frame inside.
It also helps to think through how the unit will be moved after drop-off. Referring to a portable model with wheels, one user said that after removing the box and attaching the wheels and handle, the generator's not too bad to get around — a useful point for buyers ordering a wheeled portable model rather than choosing store pickup.
Where can I learn more?
If you're considering a generator purchase, it can help to check return policies, compare backup alternatives, and weigh the tradeoffs of owning one. These stories cover retailer generator policies, home batteries and solar backups, debates over generator noise, and EV emergency power.
• At Lowe's, shoppers learned generators get 48 hours for returns, unlike most other purchases.
• Energy experts say backup solar delivers comfort a fuel generator cannot match during outages.
• Generator owners debating noise-cutting enclosure ideas also worry about airflow, warranty risks, and neighbors.
• Some hurricane-ready households found an EV can double as backup power when they skip the generator.
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