Too far away? Ordering from Axiom South anywhere in the U.S.

By the Axiom South team · Published 2026-10-13 · Reviewed 2026-10-18

We ship to all 50 states, and most of the work happens by email, phone, and video call. You send plans, measurements, or photos, we send an itemized quote, and once you confirm, we order and coordinate freight to your site. The part that takes the most care is receiving the delivery, so this guide spends extra time on what to do when the truck arrives.

Remote ordering follows five steps.

1. Send your project details. Plans, a sketch with dimensions, photos of the site, and any product or color preferences. Our faster quote checklist lists exactly what helps.
2. Review on a call. For anything more than a simple order, we can set up a phone or video call to walk the site with you on camera, look at mounting surfaces, and confirm layout.
3. Get an itemized quote. Every product, color, and quantity is listed, along with a delivery estimate for your products. Most quotes go out within 1 to 2 business days once we have what we need.
4. Confirm in writing. We confirm products, colors, and quantities with you before anything ships.
5. Receive and inspect. Freight arrives at your site. You or your contractor count it, inspect it, and note any problems before signing.

Photos and video calls replace the site visit.

Local customers from Mobile to Pensacola can book on-site design and measuring. Everyone else gets the same attention from a distance. Useful photos include:

• A wide shot of the full area from each side.
• Close-ups of where posts or panels will mount (wood framing, concrete, stone, or steel).
• Stairs from the side, so we can see the rise and the number of steps.
• Corners, existing gates, and anything unusual, such as a slope or a column in the way.
• A tape measure in the frame for key dimensions.

On a video call we can ask you to point the camera where we need it, which often answers in five minutes what would take a dozen emails. For railing, see how to measure for a railing quote.

Lead times vary by brand and product.

Every manufacturer runs its own production and shipping schedule, and timing also depends on color, configuration, and season. Some items are stocked, some are made to order, and a package may include products from several manufacturers. We do not publish a single lead time because there is not one. Instead, we give an estimate with each quote and flag anything likely to drive your timeline. Our own Axiom South cable and hardware are kept in stock locally in Spanish Fort.

Plan for freight delivery before the truck is scheduled.

Most building materials ship by LTL (less-than-truckload) freight on pallets or in long crates, not by parcel. A few things are worth sorting out ahead of time:

• Access. Tell us about narrow streets, gated communities, steep driveways, or low trees. A full-size freight truck may not fit everywhere.
• Liftgate. If there is no loading dock or forklift at the site, the carrier will need a liftgate truck to lower freight to the ground. Liftgates need firm, fairly level ground to work safely. Ask for it when you order so it is on the shipment.
• Where it goes. Freight carriers generally deliver to the curb, driveway, or garage. They do not carry freight inside a home or around to the backyard, so plan help or equipment to move it.
• Long pieces. Composite decking boards are commonly sold in 12, 16, and 20 foot lengths, and rail stock can be long too. Plan a flat, dry place to store them.
• Someone on site. The person receiving the delivery needs time to count and inspect before signing.

Inspect the freight and note damage before you sign.

Your signature on the delivery receipt tells the carrier you received the shipment as described. Freight industry guidance is consistent on what to do:

1. Count the pieces. Check the number of pallets, crates, and cartons against the bill of lading (BOL) or delivery receipt.
2. Inspect every side. Look for torn wrap, crushed corners, punctures, water stains, or bent crates.
3. Photograph it. Take photos of the freight on the truck and as it comes off, especially any damage.
4. Write it down. Note shortages and visible damage on the delivery receipt in specific terms, for example “1 crate crushed on corner, rails visibly bent,” not just “damaged.” Ask the driver to acknowledge your notes.
5. Sign legibly. Print your name clearly. An unreadable signature can complicate a claim.
6. Call us the same day. Send photos and a copy of the signed receipt so we can start the process with the carrier.

Do not sign a clean receipt for a shipment you have not inspected. Without a notation, carriers often deny damage claims.

Check for concealed damage as soon as you unpack.

Some damage only shows once the packaging comes off. Open and check everything promptly, even if the install is weeks away. Many carriers ask for notice of concealed damage within about five business days of delivery, so keep the packaging and take photos before you move anything. Under federal law (49 U.S.C. 14706), interstate motor carriers cannot set a claim-filing deadline shorter than 9 months, but waiting makes any claim harder to prove. Tell us right away and we will help you work through it.

Frequently asked questions.

Do you ship to my state?

Yes. We ship to all 50 states. Delivery timing and freight cost depend on the products and destination, and both are part of your quote.

Can I see products before ordering if I am not local?

Ask us about samples for the products you are considering. Seeing a finish in person, outdoors, is the best way to confirm color.

Can you find me an installer out of state?

We supply the materials and are building a nationwide network of independent installers. Search your ZIP code on our Find an Installer page. Coverage is still growing, so some areas may not have a listing yet.

Should I refuse a damaged shipment?

Call us before you decide. In most cases it is better to accept, note the damage in detail on the receipt, and photograph everything, so the undamaged material is not sent back too.

Wherever your project is, start by sending plans, measurements, or photos through our quote form, or call 251-261-3091. To browse what we ship, start with railing and handrail or decking and porch flooring.