Shipping Policy

Shipping & Delivery Information for Container Sales Co. Inc.

 

This Shipping Policy explains how orders are processed, scheduled, delivered, and what customers should expect when purchasing large-scale equipment such as containers, trailers, chassis, and refrigerated units.

All shipments are handled within the United States only unless prior arrangements are made.

Order Processing

Before your order is shipped, it goes through a defined processing period to ensure accuracy, condition verification, and logistics readiness.

Standard Order Processing Time:

  • New units and stocked products: 2–5 business days
  • Used, refurbished, or specialty units: 3–7 business days
  • Customized or modified units: Processing time varies by specification and will be communicated in writing

Processing includes:

  • Verifying payment and delivery instructions
  • Matching the correct unit and condition grade
  • Physical inspection and staging for the carrier
  • Preparing documentation and scheduling freight pickup

Orders are only scheduled for shipment after processing is complete.

Note: Processing time can vary by inventory availability, model type, and customization requests.

Shipping Coverage Area

  • We ship nationwide across the contiguous United States
  • Delivery is available to commercial and residential addresses with freight access
  • Alaska and Hawaii require prior approval and may incur special pricing due to carrier limitations

This reflects the carrier network and freight norms for large equipment.

Shipping Method: Freight-Based Delivery

Due to product size and weight, all shipments are handled by licensed freight carriers. These are not parcel shipments and require:

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Site access planning
  • Weight and dimension verification

Typical freight equipment includes:

  • Flatbed trucks
  • Tilt-bed trailers
  • Custom haulers (for oversized or refrigerated units)

Delivery Cost Structure

Distance & Handling-Based Pricing

Shipping costs are calculated based on:

  • Distance from dispatch location
  • Product size, weight, and handling requirements
  • Delivery site access type (commercial or residential)
  • Need for liftgate or special equipment

Because these factors vary significantly with freight shipments, rates are custom quoted, not flat-rate.

Depot Pickup Option (Cost-Effective Alternative)

Customers may choose to collect their order from a freight terminal (depot) instead of scheduling home delivery.

How depot pickup works:

  • Your order is shipped to a nearby freight terminal
  • The terminal announces arrival by phone or email
  • You collect the item with your own transport

Benefits:

  • Lower freight charges
  • No residential delivery surcharges
  • Greater flexibility for customers with transport resources

Depot pickup is often the most economical solution for bulkier items in accessible areas.

Scheduling & Appointment Coordination

Once your order is ready for shipment:

  • The freight carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment
  • Appointments are typically scheduled on weekdays during business hours
  • You must confirm availability before the carrier arrives

Missed appointments may result in:

  • Re-delivery fees
  • Storage fees charged by the carrier

Ensuring correct contact information and prompt confirmation helps avoid extra costs.

Delivery Terms & Customer Responsibilities

Standard Curbside Delivery

Unless agreed in writing:

  • Delivery is curbside only
  • The driver will place the item at ground level at the delivery point
  • Unloading and placement beyond curbside is the customer’s responsibility

Optional Liftgate & Specialized Offloading

  • Liftgate service may be available for an additional fee
  • Forklifts, cranes, or specialized offloading equipment are not included unless arranged in advance

Accurate disclosure of site access conditions (driveway width, overhead clearance, ground surface) is essential to avoid delays or extra costs.

Delivery Time Estimates

Delivery timelines depend on:

  • Distance
  • Carrier availability
  • Freight routing

Typical ranges:

  • Regional deliveries: several business days after processing
  • Cross-country deliveries: up to 1–2 weeks

These timelines are estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates, reflecting freight realities.

Inspection & Acceptance

At delivery:

  • You must inspect the item before signing the carrier’s delivery receipt
  • Visible damage should be noted on the delivery paperwork
  • Photos are recommended

If damage affects usability, refuse delivery and notify us immediately.

Damage reported after signing without notation on the freight bill may limit how claims are resolved due to carrier policy restrictions.

Delays & Force Majeure

Shipping timelines may change due to factors outside anyone’s control:

  • Weather events
  • Carrier shortages
  • Mechanical issues
  • Road or regulatory restrictions

We will communicate known delays proactively, but these factors may still affect delivery dates.

Shipping Documentation & Communication

Once your order ships:

  • You will receive carrier contact details or tracking info when available
  • Freight coordination occurs between you and the carrier
  • Our team remains available to support logistics questions

Keeping contact information accurate and responding to carrier outreach promptly ensures smoother delivery.

Non-Refundable Shipping Charges

  • Shipping charges are non-refundable once freight has been dispatched
  • Failed deliveries due to customer unavailability or access issues may incur additional fees

This reflects the structure of freight billing and carrier policies.

Summary of Expectations

To avoid common delivery issues:

  • Plan for processing time before shipment
  • Prepare your delivery site for freight access
  • Coordinate with the carrier promptly
  • Inspect before acceptance

These steps lead to a better delivery experience and fewer disputes.