Delivery Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: May 2026 | Version 2.1
1. Introduction & Scope
This Delivery Policy governs all shipping and freight services provided by ToolsPallets.com for the purchase and delivery of tools, equipment, and pallet-shipped goods. It applies to all domestic (USA) and international orders placed through our website or by direct purchase order.
By placing an order with ToolsPallets.com, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this policy. We reserve the right to update shipping rates and terms as market conditions change. The most current version of this policy is always available
2. Shipping Methods & Carriers
2.1 Domestic (USA)
ToolsPallets.com ships via LTL (Less than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) freight carriers for all pallet shipments within the contiguous United States. Our partner carrier network includes:
- FedEx Freight (Priority and Economy)
- Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL)
- XPO Logistics
- Estes Express Lines
- UPS Freight / TForce Freight
- R+L Carriers
Carrier selection is made based on route efficiency, capacity, and pricing at the time of shipment. We reserve the right to select the most suitable carrier for each order.
2.2 International
International shipments are processed through vetted freight forwarders and global logistics partners. Shipping modes available include:
- LCL Ocean Freight (Less than Container Load) — cost-effective for 1–6 pallets
- FCL Ocean Freight (Full Container Load) — economical for 7+ pallets
- Air Freight — for time-sensitive international orders (higher rates apply)
- Cross-Border Truck Freight — Canada and Mexico only
Transit times for international shipments are estimates and subject to customs clearance, port delays, and carrier scheduling.
3. USA Domestic Shipping Rates
The following rate table reflects current 2025–2026 industry-standard LTL/FTL pallet shipping rates. All rates are per pallet and based on standard 48″ x 40″ pallets. Rates are estimates; your final invoice may vary based on actual weight, dimensions, freight classification, and applicable surcharges.
| Pallet Weight | Distance Zone | Est. Rate (per pallet) | Transit Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 500 lbs | Local (<300 mi) | $150 – $200 | 3–5 business days | LTL |
| Up to 500 lbs | Regional (300–1,000 mi) | $200 – $350 | 4–6 business days | LTL |
| Up to 500 lbs | Cross-Country (1,000+ mi) | $400 – $600 | 5–8 business days | LTL |
| 501 – 1,000 lbs | Local (<300 mi) | $200 – $280 | 3–5 business days | LTL |
| 501 – 1,000 lbs | Regional (300–1,000 mi) | $300 – $500 | 4–6 business days | LTL |
| 501 – 1,000 lbs | Cross-Country (1,000+ mi) | $550 – $850 | 5–8 business days | LTL |
| 1,001 – 2,000 lbs | Local (<300 mi) | $280 – $420 | 3–5 business days | LTL/FTL |
| 1,001 – 2,000 lbs | Regional (300–1,000 mi) | $450 – $750 | 4–7 business days | LTL/FTL |
| 1,001 – 2,000 lbs | Cross-Country (1,000+ mi) | $800 – $1,400 | 5–9 business days | LTL/FTL |
| 2,001 – 4,000 lbs | Local (<300 mi) | $450 – $650 | 2–4 business days | FTL |
| 2,001 – 4,000 lbs | Regional (300–1,000 mi) | $700 – $1,100 | 3–6 business days | FTL |
| 2,001 – 4,000 lbs | Cross-Country (1,000+ mi) | $1,200 – $2,000 | 5–9 business days | FTL |
| 4,001 – 6,000 lbs | Any Zone | $1,400 – $2,800 | 4–10 business days | FTL |
| 6,001 – 10,000 lbs | Any Zone | $2,200 – $4,500 | 4–10 business days | FTL |
| 10,001+ lbs | Any Zone | Custom Quote Required | Varies | FTL / Dedicated |
* LTL = Less than Truckload (shared trailer). FTL = Full Truckload (dedicated trailer). Rates reflect 2025–2026 industry benchmarks. Your negotiated rate may differ.
4. International Shipping Rates
The following table provides estimated international pallet shipping rates from the USA to major global regions. Rates are per pallet and based on standard pallet dimensions. International rates do not include customs duties, taxes, or import fees unless otherwise specified in your order confirmation.
| Destination Region | Pallet Weight | Est. Rate (per pallet) | Transit Time | Shipping Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Up to 500 lbs | $250 – $400 | 5–8 business days | LTL Cross-Border |
| Canada | 501 – 2,000 lbs | $400 – $750 | 5–10 business days | LTL Cross-Border |
| Canada | 2,001 – 6,000 lbs | $800 – $1,500 | 6–12 business days | FTL Cross-Border |
| Mexico | Up to 500 lbs | $300 – $500 | 7–12 business days | Cross-Border Truck |
| Mexico | 501 – 2,000 lbs | $500 – $900 | 8–14 business days | Cross-Border Truck |
| Mexico | 2,001 – 6,000 lbs | $1,000 – $2,000 | 10–16 business days | FTL Cross-Border |
| Europe (UK / EU) | Up to 500 lbs | $600 – $900 | 10–16 business days | Ocean LCL / Air |
| Europe (UK / EU) | 501 – 2,000 lbs | $900 – $1,600 | 12–20 business days | Ocean LCL |
| Europe (UK / EU) | 2,001 – 6,000 lbs | $1,600 – $3,200 | 14–25 business days | Ocean FCL |
| Asia (Japan / Korea) | Up to 500 lbs | $700 – $1,100 | 14–21 business days | Ocean LCL / Air |
| Asia (Japan / Korea) | 501 – 2,000 lbs | $1,100 – $2,000 | 16–25 business days | Ocean LCL |
| Asia (Japan / Korea) | 2,001 – 6,000 lbs | $2,000 – $4,000 | 18–30 business days | Ocean FCL |
| Australia / NZ | Up to 500 lbs | $800 – $1,200 | 18–28 business days | Ocean LCL / Air |
| Australia / NZ | 501 – 2,000 lbs | $1,200 – $2,200 | 20–30 business days | Ocean LCL |
| Rest of World | Any Weight | Custom Quote Required | Varies | Contact Us |
* LCL = Less than Container Load. FCL = Full Container Load. Rates exclude destination customs/duties. Canada and Mexico rates comply with USMCA cross-border freight requirements (2025).
5. Shipping Rate Calculation
Use the formula below to estimate your total shipping cost. Our website provides an automated rate calculator at checkout using live carrier API pricing.
Shipping Rate Calculation Formula
Total Shipping Cost = (Base Rate × Number of Pallets) + Fuel Surcharge + Accessorial Charges
Where:
- Base Rate = Rate per pallet (from tables above, based on weight class and zone)
- Fuel Surcharge = Base Rate × 15%–25% (updated weekly per U.S. DOE national diesel average)
- Accessorial Charges = Sum of any applicable add-on services (liftgate, residential, etc.)
Example: 2 pallets @ 800 lbs each, Regional LTL (600 miles), residential delivery:
Base Rate: 2 × $450 = $900 | Fuel Surcharge (20%): $180 | Residential Fee: $100 | Total: $1,180
For orders of 10+ pallets, volume discounts of 15–30% may apply. Contact our logistics team for a custom quote.
6. Accessorial Charges & Surcharges
Additional charges apply when special handling or delivery conditions are required:
| Surcharge Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Surcharge | 15% – 25% of base rate | Applied weekly per DOE national average |
| Residential Delivery | $75 – $150 per delivery | Applies to non-commercial addresses |
| Liftgate Service | $50 – $125 per shipment | When loading dock unavailable |
| Inside Delivery | $75 – $200 per delivery | Beyond the threshold / door |
| Limited Access | $75 – $150 per shipment | Remote or restricted locations |
| Notify / Call Ahead | $25 – $50 per shipment | Pre-delivery appointment required |
| Re-Delivery Fee | $75 – $175 per attempt | If recipient unavailable |
| Customs & Duties (Intl) | Varies by country & HS code | Buyer’s responsibility unless stated |
| Oversized Pallet | $100 – $300 surcharge | Exceeds 48″ x 40″ standard footprint |
| Hazmat Handling | Custom Quote | Subject to DOT / IATA regulations |
Fuel surcharges are updated weekly based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s national average diesel price. The current surcharge is reflected in your checkout total.
7. Order Processing & Cut-Off Times
| Order Type | Processing Time | Daily Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard In-Stock Orders | 1–2 Business Days | 2:00 PM CST |
| Custom / Special Orders | 3–5 Business Days | 12:00 PM CST |
| Bulk / Volume Orders (10+ pallets) | 5–7 Business Days | Contact Us |
| International Orders | 2–4 Business Days | 11:00 AM CST |
8. Delivery Requirements
8.1 Commercial Deliveries
Standard freight delivery is dock-to-dock and assumes the delivery location has a loading dock or forklift available. Delivery is to the threshold of the facility only. If your location does not have a loading dock, please select Liftgate Service at checkout.
8.2 Residential Deliveries
Residential deliveries require appointment scheduling. Our carrier will contact you 24–48 hours before delivery to arrange a delivery window. A residential delivery surcharge applies (see Section 6). Please ensure someone is available at the address to receive and sign for the shipment.
8.3 Pallet Inspection at Delivery
- Inspect all pallets before signing the Proof of Delivery (POD) document.
- If visible damage is present, notate it clearly on the POD before signing.
- Do NOT refuse delivery for minor cosmetic damage — note it instead.
- Photograph all damage and contact us within 48 hours
- Signing a clean POD without notation releases ToolsPallets.com and the carrier from damage liability.
9. International Customs & Import Requirements
All international shipments are subject to customs clearance in the destination country. The buyer/consignee is responsible for:
- All import duties, taxes (e.g., VAT, GST), and customs fees
- Providing accurate and complete import documentation
- Compliance with local import regulations and restricted goods lists
- Any demurrage or storage fees resulting from customs delays
ToolsPallets.com provides commercial invoices, packing lists, and bill of lading documents with all international shipments. ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated pallets are used for all international wood pallet shipments.
Shipments to the EU are subject to 2025 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reporting requirements for applicable goods. Please consult your customs broker for specific requirements.
10. Order Tracking
All shipments include a tracking number provided via email confirmation within 24 hours of dispatch. You can track your shipment through:
- The ToolsPallets.com customer porta
- Directly on the carrier’s website using your PRO number or tracking number
- Contacting our customer service team
Real-time shipment visibility is available for domestic orders. International shipments may have limited tracking updates during ocean transit.
11. Freight Claims & Damages
11.1 Reporting Damage
Claims for freight damage must be submitted within 48 hours of delivery. Include the following with your claim:
- Signed Proof of Delivery (POD) with damage notation
- Photographic evidence of damage (all sides of affected pallets)
- Original order number and tracking/PRO number
- Description of damaged goods and estimated replacement value
11.2 Lost Shipments
If your shipment has not arrived within 5 business days of the estimated delivery date (domestic) or 10 business days (international), contact us immediately. We will open a tracer with the carrier and provide updates within 48 hours.
11.3 Cargo Insurance
Standard carrier liability is limited to $0.50 per pound per article (LTL) or up to $100,000 per FTL shipment. We strongly recommend purchasing additional cargo insurance for high-value shipments. Insurance options are available at checkout starting at 1.5% of declared shipment value.
12. Returns & Refused Shipments
Unauthorized refusals of freight shipments will result in return freight charges billed to the customer, plus a 15% restocking fee. Before refusing a delivery, contact our support team
Approved returns must use ToolsPallets.com-provided return shipping labels. Returns without prior authorization will not be accepted. See our full Returns Policy
13. Prohibited & Restricted Items
ToolsPallets.com does not ship the following via standard freight services:
- Hazardous materials (Class 1–9 HAZMAT) without prior written approval and DOT compliance documentation
- Liquid goods over 55 gallons without approved containment pallets
- Temperature-sensitive goods requiring reefer trailers (contact for specialized quote)
- Items restricted by destination country import regulations
14. Contact Information
sales@tool-pallets.com
+1 (832) 338-8477
4700 SW 51st St, Davie, FL 33314, USA