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Shipping

Shipping Methods
All of our materials are shipped via UPS.

• Next Day Air- Early AM, Regular, and Next Day Air Saver
• 2nd Day Air
• 3 Day Select
• Ground
• Freight (For orders over 36" x 48", 96"+ long, or more than 150lbs.)

Shipping Map UPS ground is our most popular method. Use this map to figure out how long it'll take to get your package. Our General Rule: Orders placed before noon go out that day. (But you may want to add a day, just to be safe.) Call if you need it to go out sooner!

* Our system automatically decides which facility offers faster shipping to your location.

* There are very few cases where we're out of stock, and ship from another location.

Calculating rates

Material Weight + Product Dimensions + Destination Zip Code = Your total shipping costs!

Our system calculates your shipping charges automatically, as you go through the order process. Add items to your shopping cart to see the estimated rate. Tell us where we're shipping it to, in Step 2 of the checkout, to see the full list of rates for each shipping method. From there, you can make your choice, and check out!

Multiple Packages
Sheet material and bar stock rarely fit into the same box. If you ordered both, chances are that you'll get two packages. We send them out on the same day, but they don't always arrive on the same day. If you're missing items, don't panic - they could be in that other package. Here are some examples of our packaging:

Reasons why we use UPS

• Tracking - UPS has by far the most comprehensive tracking system we've found. We're able to send you an email at the time of shipment with the tracking number, so you can see the progress of your order across the country.
• Systems - With the UPS tools, not only can we accurately estimate delivery time, but we can also determine in advance if there is a problem and let you know so you can plan effectively (see our philosophy on "telling bad news fast.") Also, we are able to determine the day that your material will arrive, and we send you an e-mail giving you a heads-up in case you need to make special arrangements for delivery.
• Efficiency - When processing orders, shipping via UPS is very efficient because of the tremendous degree of integration that they offer us. Greater efficiency = lower costs for you.
• Price and Value - We've priced out other shipping services, and found that from top to bottom UPS is the best value of all the shipping services.
• Insurance - Yeah. If they lose it, or break it, or it gets sucked up into a funnel cloud somewhere in the Midwest, UPS foots the bill! Your material will be reshipped, no charge.

Using Another Carrier
We can use other carriers, but there are a few conditions:

• We do not have accounts set up with any of them, so charges would need to be applied to your freight account.
• We do have a nominal $5.00 charge for shipping via methods other than UPS, due to our increased processing costs.
• We absolutely can't ship USPS. We've tried it in the past, with nothing but problems. USPS requires that any packages over 10 lbs have to be taken to the post office in person for security reasons. In addition, USPS does not provide tracking numbers, guaranteed delivery time, and insurance. Therefore we are only able to ship via UPS.

If you have any questions, or if your order requires faster shipment than what we describe below, please feel free to contact us at sales@onlinemetals.com, or call us at 800-704-2157.