Shipping Policy
Freight – F.O.B. Omaha, Nebraska.
Freight costs will be determined & billed at the time of shipment. HLM does not charge a flat rate or percentage for shipping, as the location, weight, & dimensions of the total shipment will determine the delivery method and expense. Any additional services utilized for delivery that are not disclosed or requested at the time an order is placed, will result in additional billing upon receipt of charges from the carrier. Please see “Additional Charges” below.
HLM recommends using our preferred carriers for all shipments. Should you elect to use your own carrier on a collect basis, please note the following:
Ground Shipments – You will need to provide your UPS account number. For carriers other than UPS, you will need to provide labels and schedule a pickup.
LTL Shipments – Each pallet will be subject to a $35 handling fee charge from HLM. You will be responsible for providing the Bill of Lading (BOL) and pickup information to HLM.
HLM is not responsible for freight expenses, freight delays, or service failures that arise as a result of using your own carrier. It is your sole responsibility to pay all expenses to your selected carrier and resolve any disputes that may arise from the services provided by them.
International Shipments – HLM will ship internationally, however the recipient will be responsible for all fees, taxes, or duty on the shipment. The shipping we bill does not include these charges and you will need your own broker to clear customs.
Additional Charges
It is important to ensure your shipping address and service needs are correct at the time an order is placed. HLM uses the information you provide to determine appropriate shipping costs that help limit and/or prevent potential after shipment billing. Any additional billings we receive for services utilized/required to finalize your delivery will result in separate invoicing for charges received. The fees will vary by carrier and billed according to each carrier’s fee designation, without markup.
Additional services may include:
- Residential Delivery – If your business is in an area classified as residential, or you are delivering to a home address, this fee will apply to your shipment.
- Limited Access – Charged when a carrier delivers to storage units and other gated communities or facilities.
- Inside Delivery – Charge for a carrier bringing the product into your warehouse, home, or storage for you. (Yes, even if it is only two feet.)
- Appointments – This allows you to schedule a time frame and date for delivery with the driver. (NOTE: Delaying your shipment delivery date can also result in storage fees with a carrier. Confirm their policy before pushing out the delivery date to prevent additional charges.)
- Liftgate Fee – If you do not have a dock or forklift to unload your order from the truck.
- Detention Fee – Charged for delays at delivery of 15 minutes or more.
- Address Change – Charged when there is an error in the address you provided, or if you change the shipment address while enroute. (LTL fees vary by carrier, UPS Ground charges are currently $19.50/box)
- Avoid additional LTL charges – pick up at the terminal may be available in your area.
Freight Damage & Loss Claims
HLM inspects every shipment and takes great measures to ensure products arrive safely and in good condition. We cannot take responsibility for damage that occurs during transit after the shipment has left our warehouse. All claims for damage or shortages must be reported to HLM within 24 hours of receipt.
Should the product arrive short or damaged to you, be sure to note the damage or shortage on the freight delivery receipt before you sign and before the delivery driver leaves. Counting, inspecting, and signing for the number and condition of the cartons received on the delivery receipt are required by HLM before accepting a damage or shortage claim. If you do not inspect the cartons for damage or count for shortages and you do not note any discrepancies on the freight delivery receipt, you risk forfeiture of a freight claim. Take photos of the damage while the driver is still present. Keep damaged goods and original packaging for inspection and/or pickup by the freight carrier. Freight claims must be made within 24 hours. Should you choose not to inspect, count, and sign off on the delivery receipt with exceptions, you are waiving your right to a shortage and/or damage claim with the freight carrier and with HLM.
Freight claims for shipments sent prepaid will be processed by HLM. Freight claims for shipments sent collect, will need to be processed by the customer.