Shipping policy
Shipping Policy
Effective Date: July 8, 2026 Last Updated: July 8, 2026
Overview
At Bulk Container Express, we specialize in shipping heavy-duty industrial bulk containers to customers across the United States and Canada. Due to the size and weight of our products, all shipments are handled as freight and require carrier-calculated rates at checkout. We are committed to transparent, accurate shipping information so you can plan your procurement with confidence.
Order Processing Time
All orders are processed and prepared for shipment within 1–25 business days of order confirmation. This lead time accounts for order verification, packaging, and freight coordination. Assembly or processing of new or refurbished containers. Orders are not shipped on weekends or federal holidays. If your order processing will be more than 1-3 business days, you will be contacted by an account manager.
You will receive an order confirmation email immediately upon purchase and a separate shipping notification with tracking details once your order has been picked up by the carrier.
Note: For time-sensitive orders, please contact us prior to placing your order to confirm availability and lead times.
Domestic Shipping (United States)
We ship to all 50 U.S. states from our warehouse located at:
10111 Evendale Commons Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Shipping rates are carrier-calculated and displayed at checkout based on your delivery address, order weight, and dimensions. We use a combination of LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight and parcel carriers depending on order size and destination.
Estimated Transit Times (after shipment):
| Region | Estimated Transit |
|---|---|
| Midwest | 1–3 business days |
| East Coast / Southeast | 2–4 business days |
| West Coast / Mountain | 4–7 business days |
| Alaska & Hawaii | 7–14 business days (surcharges may apply) |
Transit times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Delays due to carrier capacity, weather, or other factors outside our control are not the responsibility of Bulk Container Express.
Canadian Shipping
We ship to Canada
Estimated International Transit Times (after shipment):
| Region | Estimated Transit |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 2–3 business days |
| Quebec | 3–4 business days |
| Alberta | 5–7 business days |
| British Columbia | 5–7 business days |
| Newfoundland | 5–7 business days |
| Labrador | 6+ business days |
| Manitoba | 6+ business days |
| Saskatchenwan | 6+ business days |
| Yukon | 6+ business days |
| Norwest Territories | 6+ business days |
| Nunavut | 6+ business days |
Important: International transit times are estimates and may vary due to customs processing, import regulations, and carrier schedules. Bulk Container Express is not responsible for customs delays.
Duties, Taxes & Import Fees: All applicable customs duties, import taxes, and brokerage fees are the sole responsibility of the recipient. We recommend consulting your country's customs authority prior to ordering.
Export Compliance: All international shipments comply with U.S. export regulations. Certain destinations may be restricted or require additional documentation.
Freight & Heavy Item Considerations
Our bulk containers are large, heavy industrial products. Please review the following before placing your order:
-
Footprint range:
32" x 30", 40" x 48", 45" x 48", 57" x 48", 65" x 48", 70" x 48", 78" x 48", and 90" x 48"
- Container weight ranges per unit: 50-400* lbs, depending on the container size. *This is an estimate of the possible range of tare weight per unit.
Due to these specifications, all shipments are classified as freight and are subject to freight carrier terms and conditions, including:
- Liftgate service: Required for most residential and non-dock deliveries. If your facility does not have a loading dock or forklift, please select liftgate service at checkout or contact us to arrange it. Additional fees apply.
- Inside delivery: Not included by default. Contact us for a quote if required.
- Delivery appointment: Freight carriers will contact you to schedule a delivery window. Ensure someone is available to receive and inspect the shipment.
- Forklift or pallet jack: Recommended on-site for safe unloading of multi-unit orders.
Shipping Restrictions: We are unable to ship to P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or locations inaccessible to standard freight vehicles. Please ensure your delivery address can accommodate a standard freight truck.
Packaging & Handling
Each shipment is inspected before carrier pickup to ensure it meets freight standards.
Receiving Your Shipment:
- Inspect before signing. Carefully inspect all packaging and containers for visible damage before signing the carrier's delivery receipt (Bill of Lading).
- Note any damage. If damage is observed, note it clearly on the delivery receipt and take photographs immediately.
- Do not refuse delivery unless damage is severe and the shipment is clearly unusable. Refusing delivery without documented cause may affect your ability to file a claim.
- Report damage within 48 hours. Contact us at [your contact email] within 48 hours of delivery with photos and your order number to initiate a damage claim.
Failure to follow these steps may limit our ability to assist with freight claims.
Shipping Cost Calculation
Shipping costs are calculated in real time at checkout using carrier APIs based on:
- Delivery destination (zip code / country)
- Order weight and dimensions (dimensional weight may apply)
- Freight class (based on NMFC classification for industrial containers)
- Selected service level (standard freight, expedited, etc.)
For large or multi-pallet orders, rates shown at checkout are estimates. We reserve the right to contact you with revised freight costs for orders that exceed standard carrier thresholds. You will be notified before any additional charges are applied.
Tracking
Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number via email. Freight shipments can be tracked through the carrier's website using the provided PRO number or tracking ID. Please allow up to 24 hours for tracking information to become active after your shipping notification is sent.
For assistance with tracking or delivery inquiries, contact us at: 1-800-257-5560 or Contact@bulkcontainerexpress.com
F.O.B. Terms
All shipments are made F.O.B. (Free On Board) our Cincinnati, OH warehouse. Title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer at the point of shipment. Bulk Container Express is not liable for loss or damage occurring after the shipment leaves our facility.
Payment Terms
For established accounts, net 15-day payment terms are available upon credit approval. All other orders require payment in full prior to shipment. Contact our sales team to inquire about account terms.
Contact Us
For shipping quotes on large orders, freight coordination, or any shipping-related questions:
Bulk Container Express 10111 Evendale Commons Drive Cincinnati, OH 45241
📧 Contact@bulkcontainerexpress.com 📞 1-800-257-5560 🌐 bulkcontainerexpress.com
Bulk Container Express reserves the right to update this shipping policy at any time. Changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date.