1. Order Processing Time

Orders are processed within 1–3 business days after payment is confirmed and cleared. Processing time includes order verification, warehouse picking, pallet building, and freight booking. Orders placed on weekends or U.S. federal holidays begin processing the following business day.

SAM will send an order dispatch notification by email once your freight is booked with the carrier, including the carrier name and tracking reference (PRO number for LTL, BOL number for truckload).

2. Shipping Terms — FOB Origin

Unless different shipping terms are agreed upon in writing prior to order placement, all shipments are made under FOB Origin terms, meaning:

• Title transfers to the Buyer when the freight is tendered to the carrier at SAM's warehouse;
• Risk of loss transfers to the Buyer at the same point;
• SAM is not responsible for freight costs, insurance, loss, damage, or delay after the freight transfer point;
• Buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for freight insurance.

3. Domestic Freight (U.S.)

3.1 LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

Orders of 1–6 pallets are typically shipped via LTL freight carriers. Estimated transit time is 1–5 business days depending on the delivery location. Liftgate service at delivery can be arranged for an additional fee — please specify this requirement when placing your order. All LTL deliveries require a business address; residential delivery is not available.

3.2 FTL (Full Truckload)

Orders of 7+ pallets or by special arrangement can be shipped via full truckload. Transit time is typically 1–5 business days. A loading dock or forklift is required at the delivery location.

3.3 Buyer-Arranged Freight

Buyers may arrange their own carrier pickup from SAM's warehouse. To do so, you must provide: (a) carrier name and contact information; (b) pickup date and time window (minimum 24-hour advance notice required); and (c) a Bill of Lading or BOL number. SAM is not responsible for delays or damages resulting from buyer-arranged carriers.

4. Service Area

SAM ships only within the United States, to businesses in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and New York. Orders are delivered by truck (LTL / full truckload) or can be picked up at our Delaware warehouse. Typical transit time within the region is 1–5 business days.

5. Temperature-Sensitive and Refrigerated Products

Certain products in our catalog require temperature-controlled storage and transportation (refrigerated: 35–40°F / 2–4°C; frozen: 0°F / -18°C or below). For such products:

• Buyer is responsible for arranging temperature-controlled freight (reefer truck or refrigerated trailer);
• SAM will hold refrigerated and frozen products at proper temperatures until carrier pickup;
• Once freight transfers to the carrier or buyer-arranged transport, SAM is not responsible for temperature excursions;
• No claims for spoilage or temperature-related damage will be accepted for products that left SAM's warehouse in proper condition, where the temperature deviation occurred after freight transfer.

Temperature requirements for each product are indicated on the product page in the portal (Temp Min / Temp Max fields).

6. Pallet and Freight Requirements

All shipments are palletized. SAM uses standard 48" × 40" GMA pallets. Pallets are stretch-wrapped and corner-boarded for stability. Maximum pallet height is 72 inches including pallet. Maximum pallet weight is 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg).

7. Delivery, Inspection, and Acceptance

Upon delivery, Buyer is required to:

• Inspect all pallets for visible damage before signing the carrier's delivery receipt / Bill of Lading;
• Count the number of pallets and verify against the packing list;
• Note any visible damage, shortage, or discrepancy directly on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing;
• Retain a copy of the signed delivery receipt.

Signing the carrier's delivery receipt without noting damage constitutes acceptance of goods in good condition and waives any claim for visible damage.

8. Damage and Shortage Claims

Claims for freight damage or shortage must be submitted within five (5) business days of the delivery date. To file a claim, email support@saminusa.shop with:

• Your order number and invoice number;
• Photographs of damaged goods, damaged packaging, and the full pallet (before unloading if possible);
• A copy of the signed Bill of Lading or delivery receipt showing the damage notation;
• A detailed written description of the damage or shortage (itemized by SKU);
• The carrier's name and PRO/BOL number.

Claims submitted after five (5) business days will not be considered. SAM's liability is limited to the replacement value of verified damaged or missing goods. See Section 11 of our Terms & Conditions for the full remedies available.

9. Freight Delays and Force Majeure

SAM is not liable for delays in transit caused by carrier, weather, road or traffic conditions, strikes, government actions, or any other circumstances beyond SAM's reasonable control. Estimated transit times are provided as a guide only and do not constitute a guaranteed delivery date. Buyers with time-sensitive delivery requirements should discuss this with SAM before placing an order.

10. Contact — Shipping Questions

For freight quotes, shipping arrangements, or document requests, contact us at: