There are all sorts of web sites out there offering all sorts of shipping schemes. Some even offer free shipping. The reality is that free shipping usually means higher product prices, or that only a certain class of mail or UPS (read "slow" delivery) is offered and then only for certain items and certain total weights, and subscriptions may or not be included, etc, etc. (we have done our fair share of research and asked a lot of questions of sites offering these "deals"). We make it easy, fair, and fast with no BS, and in 99 out of 100 cases, our shipping costs work out to be the lowest available and the net cost of all items --also the lowest available. We also don't wish for you to wait more than 2-3 days, so we stay away from UPS Ground, or Standard Mail service, which some chart agents prefer to use. Waiting 6 business days (UPS estimates) for charts, to us, is an unacceptable level of service, so we just don't do it.
We ship all NOS products the same day your order is received, usually up to 5PM EST for US Postal Service, and as late as 7PM for UPS Overnight and 2nd Day Air. It varies some, but our goal is 100% customer satisfaction, so we really try our best right up until late in the day. For NIMA products, shipping occurs once we receive the charts, which as noted on the order pages for those items, can be as long as ten days. Jeppesen is another story altogether. They usually take three days to pull chart service orders, although Airway Express single editions and other non chart items can ship same day without additional charges. For chart subscriptions and services, they charge $25 to overnight orders PLUS the FedEx shipping charges. Our website does not calculate these costs, but you will be informed by e-mail of the additional charges.
NORMAL SERVICE
Unless otherwise instructed, we will attempt to ship your order or your subscription at the lowest USPS rate -- either First Class or Priority Mail. We weigh every item, apply the US Mail rate, then add 50 cents. The Post Office generally says that Priority Mail, within the US, takes 2-3 business days to arrive. First Class mail a little longer. At shipping weights close to one pound and above, the USPS only offers Priority Service, not "First Class". Priority Mail charges depend upon weight and destination from the origin address (origin zip code is 06490). Shipping costs within the US are calculated prior to you entering your credit card information, so you will know the charges before paying. Other websites we know of who offer what may look like lower shipping rates only use "standard mail" (also called parcel post or book rate) which is considerably slower, or UPS ground, which is also considerably slower than Priority Mail.
EXPEDITED DELIVERY
If your pants are on fire, you may select to have your order delivered via Express Mail. Generally speaking, Express Mail is an overnight delivery service. The USPS delivers 365 days a year (they do not, however, pick up outgoing packages on Sundays or holidays). Orders received before 3PM EST can usually be processed and be delivered to you by the next day. Express Mail orders received on Saturday or Sunday, however, may not ship until Monday, although we will try our best to get orders received on Saturdays shipped to you by Sunday. We will try to contact you if we cannot guaranty next day delivery. Please be aware that Express Mail to some destinations is actually a two day service. For the most reliable overnight deliveries, we suggest using UPS Next Day Service. Now to complicate matters just a bit, UPS does not deliver on Sundays, and for Saturday deliveries, they get another $10 in addition to the delivery fee (if you select UPS overnight on a Friday, we will add this fee to your bill offline). So, if you need your charts on a Saturday or Sunday, Express Mail is the cheapest way to go and the only way to go for Sunday delivery.
BOOK ORDERS
Books ordered along with a new subscription ship at a lower rate ("Standard Mail") unless otherwise instructed on the order form. Books ordered through the store go via Priority Mail.
We would like to have you receive your order while you are alive to enjoy the products you bought. For that reason, we tend to avoid the USPS's cheapest rate (ever hear of that "slow boat to China"?). The rules and services available differ depending on the specific country where the items are being shipped to. Generally speaking, we try to balance cost and speed. Generally, we will use UPS, otherwise, we will inform you of the service and charge. The fee charged to you will be the actual fee plus $.50.
EXPEDITED DELIVERY
One day, we might be one big happy global community. Until that day arrives, it is a pain in the butt to ship things internationally on an expedited basis. The services available, Federal Express, UPS, etc., do not guaranty delivery times due to potential delays clearing items through customs. For our foreign customers, we offer FedEx Economy and Expedited Service (FedEx's explanation of the difference between the two will leave you scratching your head. The Economy way is 2-3 business days; Expedited is 2-3 days), and various UPS services.