Shipping Terms

How we ship

Most orders move by ocean freight — FCL or LCL, depending on order size — from the origin mill to a US port, followed by inland delivery to your dock. Samples, urgent orders or small parcels may ship by air or courier instead. We'll recommend the right method when we quote your order.

Incoterms we quote

FOB Free On Board	We deliver the goods on board the vessel at the origin port; you arrange and pay for ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance and delivery from the US port.
CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight	We arrange and include ocean freight and insurance to your named US port; you handle customs clearance and inland delivery from there.
DDP Delivered Duty Paid	We handle freight, insurance, customs clearance and duty, and deliver to your dock. This is the simplest option and the one most of our customers choose.

The Incoterm used for your order is stated on your quote and order confirmation. See our Terms of Sale for payment terms.

Packaging and traceability

Glass is palletized and shrink-wrapped to export standard, with pallet pattern and packing list provided before shipment. Each shipment carries lot numbers back to its production run, so we can trace any quality issue to its source if needed.

Customs and duties

Responsibility for import customs clearance and duty follows the Incoterm on your order: under DDP we handle this for you; under FOB or CIF, you or your customs broker are responsible for clearance and duty at the US port of entry.

Delivery timelines

Ocean freight transit is typically several weeks depending on origin and port congestion, plus time for customs clearance and inland delivery; air freight is faster but at a higher cost. We'll give you a delivery estimate with your quote, but transit times are outside our direct control and can shift with port and customs conditions.

Mixed and split shipments

Where your order combines items from more than one supplier, we consolidate them into a single shipment and purchase order wherever possible. If timing requires it, we may split a shipment and will let you know in advance.

Damage or shortage on arrival

Please inspect pallets on arrival before signing for delivery where possible, and note any visible damage on the delivery receipt. Report shortage or damage claims to us within 5 business days of delivery, with photos and your packing list reference, per our Terms of Sale.

Contact

Shipping questions on a specific order: sales@vialandvessel.com or +1 (703) 215-5688.