1. OVERVIEW
This Shipping Policy governs the shipment of Northstar Show Systems hardware products from Northstar’s facilities to the Customer’s designated delivery address. This policy supplements the Terms of Service (NSS-LEGAL-TOS-001) and any applicable Statement of Work.
2. SHIPPING METHODS
| Method | Carrier | Estimated Transit | Tracking | Insurance |
|---|
| Standard Ground | UPS Ground / FedEx Ground | 5–7 business days (continental US) | Yes | Included up to $1,000 |
| Expedited | UPS 2-Day / FedEx 2Day | 2–3 business days | Yes | Included up to $2,500 |
| Overnight | UPS Next Day Air / FedEx Priority Overnight | 1 business day | Yes | Included up to $5,000 |
| Freight (large orders) | UPS Freight / common carrier | 5–10 business days | Yes | Per shipment valuation |
| International | UPS Worldwide / FedEx International | 5–15 business days | Yes | Per shipment valuation |
3. SHIPPING COSTS
- Standard Ground shipping is included at no cost for orders over $2,500 (continental US only).
- Orders under $2,500: Standard Ground shipping is charged at actual carrier rates.
- Expedited, Overnight, and International shipping are always charged at actual carrier rates.
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout or quoted in the applicable SOW/proposal.
- Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international destinations is quoted per order.
4. PROCESSING AND LEAD TIMES
4.1 Standard Orders
In-stock items ship within 2–3 business days of payment receipt. Custom-configured or assembled hardware (Helm servers, Bridge panels, Polaris nodes with firmware) requires build time per the project schedule, typically 2–4 weeks.
4.2 Project Orders (SOW)
Hardware for project deployments ships according to the milestone schedule in the SOW (typically Milestone M5). Northstar will provide tracking information within 24 hours of shipment.
5. DELIVERY AND INSPECTION
- Customer must inspect all shipments upon delivery for visible damage or missing items.
- Visible damage must be noted on the carrier’s delivery receipt and reported to Northstar within 48 hours.
- Concealed damage (not visible until unboxing) must be reported within 7 days of delivery.
- Missing items must be reported within 7 days of delivery.
- Northstar will file carrier claims and ship replacements for verified damage or shortage.
6. RISK OF LOSS
Risk of loss and title to Hardware transfer to Customer upon delivery to the carrier (FOB Origin). Northstar insures all shipments to the coverage amounts listed in Section 2. Claims exceeding included insurance coverage are the Customer’s responsibility.
For project deployments with on-site installation services, Northstar recommends that Customer maintain adequate property insurance for all Hardware from the date of delivery until installation is complete.
7. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
- Customs and duties: Customer is responsible for all import duties, customs fees, tariffs, and taxes levied by the destination country. These are not included in Northstar’s shipping charges.
- Export compliance: All international shipments are subject to U.S. export control regulations. See Export Compliance Notice (NSS-LEGAL-EXPORT-001).
- Delivery delays: Northstar is not responsible for delays caused by customs processing, inspections, or import clearance procedures.
- Documentation: Northstar will provide commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required export documentation. Certificates of origin are available upon request.
8. RETURN SHIPPING
For approved returns and RMA shipments:
- Warranty/RMA returns: Northstar provides a prepaid return shipping label. Customer packages the item per Northstar’s instructions.
- DOA returns: Northstar provides overnight prepaid return label and ships replacement with priority.
- Non-warranty returns: Return shipping is Customer’s responsibility per the Refund and Returns Policy (NSS-LEGAL-REFUND-001).
For shipping inquiries, tracking issues, or damage reports: shipping@northstarshowsystems.com or submit a ticket via the Customer Portal.
DOCUMENT CROSS-REFERENCES:
- Terms of Service (NSS-LEGAL-TOS-001)
- Warranty Policy (NSS-LEGAL-WTY-001)
- Refund and Returns Policy (NSS-LEGAL-REFUND-001)
- Export Compliance Notice (NSS-LEGAL-EXPORT-001)