Shipping Policy

At Trench Drain Systems, we strive to provide you with the most cost-effective shipping options available. Being a stocking distributer/manufacturer, our delivery times are above the industry average.

We are located in Northwest Ohio which puts us within a two-day direct shipping radius to 60% of the US population.

Terms and Conditions

Shipping Times
Delivery times will vary based on the size of the order, product availability and distance from our warehouse to your home or job site.

Orders are shipped Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm (EST), excluding all major holidays.

All in-stock orders require 2-3 business days for processing. Items that are not in stock, or require drop-shipment from a supplier, may incur further processing time.

If the grate is not already in stock, Baked on Oil Finish (BoOF) grates may take 2-3 weeks to ship due to the time needed for the BoOF process.

Address Changes
Should you require the receiving address is to be changed, we recommend notifying us immediately. If the order has already been processed and the shipment is in transit and additional fee may be incurred.

Order Packing
We have a variety of package and freight carriers we work with. The size of your order will dictate which carrier we use. Some orders may take several boxes due to the size or weight of what you purchased. Weight and Dimensions shown under the Additional Information tab on any product are for shipping purposes – not actual product specifications. We pack your order in the best manner to assure safe delivery to your home or job site.

Shipment Confirmation & Order Tracking
You will receive a Shipment Confirmation email once your order has shipped containing your tracking number(s). The tracking number will be active within 24 hours.

Lift Gates
Whether you order online or through our estimating department, it is necessary to indicate whether or not a
lift gate will be needed to unload the delivery truck. If the delivery is going to a residence or a business without a dock or access to a forklift, a lift gate may be necessary. There is an additional charge for this service through the freight company. If your shipment is delivered using a lift gate, TDS reserves the right to charge the customer for this service.

Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Overseas
Shipments to areas beyond the continental US may experience longer delivery times. TDS uses FedEx for international shipments. Customers may incur additional costs related to duties and taxes.

Other Factors Effecting Shipping Costs
Size and weight of some products may incur additional costs, for example:
-Several kits may be longer than standard sizes
-Cast iron and bronze grates are heavy (i.e.: 5″ driveway drainage cast iron grates weigh approx. 10lbs. each)

Many times, we need to ship an order in multiple boxes – especially heavy grates. This also increases shipping costs. TDS strives to find the most economical shipping option to benefit our customers.

Cancelations
Because orders are processed quickly, we recommend contacting us immediately to determine which options are available to you. In some cases, fees may be applied for restocking and credit card processing. If this includes switching out product, there is an opportunity for the fees to be waived.

If an order is canceled after a truck has been scheduled, a 25% restocking charge will be charged.

Returns

Items may be returned within 30 days from the date of purchase with prior authorization. Contact TDS to express your intent to return items at 610-638-1221.

An RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number will be issued for your order with shipping instructions.  Returned merchandise sent to TDS without prior authorization or an RMA number will not be processed for refund or exchange. Trench Drain Systems is not responsible for contacting the customer to initiate a return or exchange for goods received. Customers must contact TDS within 30 days of the receipt of the package to our facilities to have an RMA issued to initiate a refund or exchange. After such time, the product will be returned to stock.

All Products returned to TDS will be subject to inspection for evidence of improper installation (if applicable), damage or modification. Items must be returned in saleable condition and may be subject to a 25% restocking fee and may impact the monetary value of the refund.

Systems that are manufactured to specification or considered to be custom cannot be returned and are not eligible for a refund. Additionally, any closeout items purchased cannot be returned.

If it is the original manufacturer’s policy to refuse returns on specific products, Trench Drain Systems will comply with their return policy as well.

Shipment costs for returns are evaluated based upon the situation. For example, if an order is shipped incorrectly, the shipping cost is incurred internally. If the product is unwanted a 25% restocking fee and shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. In the event of the receipt of damaged product, follow the steps below and ensure that TDS is contacted within 48 hours of delivery. TDS will file a claim on behalf of the customer.

Supplier Provided RMA’s
Orders that drop shipped from a supplier may need to be returned directly to that supplier. If this occurs, an RMA from the supplier will be provided.  Customers will need to follow the specific instructions on that RMA (including, but not limited to stated time limits, shipping address, inclusion of supplier provided RMA form, etc.).  Failure to follow those directions will jeopardize any potential return credit.

Damage in Transit to TDS
Customers are responsible for the product until it arrives at Trench Drain Systems (or authorized supplier). We suggest taking pre-shipment photos if a claim would need to be filed with the shipping carrier. In many cases, insurance for the shipment may be available.

Damage in Transit to Customer
We do our very best when packing your order to assure it arrives safely.

• Customers are responsible for inspecting orders upon delivery. Any items that are signed for as received in good condition, and then later reported as short or damaged, will not be eligible for a refund.
• If you receive a damaged shipment:
  • Accept the shipment. Do not refuse or return it.
  • Note the damage on the delivery receipt (if shipped by truck) or with the driver (for UPS/FedEx parcels). Keep a copy of the document with the damage noted.
  • If you think there is damage, but cannot tell how much, write a note such as “1 box crushed, damage subject to further inspection”.
  • Take photos of the pallet/box before unpacking it.
  • Keep all boxes and packing materials until the claim is settled, they may be needed for an inspection.
  • Contact TDS with the details of the damage within 48 hours. TDS will file a damage claim on the customer’s behalf.