Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

Last Updated: September 14, 2026

Policy Scope & Acceptance

By completing a purchase on our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Shipping Policy. The terms in effect at the time of your order placement govern the transaction.

1. Order Processing Time

Orders are typically processed within 1 to 3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. Once your order leaves our Tomball, Texas facility, we typically send a shipping notification containing carrier tracking details, when available.

2. Shipping Methods & Delivery Times

We partner with leading commercial carriers to safely transport our tools, accessories, and industrial machinery:

  • Standard Parcel Delivery: Estimated transit time is generally 3 to 5 business days for standard parcel items.

  • Freight & LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Delivery: Heavy machinery, oversized units, palletized equipment, and items exceeding standard parcel carrier limits ship via commercial freight carrier. Transit times generally range from 3 to 7 business days depending on the destination.

3. Shipping Rates, Custom Quotes & Promotional Shipping

  • Calculated Shipping: Shipping charges for standard parcel items and select equipment are calculated and displayed automatically at checkout based on package weight, dimensions, destination, and selected carrier service.

  • Custom Freight Quotes (Oversized Machinery & Heavy Freight): Select large equipment, overweight items, or specialized machinery cannot always be calculated automatically at checkout. For these items, checkout will typically display: "Please Call or Email the store for a custom shipping quote - 281-351-2211 or Sales@HilltopTool.com." Orders placed under this status are held pending a custom freight quote based on your delivery destination and equipment handling requirements (such as residential access or liftgate service). Our team will reach out to provide the actual freight cost for approval and payment prior to dispatch. If you decline the custom shipping quote, your merchandise order will be canceled and refunded prior to shipping. Once the custom freight quote is approved and paid by the customer, all freight shipping fees are strictly non-refundable once the carrier has dispatched.

  • Promotional Shipping: For promotional "Free Shipping" items, Hilltop Tool, LLC covers standard transportation; however, promotional shipping costs paid on your behalf remain non-refundable and subject to deduction in the event of an undeliverable shipment, missed signature, or unauthorized return.

4. Signature Requirements & Freight Delivery Protocols

To ensure valuable equipment arrives safely:

  • Direct Adult Signature Required: All machinery, high-value orders, and freight shipments require an adult direct signature upon delivery. Carriers will not release shipments without an authorized recipient physically present to inspect and sign.

  • Delivery Appointments for Freight: The freight carrier typically contacts the phone number provided at checkout to schedule an appointment window prior to delivery. The customer is responsible for ensuring an authorized person is on site during the agreed-upon window and that the delivery address is accessible by standard commercial delivery vehicles.

5. Missed Deliveries, Failed Signatures & Refused Shipments

If a shipment cannot be delivered and is returned to our facility due to:

  • Customer unavailability or failure to respond to carrier appointment scheduling.

  • No authorized adult present to provide a required delivery signature.

  • Customer refusal of delivery without documented carrier transit damage.

  • An invalid, incorrect, or inaccessible delivery address provided at checkout.

The order will be considered an unaccepted delivery and handled under the following terms:

  • Outbound Shipping Non-Refundable: All actual outbound shipping and freight charges incurred to transport the merchandise are strictly non-refundable.

  • Return Freight Responsibility: The customer is liable for all return freight charges, redelivery fees, and carrier storage costs incurred to return the shipment to our Tomball, TX facility.

  • Partial Refund Issuance: Once the unit is safely received and inspected at our warehouse, a refund will be issued solely for the purchase price of the equipment, less the actual outbound freight, return carrier freight, and any applicable restocking fees.

  • Free Shipping Orders: If the order originally qualified for free or discounted shipping, the actual freight expenses paid by Hilltop Tool, LLC will still be deducted from the merchandise refund.

6. Shipping Restrictions

At this time, we only ship to verified street addresses within the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states). We do not ship internationally. Deliveries to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses are usually shipped via USPS and cannot exceed standard postal size/weight limitations. Freight equipment and hazardous materials cannot be shipped to P.O. Boxes.

7. Damaged or Lost Shipments

We take great care in packaging our tools, but transit issues may occasionally occur:

  • Damaged in Transit: For freight shipments, thoroughly inspect the pallet, crate, and unit before signing the Bill of Lading (BOL). If visible damage exists, you must note the damage on the carrier's BOL before signing, or refuse delivery specifically citing freight damage. Retain all packaging materials and contact us immediately at Noah@HilltopTool.com with photos of the damage. We will initiate a carrier claim and assist you with a replacement or refund.

  • Lost Shipments: If carrier tracking shows your package was delivered but you have not received it, contact Noah@HilltopTool.com within 3 business days so we may initiate a formal carrier tracer investigation.