School Specialty Shipping Policy

The item numbers and legend information in our catalogs can be used to determine the method of shipment. Items that begin with a 6 ship via freight. Items that begin with a 5 or 9 ship via parcel. In addition, some items include alpha code legends that indicate special shipping & handling requirements. Orders containing a mixture of items will be subject to applicable shipping and handling charges.

We reserve the right to determine the method used to fulfill your order and special orders may incur additional shipping and handling fees. Special orders include, but are not limited to, “inside delivery,” “lift gate” and “hazardous material delivery.”

Items Shipped Within the Contiguous 48 United States

Eligible for Free Shipping

(Items with a 9 prefix)Free shipping and handling on eligible supply orders of $49 or more. Free shipping calculation is based on the subtotals of eligible items, after any additional discounts are applied. For subtotals less than $49, the shipping and handling charge is $9.95.

Ineligible for Free Shipping

(Items with a 5 prefix) For parcel items, shipping and handling charges are 12% of the subtotal of the items, after any discounts are applied, with a $5 minimum charge.

(Items with a 6 prefix) For non-parcel items, shipping and handling charges are 15% of the subtotal of the items, after any discounts are applied, with a $99 minimum charge. If the subtotal is greater than $1,000, please call 1-877-350-0645 or email freight_quote@schoolspecialty.com for a freight quote.

*Note: Individually negotiated shipping policies will override the standard shipping policy.

Additional Notes on Item Legends

Some items are noted with alpha codes and have the following shipping & handling requirements:

Item Number Legend:

N = Non-discountable.
H = Hazardous: Contains hazardous material, will incur additional charge.
L = Live Material Coupon: Pre-paid coupon that must be redeemed to receive materials, additional charges apply.

Living Materials

Items noted with the legend ‘L’ include Living Materials Cards. Please allow 3-4 weeks after you send in your card for delivery of living materials. Living materials are non-returnable. Should you encounter any problems with your living materials notify School Specialty within 48 hours upon receipt of the order. Cost of replacement after two days becomes the responsibility of the customer. In the event of inclement weather your shipment could be delayed to ensure quality product. Living materials can only be shipped in the 48 contiguous states.

Additional Shipping Charges for Live Items:

1-3 Items - $12.50
4-5 Items - $22.00
6 or More Items - $30.00

Hazardous Materials

An additional charge applies to the shipment of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are not returnable. Currently we cannot ship hazardous materials to any home address, Alaska and Hawaii, Canada or International customers.

Restrictions on Sale of Chemicals

Chemicals will only be sold to institutions on purchase order or your organization’s letterhead. We are prohibited from delivering to a residence.

Additional Shipping Charges for Hazardous Materials (ships via truck):

1-3 Items - $25.00
4-5 Items - $75.00

Items Shipped to Alaska

Eligible for Free Shipping

(Items with a 9 prefix) Free shipping and handling on orders $49 and over. Free shipping calculation is based on the subtotals of items with 9 prefix, after discounts are applied. For subtotals less than $49, the shipping and handling charge is $9.95.

(Items with a 5 prefix) For parcel items, shipping and handling charges are 12% of the subtotal of the items, after any discounts are applied, with a $5 minimum charge.

Any order containing Paper, Paint or Clay will require a separate quote if any of these 3 line items are over 15 lbs. Please contact your School Specialty Account Manager for details.

Ineligible for Free Shipping (Items with a 6 prefix)

Truck/freight items will require quoted freight from our transportation department.
Please call 1-419-589-1425 for a quote.

Items Shipped to Hawaii

Eligible for Free Shipping (Items with a 5 or 9 prefix)

Freight will be calculated per order based upon a shipping & handling charge of $20.00 plus $1.50 per pound. School Specialty will choose the most economical and timely shipping method for your delivery. There may be a 4-6 week delivery window and an additional 2-3 weeks for outlying areas.

Ineligible for Free Shipping (Items with a 6 prefix)

Truck/freight items will require quoted freight from our transportation department.
Please call 1-419-589-1425 for a quote.

Special Delivery Requests

Call Customer Care for a quote: 1-888-388-3224

Items Shipped Internationally and to US Territories

Call Customer Care for a quote: 1-419-589-1425
Delivery times and methods vary based on location and order.

APO/FPO/DPO Addresses

School Specialty ships to APO, FPO and DPO addresses.

Shipping and handling rates follow contiguous 48 shipping policies as outlined above.

Orders are shipped using U.S. Postal Service via Parcel Post.

Individual items that exceed shipping size restrictions for the US Postal Service will require an alternate physical shipping address and may be subject to additional fees.

Contact International Customer Care for further information: via phone at 1-419-589-1425 or via email at internationalteamcc@schoolspecialty.com.

View Canada Shipping Policy