Shipping & Delivery Policy

Last updated: 11/30/2025

Modern Reef USA LLC ships reef supplements and related products throughout the United States and to select international destinations using reliable carrier services.

We do not ship frozen foods or live animals (fish, corals, invertebrates). Any references to those categories from other websites do not apply here.

Quick Overview of Shipping (USA)

Within the United States, we generally offer three types of shipping:

  • Free / $5.99 Economy Shipping
    2–7 business days for most orders in the 48 contiguous states.
  • Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 Day Shipping
    An affordable upgrade on most orders in the 48 contiguous states.
  • UPS Air (Next Day & 2‑Day)
    Premium express options with live pricing at checkout.

We also ship to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, APO/FPO/DPO, Canada, and select other international destinations via UPS and USPS. Available options and pricing will be shown at checkout and may vary by location.

1. Free Economy Shipping on Orders Over $49 (USA Only)

Free Economy Shipping is available on qualifying orders of $49 or more (after discounts, before taxes) shipped within the 48 contiguous United States.

  • Orders ship using a mix of UPS Ground, UPS Ground Saver / SurePost‑type services, and USPS (First‑Class, Ground Advantage, or Priority), depending on weight, size, and destination.
  • Typical delivery time is 2–7 business days, depending on how far you are from our shipping origin.
  • We will always choose the most economical service that safely delivers your order.

Notes & exclusions

  • Free shipping applies only to the 48 contiguous United States.
  • Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, APO/FPO/DPO, or any international address (including Canada) do not qualify for free economy shipping.
  • Very large, heavy, or bulky items (for example: large buckets, case quantities, or shipments approaching roughly 50 lbs or more), pallet shipments, and certain special‑order or drop‑ship products may not qualify for free economy shipping. Any such exceptions will be noted on the product page, during checkout, or communicated to you before we ship.
  • Free shipping does not apply to expedited, air, or international shipping services.
  • Free shipping offers are not valid for wholesale, dealer, or distributor accounts unless specifically agreed in writing.

2. $5.99 Economy Shipping on Orders Under $49 (USA Only)

If your order total (after discounts, before taxes) is under $49, Economy Shipping is $5.99 within the 48 contiguous United States.

  • Ships via a mix of UPS Ground, UPS Ground Saver / SurePost‑type services, and USPS.
  • Typical delivery time is 2–7 business days, depending on distance.

General guidelines (not guaranteed):

  • Lightweight packages (usually under 1 lb) often ship via USPS First‑Class or Ground Advantage.
  • Mid‑weight packages (about 1–7 lbs) may ship via economy ground / Ground Saver‑type services.
  • Heavier shipments (typically over 7 lbs) will usually ship via UPS Ground.

If you need your order faster, you can upgrade to our Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 Day Shipping or UPS Air options (see Sections 3 and 3.1).

3. Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 Day Shipping (USA Only)

For most orders shipping within the 48 contiguous United States, we offer a Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 business day shipping upgrade:

  • Orders $49 and over
    Upgrade to 1–3 business day shipping for $5.99 for most orders.
  • Orders under $49
    Upgrade to 1–3 business day shipping for $9.99 for most orders.

This service uses a mix of UPS 3 Day Select, UPS Ground, and/or similar expedited ground‑type options. The exact carrier and service will depend on your address, order weight, and package dimensions.

Extremely heavy or oversized orders

Extremely heavy, bulky, or oversized shipments (for example, large buckets, multi‑case orders, or packages that are close to carrier weight or size limits) may not qualify for this flat‑rate upgrade. If your order requires special handling, freight, or falls outside normal parcel limits, we will contact you with shipping options and costs before we ship.

Important notes

  • Transit times are estimates based on normal carrier performance. During peak seasons (holidays, major sales) or due to weather and other events, carriers may experience delays.
  • This offer is available only to addresses in the 48 contiguous United States.
  • Drop‑shipped items, pallet/freight shipments, and some oversized products do not qualify for this upgrade.
  • Expedited options are not available to PO boxes, APO/FPO/DPO addresses, or certain remote locations.
  • We cannot guarantee exact delivery dates and are unable to refund or compensate for carrier‑related delays outside our control.

3.1 UPS Air Services (Next Day & 2‑Day) – USA

In addition to our Economy and Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 Day options, some orders within the United States may also have the option at checkout to ship via UPS Air:

  • UPS Next Day Air – typically delivers the next business day after shipment.
  • UPS 2nd Day Air – typically delivers within 2 business days after shipment.

Key details

  • Available only to eligible addresses in the 50 United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), subject to UPS coverage.
  • Pricing is not flat‑rate; it is calculated at checkout based on your shipping address, order weight, and package dimensions.
  • These services are generally more expensive than our Fast Flat‑Rate 1–3 Day Shipping but can arrive sooner depending on your location.
  • Not available for PO boxes, APO/FPO/DPO addresses, freight/pallet shipments, or certain oversized products.
  • Transit times are estimated by UPS. We cannot guarantee exact delivery dates and cannot refund or compensate for carrier‑related delays outside our control.

4. Pallet & Freight Shipments (Large / Bulk Orders)

For very large, heavy, or bulk orders, we may ship via pallet / freight instead of standard parcel services.

Examples include:

  • Large combined orders of multiple heavy products.
  • Bulk shipments to stores, clubs, or facilities.
  • Wholesale or pallet‑size orders (where applicable).

Key points

  • Freight shipments may not qualify for free economy shipping or flat‑rate offers. We will clearly communicate this and provide a quote before finalizing your order.
  • Delivery is usually curbside at the shipping address. Inside delivery, lift‑gate service, or special handling may incur additional charges.
  • Freight deliveries require someone 18+ years old present to receive and sign for the shipment.
  • It is essential to inspect freight shipments upon delivery and note any visible damage on the carrier’s paperwork before signing.
  • If your order requires pallet or freight shipping, we will contact you with shipping options and costs before we ship.

5. Carriers We Use (UPS & USPS – Domestic and International)

We primarily use:

  • UPS – for domestic and international shipping (Ground, Ground Saver, 3 Day Select, Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, and available international services).
  • USPS – for domestic and certain international shipments (First‑Class / Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and USPS international services where available).

For international shipments, available services and pricing will be shown at checkout and may vary by country.

Typical delivery expectations under normal conditions (domestic):

  • UPS Ground: 1–5 business days within the contiguous US.
  • USPS: 2–7 business days, depending on service level and distance.

During large storms, natural disasters, peak holiday periods, or other unforeseen circumstances, deliveries may be delayed. We monitor these situations but cannot control carrier networks. We are unable to refund or compensate for delays in transit that are outside our control.

6. Shipping Locations & Restrictions

6.1 Contiguous United States (Lower 48)

  • Most of our US shipping promotions, free shipping, and flat‑rate offers apply only to the 48 contiguous US states.
  • We ship using UPS and USPS, selecting the best option based on your location, order weight, and package dimensions.

6.2 Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories & APO/FPO/DPO

  • Orders to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and APO/FPO/DPO addresses may be subject to higher shipping rates and longer transit times.
  • Free or promotional shipping offers typically do not apply; rates will be calculated at checkout.
  • Services are limited to what UPS and USPS allow to those destinations. Available options and pricing will be displayed at checkout.

6.3 Shipping to Canada

We offer two ways for Canadian customers to receive our products:

  1. Direct shipping to Canada (where available)
  2. Using a US‑based freight or mail forwarding service

6.3.1 Direct Shipping to Canada (UPS/USPS – Where Available)

When possible, we may ship directly to Canada using UPS and USPS international services.

  • Availability of direct shipping and the specific services offered will be shown at checkout.
  • Shipping costs (and, where supported by the carrier, certain duties and/or taxes) will be calculated at checkout based on your address, order weight, and package dimensions.
  • Free and flat‑rate US shipping promotions do not apply to Canadian addresses.
  • Transit times are estimates only and can vary due to customs processing and carrier performance.

Customs, duties, and taxes (Canada)

  • Any customs charges, import taxes, GST/HST, brokerage, or other fees imposed by Canadian authorities or carriers are the customer’s responsibility, unless explicitly stated otherwise at checkout.
  • In some cases, UPS or USPS may collect these charges at delivery. Please check your local regulations and be prepared for additional costs.

Returns & warranties (Canada)

  • Returns from Canada are accepted within our standard return window (see our Return Policy), but you are responsible for all freight, duties, and fees associated with the return shipment.
  • Many US manufacturers and distributors may limit or void warranties once products are used or shipped outside the US. You should assume warranty service may be more difficult or may require returning the product to a US address at your expense.

6.3.2 Using a Freight or Mail Forwarding Service (Canada)

If direct shipping is not available, or if you prefer to use a forwarding service:

  1. Set up an account with a US‑based freight or mail forwarding company that provides you a US address.
  2. Place your order using that US address as your shipping address.
  3. We ship to the forwarding service using our normal US shipping options.
  4. The forwarding service then sends the package on to you in Canada.

Important notes

  • Our responsibility ends once the package is delivered in good condition to the US forwarding address you provide.
  • Any damage, loss, delays, customs issues, or additional fees that occur after the package reaches your forwarding service must be handled directly with that service.
  • Customs, taxes, and duties charged by Canadian authorities are the customer’s responsibility.

6.4 International Shipping (Outside the USA & Canada)

We are a US‑based company, but we understand reefers live all over the world. We offer two ways to receive our products outside the USA and Canada:

  1. Direct international shipping via UPS/USPS (where available)
  2. Using a US‑based freight or mail forwarding service

6.4.1 Direct International Shipping via UPS/USPS (Where Available)

For select countries, we may offer direct international shipping using UPS and/or USPS.

  • Availability and pricing will be displayed at checkout based on your shipping country and postal code.
  • Shipping costs and, in some cases, duties and/or taxes are calculated at checkout by the carrier or our shipping system.
  • Free and flat‑rate US shipping promotions do not apply to international addresses.
  • Transit times are estimates only and can be affected by customs clearance, local carrier networks, and other factors beyond our control.

Customs, duties, and taxes (International)

  • Any customs duties, VAT, GST, import taxes, brokerage, or additional local fees are typically the customer’s responsibility, unless clearly stated otherwise at checkout.
  • Some carriers may offer “delivered duties paid” (DDP‑type) services where we collect estimated duties/taxes at checkout and remit them. When available, this will be clearly indicated.
  • You are responsible for understanding your country’s import rules and any associated costs.

Returns & warranties (International)

  • Returns from international destinations are accepted within our standard return window (see our Return Policy), but you are responsible for all return freight, duties, taxes, and fees.
  • Many US manufacturers and distributors limit or void warranties on products sold or used outside the US. It is safest to assume warranty service may be limited or may require shipping the product back to a US address at your expense.

If no direct international shipping option appears at checkout for your country, please use a US‑based freight or mail forwarding service as described below.

6.4.2 Using a Freight or Mail Forwarding Service (All Other Countries)

If we do not offer direct shipping to your country, or if you prefer to use a forwarder:

Payment

  • We recommend PayPal for international orders whenever possible.
  • You may also use most major credit cards with a US‑based billing address, including virtual cards, subject to our fraud‑prevention checks.

Set up a mail/freight forwarding account

  • Choose a reputable US‑based forwarding service that specializes in forwarding US packages worldwide.
  • Your forwarding service will provide a US shipping address.

Place your order with us

  • Enter the US address provided by your forwarding service as the shipping address at checkout.
  • If you are paying by PayPal, you may use the forwarding address for both billing and shipping (if allowed by PayPal).
  • If you are using a physical or virtual credit card with a US‑based billing address, use that as the billing address, and the forwarding service as the shipping address.

Important expectations and limitations for international orders via forwarders

  • Responsibility & risk

    • Modern Reef USA LLC is responsible for delivering your order safely and intact to the US forwarding address you provide.
    • Once the package is marked as delivered by UPS or USPS to that US address, our responsibility is considered fulfilled.
    • Any loss, damage, delays, or issues that occur after delivery to your forwarding service must be resolved directly with that service.

  • Product compatibility

    • All products, including any electronic items, are intended for the US market and follow US standards (for example, voltage, plugs, labeling).
    • You are responsible for ensuring compatibility in your country (adapters, converters, etc.).

  • Restricted items

    • We do not ship frozen foods, live animals, or any items that are or were once alive.
    • Some countries restrict the import of specific chemicals, additives, or related products. Please verify import rules with your forwarding service and local customs before ordering.

  • Warranties

    • Many US manufacturers and distributors may not provide warranty service on products used or shipped outside the US.
    • It is safest to assume that any manufacturer warranty may be limited or void for international use.
    • If warranty service is needed, products may need to be returned to a US address at your expense.

  • Returns from international customers

    • Returns are accepted within 30 days of the original order date (see our Return Policy).
    • You are responsible for all freight, duties, taxes, and fees associated with returning products from your country to a US address and then to us.
    • In many cases, these costs can exceed the value of the product, so please consider carefully before placing an international order.

  • Customs, taxes, and duties

    • Any customs charges, import taxes, VAT, GST, brokerage, or other government fees are the customer’s responsibility.
    • We recommend consulting your forwarding service for an estimate of these costs before you order.

7. Order Processing & Handling Time

We aim to process and ship orders as quickly as possible.

  • Most in‑stock orders placed on business days (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays) are processed within 1–2 business days.
  • Orders placed on weekends or holidays will begin processing on the next business day.
  • If an item is backordered or available only as a pre‑order, this will be noted on the product page and/or at checkout.

You will receive:

  • An order confirmation email after your order is placed.
  • A shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order has shipped.

8. Tracking Your Order

Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking link via email (and/or account notification, if you have an account).

  • Tracking updates are provided directly by UPS or USPS.
  • Please allow up to 24 hours after receiving your shipping confirmation for tracking information to update.
  • During busy seasons or carrier disruptions, tracking scans may be delayed.

If you have concerns about a shipment in transit, please contact us with your order number at admin@modernreefusa.com.

9. Undeliverable Packages, Address Issues & Reshipments

Please ensure your shipping address is complete and accurate at checkout.

If a package is:

  • Returned to us due to an incorrect or incomplete address, refusal, or repeated failed delivery attempts:
    • We can reship the order to a corrected address, but additional shipping charges may apply.
    • If you choose to cancel instead of reship, we will refund the order minus any original shipping costs and any carrier return fees, where applicable.

We are not responsible for:

  • Delays or losses resulting from incorrect or incomplete addresses entered at checkout.
  • Packages that are marked as delivered by the carrier but cannot be located at the delivery address (see next section).

10. “Delivered” but Not Received (Lost / Stolen Packages)

If tracking shows your order as delivered, but you cannot locate it:

  1. Check around your property and with neighbors or building management.
  2. Confirm the shipping address used on your order.
  3. Allow 24 hours in case the carrier marked the package delivered prematurely.

If it is still not found:

  • Contact the carrier (UPS or USPS) and then contact us with your order number.

We will do our best to assist, but:

  • Once a package is marked delivered to the address you provided, responsibility for loss or theft generally falls on the recipient.
  • In some cases, at our sole discretion, we may help open a carrier investigation or offer a partial solution, but this is not guaranteed.

11. We Do Not Ship Frozen Foods or Live Animals

Modern Reef USA LLC focuses on supplements, additives, and related equipment. We do not ship:

  • Frozen foods.
  • Live fish, corals, invertebrates, or macroalgae.
  • Any product that is or was once a live animal.

Any shipping policies related to frozen food or live animals from other websites do not apply to Modern Reef USA LLC.

12. Drop Shipments & Special‑Order Items

Some products may ship directly from the manufacturer or supplier (drop‑ship) or may be special‑order items.

  • These items will generally be identified on the product page and/or during checkout.
  • Shipping times may differ from our usual processing times, and certain shipping promotions (including free shipping) may not apply.
  • Large items shipped by the manufacturer may ship via freight or pallet with extended delivery windows.

We will communicate any unusual lead times or special shipping conditions as clearly as possible in advance.

13. Holidays & Carrier Schedule

We observe major US holidays and follow standard UPS/USPS holiday schedules. On these days, carriers may not pick up or deliver packages, and our warehouse may be closed or operating with limited staff.

  • Orders placed on or immediately before major holidays may require additional processing and transit time.
  • During peak periods (for example, Thanksgiving, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Christmas/New Year), carriers can experience high volumes, resulting in delivery delays.

We recommend placing time‑sensitive orders early and monitoring your tracking information for the most current status.

14. Questions About Shipping?

If you have any questions about our Shipping & Delivery Policy, or need help choosing the best shipping option for your order, please contact us:

Modern Reef USA LLC
4625 N.W. 103 Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33351
United States (US)

Email: admin@modernreefusa.com