Shipping Rates, Timelines, & Policies

Standard Shipping

All orders over $75 receive free shipping. Orders are shipped using UPS SurePost or UPS Ground, unless expedited shipping is chosen. Any orders that receive free or discounted Flat Rate shipping will automatically ship UPS SurePost or UPS Ground (excludes Alaska and Hawaii).

Regular shipping rates are calculated directly from UPS and are based on package size/weight and distance. We ship all items from our facility in Rising Sun, IN.

Estimated transit time varies by location. Use the estimated transit time chart on this page as a guideline for UPS SurePost and Ground Shipping. Estimated transit times do not include processing time.

Processing Time

Orders placed Monday through Friday before 11:00AM Eastern Time are typically processed and shipped the same business day. Otherwise, orders are processed and shipped on the next business day.

Cold Weather

In the event of extremely cold weather, we may hold shipments until the temperatures are above freezing to prevent product damage. With dipping temperatures across the country, we include heat packs in our orders to insure that our product does not freeze in transit. The Heat packs by Uniheat are commonly used within the aquarium hobby industry, are eco-friendly, and their contents are biodegradable.


Expedited Shipping

Expedited options include UPS 2nd Day Air or UPS Next Day Air and additional charges will apply. These rates are also calculated directly from UPS based on package size/weight and distance.

When expedited shipping is selected, processing time should also be considered. Orders must be submitted before 11:00AM Eastern Time in order to be shipped out on the same business day. If you need product by a certain date, we recommend that you contact us before placing your order to verify availability and shipment details.


Order Tracking

You can track your order at any time via your shipment confirmation email or by logging into your account and viewing Previous Orders. Click on the Order Number and scroll down to Shipment Information.

Shipment tracking is provided by UPS. Any questions about package locations or delivery times should be directed to UPS representatives for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Return Policy

Learn more on Fresh Wave's Return Policy here.

Estimated Transit Time by Location

Estimated Transit Time Location
1-2 Business Days IL, IN, KY, OH
2-3 Business Days AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
3-4 Business Days AZ, MT, NM, NV, UT
3-5 Business Days CA, ID, OR, WA, WY
4-8 Business Days AK & HI