As a first-time bulk olive oil buyer, you may find that the quotes you receive don’t include the cost of shipping. In the bulk sector, this is a common thing for suppliers to leave out of your initial price quote. If you’re not used to the ‘bulk buying world’ that can be frustrating. Here are some of the reasons why it’s initially left out:
Why freight costs are not included
Orders are shipped on a pallet, which requires a large freight truck to deliver them. The cost of shipping will depend on your location; it is a custom rate based on your address and if you have any special delivery needs (lift gate, delivery appointment, etc.) Centra Foods partners with freight carriers around the country to help you get the lowest rates possible. Our facility can also accommodate pick-ups if you have a carrier that you prefer to work with.
In addition, that price is quoted based on the date your shipment will actually go out, and quotes are usually only good for two weeks. If you’re just looking for initial olive oil quotes, it’s likely that the freight quote would expire by the time you made your official decision anyways.
At Centra Foods, we initially quote our all orders FOB Centra Foods (Kent, WA 98032 or an alternative location of ours), and quote a separate shipping cost based on your specific location and order. Our account managers have experience working with customers across the country and may be able to give you an estimate of your freight costs.
What it actually means when you get "free shipping"
Some suppliers average the costs of all deliveries and work this into their pricing so that they can offer free shipping or delivered rates. Centra Foods prefers not to do that. By letting each customer cover the cost of their specific location, our pricing model is transparent and costs are lower. Also, we feel that this model is fair because local customers don’t end up paying the “average cost” of a cross-country shipment or specialty costs like residential or rural deliveries.
We do, however, offer delivered pricing for full containers to a specific location(s).
