Shipping & Delivery Policy

Last updated: September 18, 2026

At PaleoDeserts, every fossil is handled with the care its rarity, fragility, and value deserve. Many of our specimens are one-of-a-kind field finds, so preparation and delivery are planned around the individual piece.

Free Shipping on Every Order

We offer free shipping on all orders, regardless of size or weight. PaleoDeserts covers the cost of shipping through USPS, FedEx, DHL, FedEx Express, DHL Express, or an appropriate specialized freight service.

International customers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, permits, or other fees assessed by the destination country.

Careful Packaging and Crating

Smaller fossils are individually wrapped in protective archival foam and cushioned inside sturdy, double-walled shipping boxes.

Large fossils, skulls, skeletons, and monumental display pieces are secured in custom-built reinforced crates or protective shipping structures. Interior padding is tailored to the specimen’s shape and sensitive points to help prevent movement and damage during transit.

Custom packaging and crating are provided at no additional shipping charge. We may require additional preparation, documentation, or crating before a one-of-a-kind specimen is ready to leave our facility. We never rush the packing process at the expense of the specimen’s safety.

Carriers and Delivery Services

Specimens stocked in the United States may ship through USPS, FedEx, or DHL, depending on the item’s size, weight, value, destination, and handling requirements.

Smaller U.S. parcels may be shipped through USPS. Large, heavy, fragile, or high-value specimens will ship through FedEx or DHL using the service best suited to the shipment, including FedEx Express, DHL Express, or specialized freight services where required.

We ship specimens of all weights through FedEx or DHL when those carriers are the most appropriate choice. For unusually large or valuable pieces, we will confirm the delivery method and receiving arrangements before dispatch.

Tracking information will be provided as soon as the shipment is accepted by the carrier.

Handling Time

Our standard handling time is 5–10 business days.

Some specimens require additional preparation, restoration review, documentation, or custom crating before shipment. If a piece requires more time, we will communicate the estimated handling window directly or note it on the product page.

For especially large, fragile, or high-value pieces, we may contact you after purchase to confirm delivery details before dispatch.

Estimated Delivery Times

Delivery estimates begin after the specimen has been prepared and handed to the carrier.

• Contiguous United States: approximately 3–7 business days for parcel shipments and 5–14 business days for freight or specialized shipments
• Alaska and Hawaii: approximately 7–14 business days
• Canada: approximately 7–14 business days
• Europe and the United Kingdom: approximately 10–21 business days
• Other international destinations: approximately 14–30 business days

These are estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates. Delivery may take longer due to carrier capacity, weather, remote delivery requirements, customs clearance, or the preparation required for specialized shipments.

International Orders

International buyers are responsible for all import duties, taxes, customs fees, brokerage charges, permits, and other costs assessed by the destination country.

We provide accurate descriptions and declared values on customs documentation and do not falsify customs declarations. Certain fossils or specimens may be subject to import, export, wildlife, cultural heritage, or CITES requirements. Where applicable, required documentation and permits must be confirmed before shipment, and associated costs are the buyer’s responsibility.

Please contact us before placing an international order if you would like to discuss delivery requirements for your country.

Insurance and Tracking

Shipments are insured for their declared value where appropriate carrier coverage is available. Tracking information will be provided when the carrier accepts the package or freight shipment.

For freight deliveries, the carrier may contact you to arrange a delivery appointment. Please ensure that the delivery location is prepared to receive large or heavy items and that someone is available to inspect the shipment upon arrival.

Damage in Transit

Please inspect your shipment carefully upon delivery. If a package or crate appears damaged, photograph the exterior before opening it, then photograph the specimen and all interior packaging.

If damage has occurred, retain all original packaging and contact PaleoDeserts within 48 hours of delivery with photographs and a description of the damage. We will work with you and the carrier to investigate the matter and manage the insurance claim where applicable.

Questions Before Purchase

Shipping a rare, fragile, or high-value specimen is a serious undertaking. If you have questions about packaging, crating, carrier services, delivery access, handling time, international shipping, or receiving a large piece, please contact us before purchasing.

We are happy to discuss the safest delivery approach for your specimen and answer questions throughout the process.