Summer Chocolate Shipping

During the summer months (May through September) Equal Exchange must use special shipping methods for chocolate in order to maintain quality standards. Our products are shipped through UPS in non-refrigerated trucks, and as a result chocolate bars can melt during summer shipments. Some products cannot be shipped on ice and are therefore unavailable during this period of time.

For most states, we will be using insulated EPS foam sheets and gel ice packs and shipping UPS ground from MA or one of our regional offices. A $10 handling fee will be added to your order to cover the cost of insulated shipping. 

Expedited shipping options are also available - please call 774.776.7366 for more details or to place your expedited order.

We are unfortunately unable to offer chocolate shipping to AK and HI during the summer months.

If you have further questions, you can contact our Customer Service team at 774-776-7366.

Ship dates: Orders with chocolate placed after Tuesday will be held until the following Monday to ensure packages do not sit in UPS warehouses over the weekend.

Shipping address: We recommend that you ship your chocolate to an address where someone will be available to accept your shipment. We are not responsible for packages left outside after delivery where chocolate may melt.

To avoid shipping charges for chocolate from May through October, ask for Equal Exchange fairly traded organic chocolate bars at your local store where they are available year round. 

Disclaimer: While we will make every attempt to ensure your order arrives without melting, we make no guarantees. If you choose to place an order for chocolate products through our online store or via customer service between May and October or if the temperature in your region is above 70 degrees, you do so at your own risk.

These shipping details apply during the summer months and may not apply to voluntary insulated shipping during the rest of the year.