Shipping & Returns + Conditions

Order Minimums & Delivery Limits

At North Bay Materials, we specialize in delivering bulk landscape materials using small dump trucks designed for residential and light commercial access. To ensure efficiency and proper handling, the following order and delivery limits apply:

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Minimum Order Requirements

It depends on the manufacturer's minimum requirements and the delivery destination but for local areas if it's:

• Gravel, Sand, and Rock Products: Minimum of 2 cubic yards per order.

• Soil Blends and Fill Materials: Minimum of 3 cubic yards per order.

• Mulch and Bark Products: Minimum of 3 cubic yards per order.

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Maximum Delivery Limits

• Under normal conditions trucks are rated to haul a maximum of:

  • 5-7 yards on small dump and 25 tons on big dump truck of heavy weight material: Gravel, Rock, Sand, DG, Dirt etc.

  • 8-10 cubic yards on small dump and 20-30 cubic yards on large dump truck of medium weight materials: Soil, Compost, Soil Amendments.

  • 10-12 cubic yards on small dump and 30-40 cubic yards on large dump truck of light weight materials: Mulch, Woodchips and Bark.

• Overloading is not permitted under any circumstances for safety and legal compliance.

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One Product Type Per Delivery

• Each truckload is limited to one bulk material type per trip.

• For multiple products, separate deliveries must be scheduled.

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Service Area

• We currently serve the following cities and their surrounding areas: Tiburon | Mill Valley | San Rafael | Novato | Petaluma | Rohnert Park | Santa Rosa | Calistoga | Napa | Vallejo | Benicia | Fairfield | Vacaville

• Deliveries outside this area are not available at this time but can be arranged using 3rd party trucking.

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Special Requests

If you require a combination of products, unusual quantities, or are unsure how much to order, please contact us directly for assistance. We're happy to help you over the phone.

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Third Party Delivery

Some products listed on our website are fulfilled and delivered using third-party shipping services. In such cases, North Bay Materials is not responsible for delivery timelines, handling practices, or the condition of materials delivered by third-party carriers.

 

We do our best to coordinate reliable service, but once the materials are in the hands of a third-party transporter, we cannot guarantee delivery quality or accept liability for delays, damages, or discrepancies. Please contact us immediately if any issues arise, and we’ll do our best to assist you in resolving them with the supplier and the trucking company.

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Delivery Terms

At North Bay Materials, we are committed to providing timely, professional, and safe deliveries throughout Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. To ensure smooth operations, please review the following delivery terms:

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Delivery Timeframes

• Most deliveries are fulfilled on a same-day or next-day basis, depending on material availability and location.

• Delivery windows are assigned in 3-hour blocks (e.g., 8 AM–11 AM or 12 PM–3 PM). We do our best to arrive within this timeframe but cannot guarantee exact arrival times due to traffic, weather, or loading delays.

• We do not guarantee timed or emergency deliveries.

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Delivery Hours

• Standard delivery hours are:

  • Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (daylight hours only)

  • Closed Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays

• All deliveries must be scheduled and confirmed in advance.

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Customer Presence & Site Access

• Someone must be present at the delivery site unless prior drop instructions are given in via text message, email or over the phone.

• It is the customer’s responsibility to:

  • Ensure the delivery area is clear and accessible.

  • Unlock gates, move vehicles, or provide alternate access if needed.

  • Provide clear drop location instructions (e.g., marked with cones, bucket, chalk, or flags).

• If the driver arrives and is unable to safely unload, a redelivery, restocking fee(s) or trip charge will apply.

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Curbside and Driveway Deliveries Only

• Deliveries are made to curbside or driveways only. We do not drive on lawns, soft ground, or unpaved areas unless specifically requested and approved.

• If you request that we dump beyond the curb, you assume full responsibility for any resulting damage to your property, including but not limited to physical structure, driveways, pavers, irrigation, or landscaping.

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Inclement Weather and Unforeseen Delays

• Deliveries may be rescheduled due to heavy rain, extreme weather, or hazardous site conditions.

• We will notify you as soon as possible and work with you to reschedule your delivery at the next available time.

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Access Requirements

To ensure safe, efficient, and successful delivery of your landscape materials, certain access conditions must be met at your job site or property. Please review the following guidelines before your scheduled delivery.

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Truck Clearance Requirements

Our small dump trucks require the following minimum access clearances:

• Width: 8.5 feet of clear space (including gate openings, fence lines, or parked vehicles)

• Height: 10 feet of vertical clearance (no low-hanging branches, power lines, or structures)

• Turning Radius: We need sufficient space to enter, turn, and exit without obstruction

• 3rd party trucks are bigger and require wider openings and turning radius.

If your site does not meet these conditions, the driver will determine whether delivery is safe and feasible. If it is not, we may dump materials at the nearest accessible spot or reschedule your delivery with additional charges.

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Driveways & Private Property Access

• If you request a delivery onto your driveway or private property (beyond the curb/street), you assume all responsibility for any potential damage to:

  • Driveway surface (e.g., pavers, asphalt, concrete)

  • Irrigation lines or landscaping

  • Septic tanks, leach lines, utility covers, or underground structures

• We strongly recommend marking any hidden features and clearly indicating the safest dumping area.

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Site Conditions

• Delivery areas must be clear of obstacles, including:

  • Parked vehicles

  • Construction debris

  • Pets, children, or bystanders

• We do not dump on steep slopes, muddy areas, or unstable ground.

• If the delivery site is inaccessible or unsafe upon arrival, the driver may:

  • Dump materials at curbside

  • Return without dumping (a dry run fees & restocking charges will apply)

  • Attempt delivery at a later time (additional fees may apply)​

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Customer Responsibility

• You are responsible for inspecting your property and ensuring it is ready and safe for delivery.

• If you are not present and no instructions are provided, materials will be delivered at the driver’s discretion to the nearest safe, legal location.

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Refunds, Cancellations & Returns

We understand that plans can change. However, due to the nature of our delivery-based service and bulk materials, certain policies apply to cancellations, refunds, and returns to ensure fairness and operational efficiency.

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Cancellations

• Orders may be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time with no penalty.

• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before delivery may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to $100 to cover lost time and resources.

• If the truck has already been dispatched or loaded, you may be responsible for the full cost of delivery.

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Returns

• All bulk material sales are final. Once materials are delivered and dumped, they cannot be returned, refunded, or exchanged.

• We do not accept returns on:

  • Gravel, sand, soil, mulch, bark, or compost

  • Any loose or custom-blended materials

• If you are unsure about the material, we recommend requesting a sample or contacting us before placing your order.

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Refused Deliveries

• If you refuse a delivery at the time of drop-off, you will still be charged for the material and any delivery fees incurred.

• If the refusal is due to our error (e.g., wrong product delivered), we will take full responsibility and make it right at no additional cost to you.

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Refunds Due to Company Error

• In rare cases where an incorrect material is delivered or the quantity is significantly short of what was ordered, we will:

  • Arrange a replacement delivery at no charge, or

  • Issue a partial or full refund, depending on the situation

• All refund requests must be submitted within 48 hours of delivery along with photos and written details.

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Material Descriptions & Substitutions

We make every effort to accurately describe our materials and display high-quality images on our website. However, due to the natural origin of most of our products and supply chain variability, there are some important disclaimers and substitution policies to note:

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Natural Product Variations

• Many of our materials—including rock, gravel, mulch, bark, and soil—are natural products and may contain color, texture, and size variations.

• Variations can occur based on:

  • Quarry source or supplier batch

  • Moisture content (wet vs. dry appearance)

  • Seasonal conditions (fresh-cut bark, compost aging, etc.)

• Even materials with the same name may look different from one order to the next.

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Product Images, Samples & Online Calculators

• All images on our website are for general reference only including product name, color, size and texture. Lighting, screen settings, installation methods and camera angles may affect how materials appear.

• We strongly recommend requesting a sample or purchasing from your local supply yard if you require a precise color or texture match for your project.

• It is the customer’s responsibility to confirm that the material suits their needs before ordering.

• Website calculators are for reference or estimation purposes only. Exact order quantities must be confirmed by certified installer(s). 

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Substitutions

• On rare occasions, a material may become temporarily unavailable due to supply disruptions, weather delays, or quarry closures.

• In such cases, we may:

  • Offer a similar alternative from a different supplier or batch

  • Contact you for approval before finalizing the substitution

  • Delay your order (at your discretion) until the original product is restocked

• We will never deliver a substitute without notifying you unless you have pre-approved this option on your order form or quote request.

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Responsibility

• We are not liable for differences in appearance between what is viewed online and what is delivered unless the wrong material is clearly delivered in error.

• If a substitution is necessary and not acceptable to you, you will have the option to cancel the order before dispatch with no penalty.

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Pricing & Quotes

At North Bay Materials, we aim to provide transparent, competitive pricing for all our landscape material deliveries. However, due to the dynamic nature of sourcing, transportation, and fuel costs, the following policies apply to all pricing and quotes:

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Material Pricing

• All material prices listed on our website or in custom quotes are subject to change without notice based on:

  • Supplier price adjustments

  • Fuel surcharges or trucking costs

  • Seasonal availability

• Prices shown are for bulk delivery only and do not include taxes or additional services unless explicitly stated.

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Delivery Fees

• Delivery charges are calculated based on hourly rate (round trip) and:

  • Distance from the product origin point to the customer’s address and back to loading point

  • Truck type used (we currently operate small dump trucks only)

  • Weight and volume of the material being delivered

• If a delivery falls outside our standard service zone or is difficult to access, an additional fee(s) may apply.

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Quotes

• Quotes provided by phone, email, or through our website’s Request a Quote form are valid for 30 calendar days from the date issued.

• After 30 days, pricing is no longer guaranteed and may be subject to change.

• Quotes are based on the details provided at the time of inquiry. Any changes to location, product type, or quantity may result in a revised price.

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Taxes

• Sales tax is applied where applicable and is based on the delivery address jurisdiction.

• If you are tax-exempt (e.g., resale or contractor), a valid resale certificate must be provided and approved before placing the order.

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Price Errors

• In the event of a pricing error (online or quoted), we reserve the right to cancel the order and issue a corrected quote before processing payment or delivery.

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Limitation of Liability

At North Bay Materials, we take pride in offering dependable service, quality materials, and accurate information. However, due to the nature of outdoor material delivery and third-party variables, we are not liable for certain events or outcomes beyond our control.

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Site Conditions and Access Risks

• If a customer requests delivery beyond curbside (e.g., into a driveway or on private property), they accept full responsibility for any resulting damage, including:

  • Cracked or stained concrete

  • Broken pavers or irrigation lines

  • Turf, landscaping, or fencing damage

• Our drivers may refuse to enter or dump in any area they deem unsafe. If the customer insists on proceeding, they do so at their own risk.

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Weather and Road Conditions

• We are not responsible for delays due to:

  • Weather (rain, wind, heat, etc.)

  • Road closures, construction, or heavy traffic

  • Quarry or supplier delays

• If your order must be rescheduled due to these conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange a new delivery time.

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Material Performance

• Our materials are sold as-is, and we do not guarantee suitability for specific uses unless explicitly stated in writing.

• Natural materials such as soil, compost, gravel, rocks, pebble stones, DG or mulch can behave differently depending on:

  • Site conditions

  • Installation practices

  • Weather and compaction

• We are not liable for any project delays, landscape failures, or unsatisfactory outcomes resulting from the use or performance of materials once delivered.

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Third-Party Use

• If materials are moved, handled, or installed by a contractor, landscaper, or third party after delivery, we are not liable for how they are used, altered, or interpreted.

• Any disagreements between the customer and third-party installer regarding material choice, color, or performance are outside our scope of responsibility.

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Maximum Liability

• Our maximum liability, if any, will not exceed the total amount paid for the materials and delivery in question.

• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages—including loss of income, labor costs, or missed project deadlines.

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Customer Responsibility

To ensure smooth delivery, accurate orders, and overall satisfaction, customers must meet certain responsibilities before and during the ordering and delivery process. By placing an order with North Bay Materials, you agree to the following terms:

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Order Accuracy

• It is the customer’s responsibility to:

  • Select the correct material type, quantity, and unit of measure (e.g., tons or cubic yards)

  • Verify product suitability for the intended use

  • Review the quote or invoice for accuracy before confirming

• If you are unsure about a product, please contact us before placing your order. We’re happy to assist with material selection or quantity estimates.

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Site Preparation

• The delivery area must be:

  • Clearly marked (e.g., cones, chalk, bucket or tarp)

  • Free of obstacles, such as vehicles, debris, construction tools, or overhanging branches

  • Accessible by our small dump truck (see access requirements)

• If the site is unprepared or inaccessible upon arrival, the delivery may be postponed or materials may be dumped at the nearest safe location, at the driver’s discretion.

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Clear Communication

• You must provide:

  • A valid phone number where you can be reached during delivery

  • Any specific instructions in writing if you won’t be present (e.g., gate codes, preferred dump spot)

• We are not responsible for incorrect dump locations if no instructions are provided or if they are unclear.

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Post-Delivery Handling

• Once the material is dumped or delivered:

  • Ownership and responsibility transfer to the customer

  • North Bay Materials is not liable for how materials are moved, installed, or stored after drop-off

• Please inspect your delivery immediately. Any concerns must be reported within 24 hours of delivery.

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Compliance

• Customers are responsible for ensuring that deliveries comply with all local HOA rules, municipal codes, or job site regulations.

• If delivery is refused or restricted due to local rules, any redelivery or return fees will be the customer’s responsibility.

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💬 Need Help?

North Bay Materials – Delivery Services

Large orders or needing multiple materials please call us or use the quote request form.
📞 707 940 9419
📧 info@NorthBayMaterials.com