Shipping Information

We’re excited to launch First Market Beef with a limited first run of beef boxes available by pre-order only. Pre-ordering ensures that your order is reserved in advance from the herd, processed at our USDA-inspected butcher, and packaged fresh for you.

We will announce exact dates as soon as they are finalized with our butcher and shipping partners.

When you place a pre-order, you’ll receive:

  • An order confirmation email.
  • A shipping notification as soon as your beef is on the way.

Pre-ordering not only guarantees your share of our first harvest, but also helps us plan processing and packaging to deliver the best farm-to-table experience possible.

First Market Beef ships orders only to physical street addresses within the United States. We’re unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO, or other mail forwarding addresses, as our products are perishable and require timely delivery to ensure proper handling and food safety.

Please provide a valid physical address where someone will be available to receive your order upon delivery. If a P.O. Box is entered at checkout, our team will contact you to arrange an alternate shipping address, which may delay your order.

Because our products are perishable, shipments are timed based on transit from our Nebraska facility to your destination within the same week. For example, an order placed on Wednesday headed to California would ship the following Monday.

  • Midwestern states: typically arrive 1–2 days after shipping.
  • Coastal states: typically arrive 3–4 days after shipping.

Orders ship via FedEx to the continental U.S. only. We do not ship internationally.

You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order leaves our facility. While we aim to stay within these timelines, please note that holidays and high-volume periods may cause slightly longer processing times. For destinations closer to Nebraska, your order may even arrive earlier than expected.

Be sure to double-check your shipping address: First Market Beef cannot guarantee delivery if an incorrect address is provided.

Packaging

Your order will arrive in a tightly packed insulated container. All beef is flash-frozen at our USDA-inspected butcher and packed with frozen gel packs to keep it cold.

Your beef should arrive frozen, partially frozen, or at least cold to the touch. It is normal for some packages to soften slightly during transit, especially in warmer months or when the box is very full.

Even if the beef isn’t rock-solid frozen, it is still safe to eat as long as it arrives cold. The USDA states that meat kept below 40°F (refrigerator temperature) remains safe. At this temperature, you may:

  • Place the packages directly in your freezer for later use, or
  • Store them in your refrigerator if you plan to cook within a few days.

If you notice the beef is completely thawed but still cool, it is perfectly fine to refreeze. Quality and flavor will not be affected.

⚠️ Important: If your beef arrives warm or at room temperature, please do not consume it.

Delivery Policy

All First Market Beef orders are shipped with “No Signature Required” service through FedEx. This means the driver will deliver your package directly to your doorstep without needing anyone to sign. For apartments or shared buildings, FedEx will typically leave the package in the lobby, mailroom, or another designated delivery area.

Because our products are perishable, it is very important that someone is available to bring the package inside as soon as possible after delivery. We strongly recommend that you plan ahead to ensure someone will be home on delivery day.

Please note that First Market Beef is not responsible for packages that are lost, stolen, or left unattended after FedEx marks them as delivered. This includes situations where a package sits outside for an extended period or is delivered to a lobby without someone promptly retrieving it.

For gift shipments, we encourage you to notify the recipient in advance so they can expect the package and bring it inside quickly.

Our goal is for every box of beef to arrive safely, cold, and ready for your freezer. By making arrangements to receive your package promptly, you’ll help us ensure the highest quality and safety of your order.

Quality Concerns

We want you to be fully satisfied with your beef. If you have any concerns about your order when it arrives, please email us right away. Include:

  • Photos of the box upon delivery
  • Photos of the packaging inside
  • Photos of the individual beef packages

Carrier Delays

Once your order leaves our facility, it is in the hands of the carrier. While we carefully pack each box to stay cold during the expected transit window, First Market Beef cannot be held responsible for delays caused by the carrier. This includes weather events, high-volume periods (such as holidays), mechanical issues, or other circumstances beyond our control.

  • If a delay occurs, your package may still arrive in excellent condition thanks to our insulated packaging.