Books and Products
If you feel that you need to have a shipment tracked, REB can help in two ways. If you contact our customer service department, we will be glad to track a shipment on your behalf and notify you of the results. If you prefer the convenience of tracking the package yourself, we can provide you with the necessary information. Please email or call 800-228-9670 for assistance.
Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon near the address bar of your web browser, or looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the web page.
We have partnered with Stripe for credit card processing which allows us to leverage AES-256 encryption at rest, with PCI Compliance standards in the storage and handling of credit card information.
At Simmons-Boardman Books, we realize the value a customer places in receiving their order in a reasonable amount of time. We usually ship available products within 10 business days of your order. Our standard shipping methods require an additional 5-7 business days, depending on location, for final delivery. Some books may take additional time, like not-yet-published and back-ordered titles.
If you have not received your order within a reasonable time, please email us. All orders are shipped standard to US and Canada unless otherwise specified by purchaser.
Standard Shipping Rates for U.S.A.
Add the following shipping & handling if your merchandise subtotal is:
| Up to $10.00 | Add 6.10 | |
| 10.01 – 25.00 | Add 10.50 | |
| 25.01 – 50.00 | Add 14.30 | |
| 50.01 – 75.00 | Add 16.05 | |
| 75.01 – 100.00 | Add 19.10 | |
| 100.01 – 150.00 | Add 21.75 | |
| 150.01 – 200.00 | Add 25.45 | |
| 200.01 – 300.00 | Add 30.90 | |
| 300.01 – 400.00 | Add 36.30 | |
| 400.01 – 500.00 | Add 41.85 | |
| 500.01 – 600.00 | Add 47.75 | |
| 600.01 – 700.00 | Add 53.60 | |
| 700.01 – 800.00 | Add 60.35 | |
| 800.01 – 900.00 | Add 65.70 | |
| 900.01 – 1000.00 | Add 68.35 | |
| 1000.01 – 1100.00 | Add 70.80 | |
| 1100.01 – 1200.00 | Add 73.70 | |
| 1200.01 – 1300.00 | Add 78.95 | |
| 1300.01 – 1400.00 | Add 84.30 | |
| 1400.01 – 1500.00 | Add 89.65 | |
| 1500.01 – 1600.00 | Add 95.00 | |
| 1600.01 – 1700.00 | Add 100.35 | |
| 1700.01 – 1800.00 | Add 105.70 | |
| 1800.01 – 1900.00 | Add 111.05 | |
| 1900.01 – 2000.00 | Add 116.35 | |
| 2000.01 – 2100.00 | Add 121.65 | |
| 2100.01 – 2200.00 | Add 127.05 | |
| 2200.01 – 2300.00 | Add 131.00 | |
| 2300.01 – 2400.00 | Add 135.00 | |
| 2400.01 – 2500.00 | Add 139.00 | |
| 2500.01 – 2600.00 | Add 143.05 | |
| 2600.01 – 2700.00 | Add 146.65 | |
| 2700.01 – 2800.00 | Add 150.15 | |
| 2800.01 – 2900.00 | Add 153.75 | |
| 2900.01 – 3000.00 | Add 157.30 | |
| 3000.01 & above | Quoted before Shipment |
Standard Shipping Rates For Canada
Add the following shipping & handling if your merchandise subtotal is:
| Up to $10.00 | Add 11.00 | |
| 10.01 – 25.00 | Add 18.25 | |
| 25.01 – 50.00 | Add 23.85 | |
| 50.01 – 75.00 | Add 29.75 | |
| 75.01 – 100.00 | Add 38.85 | |
| 100.01 – 150.00 | Add 50.50 | |
| 150.01 – 200.00 | Add 67.45 | |
| 200.01 – 300.00 | Add 83.65 | |
| 300.01 – 400.00 | Add 100.60 | |
| 400.01 – 500.00 | Add 117.15 | |
| 500.01 – 600.00 | Add 133.40 | |
| 600.01 – 700.00 | Add 153.35 | |
| 700.01 & above | Quoted before Shipment |
- Domestic < US
United Parcel Service (UPS) – Default shipping unless otherwise requested by customer
United States Postal System (USPS) - Domestic exceptions
Domestic Exceptions apply to APO/FFO, POB, AK, HI, PR, USVI, Guam, US protectorates, and all non-UPS addresses. - Canada
USPS – (not trackable.)
**We are temporarily suspending sales outside the US and Canada due to difficulties with shipping logistics in many countries.
Shipping Rates Outside the US and Canada
Shipping rates for international orders need to be determined on a per shipment basis. After we receive your order, we will calculate its total cost including shipping and handling. The order form will require you to provide the necessary information to process your international order.
- Pro Forma Invoices
Upon receiving your order, we will notify you of your final cost, including shipping and handling, via email. We will respond to your order within 2 business days. We will then hold your order until we receive a final approval from you. At that time, we will process your order and ship it to you.
- Your Shipping Options outside the US and Canada
- Air Rate USPS
- UPS (if you supply your own account number)
- Shipping time
Actual ship time from the local post office to the final destination varies widely from country to country. Once the local postal system of the destination country receives your package, the local post office will make the necessary delivery arrangements. The courier service and transalert.com cannot affect delivery times. Delays in delivery are usually due to customs/import duties or local postal guidelines. - Customs
Customs and import duties are charged to the customer once the package reaches the destination country. These charges are the responsibility of the customer and will vary from country to country. We cannot determine what the fees will be. We recommend that our customers contact their local customs office for details on how these charges are assessed and applied.
Optional shipping methods (Domestic)
- Available shippers include UPS and USPS (mail).
- Customers may use their own account number for shipping to allow charges to be billed directly to their account. A handling charge will still apply. Please supply your account number when ordering.
- Next Day and Second Day delivery rates are available. If you are interested in a Next Day or Second Day delivery please contact our customer service department at 800-228-9670 (US and Canada) or 402-346-4300. (Monday-Friday 8-5 cst)
You may pay for your order in a variety of ways. We accept credit cards, corporate purchasing cards, checks, or money orders, and electronic wire transfers in U.S. funds as payment for your order.
Credit Cards
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Ordering on our website is safe because we use the latest encryption technology when handling sensitive information.
Corporate Purchasing Cards
If you wish to use a corporate purchasing card (Visa and MasterCard) to pay for your order please check the appropriate box on the order form. You will be asked for additional information such as Member Reference Field, Cost Center, and Department Code.
Checks and Money Orders
We accept checks and money orders in U.S. funds only. Send your payments in full along with your order by postal mail. Make your checks/money orders payable to Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc. Mail your payment to:
Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc.
1809 Capitol Ave.
Omaha, NE 68102
Attn: Order Dept.
Electronic wire transfers.
If choosing this method of payment, please fax or email a copy of your order with the following information to expedite processing of your order.
Attach a note indicating a wire transfer was made
The date it was made
The amount of the transfer
Please use the following bank information for wiring funds:
1st National Bank of Omaha
16th & Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68102
Routing #104000016
Account #34369144
Returning items to RailwayEducationalBureau.com is easy. Within 30 days of receipt of your order, you may return any item you have purchased as long as it is in resaleable condition for a full refund of the product purchased. Shipping and handling is still the responsibility of the customer.
To expedite your return please include: the reason for return, a copy of your invoice (or at least a packing slip) credit card receipt (if used for original purchase) contact information, and full address.
We take great strides in sharing information with our customers. If questions remain after reading the related product information generated from our search engine we will answer your inquiries. Please email or call us at 800-228-9670 (US or Canada) or 402-346-4300.
Generally, we will honor the price you find on the our website. However, all prices are subject to change.
We try to keep all products in stock. Occasionally, we may be out of stock on an item. To verify availability of any item, please email us.
We will notify you via email or phone when an item you’ve ordered is on back order. Your order will be held pending your response. If your order includes items which are in stock you may instruct us to hold your shipment until it is complete or have us ship the item in question when it becomes available.
You may cancel any order which has not been shipped. In the event that you need to cancel an order which has already been shipped, it will be handled in the same manner as a returned item.
We provide research through our Transportation Specialty Library. A fee of $25.00 (US funds) per hour is charged for this service. For more infomation please email us. Additionally, you may call us at either 800-228-9670 (US and Canada) or 402-346-4300 or fax us at 402-346-1783.
Manuscript submissions are always welcome at Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc. We only accept manuscripts concerning the railroad and marine industries and related subjects. If you have a manuscript idea for consideration, please contact us at:
Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc.
1809 Capitol Ave
Omaha, NE 68102
Yes, trade discounts are available on many of our books for book resellers, bookstores and libraries. A discount schedule is available by email or call us at 1-800-228-9670.
We grant permission to use copyright material on an individual basis. Your request must include:
- Title of book or work from which you request to use a portion
- Page number(s) of text or illustration(s) requested
- A copy of the page (if available)
- What the material will be used for
- Number of copies to be made
- Name, complete address, and phone number where we may reach you
All request must be made in writing to:
Rights and Permissions
Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc.
1809 Capitol Avenue
Omaha, NE 68102
After a request is permitted, requester must furnish a copy of the completed work to address above.
We do offer the convenience of applying for a corporate account which would allow you to be invoiced for your orders. We only accept applications for accounts from companies (not individuals) located in Canada and the United States. If you would like to apply for an account through Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc., please email or call us at 1-800-228-9670.
Nebraska sales tax will be added for all orders delivered in Nebraska.
If you did not find the answer to your question, please email or call us at 1-800-228-9670.
Training
The following are the most often asked questions we receive about our distance training at The Railway Educational Bureau (The REB). If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact our student services representatives for assistance (1-800-228-9670 or [email protected]). We are always there to help you.
Tests and learning material are sent directly to the student or to the student’s supervisor to be distributed to the student. As a student you have a variety of ways in which to complete your coursework with us.
You may use one of the following three methods to complete your tests:
-
- Mail your answer sheet to the REB.
- Email your answer sheet as an attachment to [email protected]. Please note we accept Microsoft Word (.doc) and PDF (.pdf) files.
- Take your tests online in our Test Center.
By Mail: You may mail your answers, in the form of an answer sheet, to the REB. Our instructors grade the answer sheets. The graded answer sheets are then returned to the student.
By Email: You may email your answer sheet to us as an attachment. Please use Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF (.pdf) files.
Be sure to remember when filling out your answer sheet, either by hand or on the computer, to include all the information required on regularly mailed answer sheets, as stated in your Student Information Handbook.
Online: Answering your test questions online may be the best method yet. Just log into our secure Test Center to access the tests. Every time you complete a test, you’ll see your score immediately, along with appropriate feedback. You will be able to review your answers up to 60 days after taking your test. If you need a permanent record of your test, you may print your answers and feedback for your records.
Company-sponsored programs allow companies with 10 or more active students to enjoy certain added benefits. Under this program, your company will receive:
-
- Student service accessibility via phone and email
- A discount on lesson processing cost
- A customized monthly report mailed to you detailing student progress
- Twenty-four hour access to an online report detailing student progress
- Ability to establish the number of lessons you want sent to your employees each month
- Ability to establish the grading scale for your employees
- Ability to establish the number of courses or lessons you want to have in your training program
Your company will be invoiced after the training material has been sent to the students. Please contact our student services for more information on starting a company-sponsored training program.
Yes. We do not invoice individual students at this time. For your convenience, we accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express credit cards as well as personal checks.
No, the REB does not mandate how many lessons you need to complete every month. Students typically complete two or three lessons a month. The exact number of lessons completed is contingent upon the length of the training program and the student’s motivation. Company-sponsored programs may have different requirements.
Yes. While most clients use our courses entirely on the basis of distance training, many combine our courses with their classroom work. To use our material in your classroom you must first purchase the materials for each person being trained. We’ll supply your organization with the same materials as would be distributed to our distance training students. Your instructor can simply collect all of the students’ answer sheets and return them to us at one time for grading, or the students may take their tests on our website with their username and password (supplied by The REB).
Our courses can be used to:
-
- Conduct an instructor-led training session
- Bring employees up to a sufficient level of understanding before having them work with a group in a classroom setting
- Reinforce classroom training
Please note we do not distribute the answer keys to any of our tests. This helps ensure the integrity of our courses for everyone in the rail industry.
The REB does not provide materials for you to photocopy and distribute at your discretion. We expend consderable resources into developing our training programs and expect our clients to abide by copyright laws.
If you, as a student, attend any classes where you suspect our training materials are used illegally please notify us.
Student grades are available at all times for students. Grades may be accessed by:
-
- Checking online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Checking the top of student answer sheets when they are returned
- Calling our student services department during regular office hours (Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, CST) at 1-800-228-9670. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Emailing our student services department: [email protected]
If your employees are taking our courses, you may check their progress anytime. You may also call a student service representative during normal business hours (Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, CST). You will also receive monthly progress reports in the mail and you will have the ability to view a password-protected progress report online. Your student service representative will provide the details you need when you establish a company-sponsored program.
We have students with many different levels of education and backgrounds. Our course material is generally written for people with reading skills equivalent to a high school level. However, due to the technical nature of the subject matter, some material is easier to understand than others.
The REB’s standard passing grade is 75 percent with 100 percent being the highest grade attainable. A grade of 74 percent or lower is considered nonpassing. Standards for passing grades may vary for students enrolled in a company-sponsored program.
An incomplete grade is given when an answer sheet is mailed or emailed to us with questions left unanswered. Incomplete answer sheets are automatically considered nonpassing and will be returned for you to rework.
Yes. If you score a nonpassing grade, you will have to take the test over (rework) until a passing grade is achieved. If a passing grade is not achieved, that test will not be counted toward either a Certificate of Achievement or a Diploma.
No. If you scored a passing grade on a test, please do not resubmit this test for a higher grade. Your original grade on the test will not be changed.
Most of our material is available and can be purchased separately. To see what we have available, please visit our bookstore.
Yes, you can take our courses if you are located outside the United States or Canada. Please call us at 402-346-4300 or email us for information regarding course prices.
The Railway Educational Bureau is authorized to operate and accredited by the Nebraska Commissioner of Education under the provisions of Sections 85-1601 to 85-1658 Nebraska Statutes.
The REB offers both Certificates of Achievement and Diplomas to students who qualify. A Certificate of Achievement requires the successful completion of 12 or more tests. The certificate may be based on a course with at least 12 tests or a combination of courses with 12 or more tests. Diplomas will be issued upon successful completion of a combination of 225 or more tests.
Yes. The enrollment fee is $15.00. This is a one-time fee.
The price of the enrollment fee covers the costs for:
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- Establishing you as a student
- Issuing one Certificate of Achievement or a Diploma
- Issuing one transcript of grades
Additional fees may apply for issuing multiple copies of Certificates of Achievement,Diplomas, or transcripts.
The price for a course covers the following costs:
-
- Supplying tests and text material
- Grading of test
- Recordkeeping of grades
- Shipping/handling of tests and study material
- Returning graded tests back to student for review
For your convenience, the cost of processing your tests includes shipping and handling charges. When buying a book to be used for reference, shipping and handling charges will be added. For students located outside the United States. Please call us at 402-346-4300 or email us for information regarding course prices.
The Railway Educational Bureau values our students’ opinions and concerns. Complaints may be addressed to the Director, The Railway Educational Bureau, 1809 Capitol Ave., Omaha, Nebraska 68102 in writing or by phone at 1-800-228-9670. Furthermore, the student may contact the Program Director of Private Postsecondary Career Schools at the Nebraska Department of Education.