USPS shipping : (

[Willlis]

So i'm 0/2 on shipping amphibians with the USPS. The axolotls i got a couple of months ago at least survived but the box was beat up and one had been high and dry for hours. Now I'm hoping they will find my box of newts that they lost between PA and MI : (

 

[Otterwoman]

They are awful. You know how you pay extra for priority mail? Well, it's the same time frame as first class, which is way cheaper, and there is NO GUARANTEE on that priority. You're paying extra for NOTHING.

 

[Willlis]

That's what i figured out after talking with the postal service for a bit. Basically its an empty guarantee, if they dont meet it then oh well they dont do anything about it. They might as well guarantee 10 min deliveries seeing as it will still get there the same time anyways and they don't give your money back.

 

[Linus]

I've had mixed results with USPS Priority. I just swapped newts with a member in Nebraska from Rhode Island, and both of our priority packages were delivered within 2 days without issue. I always follow the tracking closely. The way they update the tracking leaves more to be desired because they don't update the tracking as often as I'd like.

The only bad experience I've had with USPS was receiving a box from CA, the box came in pretty much demolished and I lost all the newts over the next few days.

I didn't realize Priority and First Class were so similar, perhaps I'll look into this option in the future but I'd say I would use USPS priority again after my recent successes and hope for the best.

Has anyone tried FedEx or UPS? Just curious if there is another service that is more consistently reliable. Someone who does a lot of shipping may be able to answer that.

 

[Otterwoman]

I have heard some people that hate UPS. I never used it but I was tempted to switch to UPS after my problems with the post. Problem is the post is so close to my house and convenient. I set up a UPS online account and haven't used it yet.

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

I really don't trust USPS. Lately I've had bad experiences with them. I have been thinking of switching from USPS and using another shipping method. I've never had bad experiences with FedEx or UPS. USPS has really bad tracking. You can only fully track express packages and the guarantees suck.

The quality of a Post Office does depend on locality. I've been to some really good ones far from my local one. Small branch Detroit ones suck! Surburban Post Offices seem more informative and more well put together. Stronger staff also.

 

[Katniss]

I would use UPS , they get things to people faster , Fedex sucks ,takes too long!:lick:
My dad works for them , and they really work their buts off unlike Fedex! If you have any questions , i can ask my dad for ya!:smile: I have had no problems with them either, but the postal sevice is a nightmare!

 

[Molch]

I think it depends entirely on where you live and where the package comes from. Different services apparently perform differently depending on location. It would be best to inquire a bit locally about which service is considered most reliable. And if USPS, I would only ever do express. Priority means nothing.

In my neck of the woods, UPS and FedEx are a disaster, while USPS express is fast and reliable. UPS and Feckex promise delivery times they can never, ever achieve - it's a big joke. I'd use them only for dry goods. Alas, must use Fedex for my blackworms, because that's the only way the vendor will send them. A "guaranteed" 1-day delivery will take 3 days, if you're lucky. Fortunately, the blackworms come well packaged and can take some abuse...So far so good...

 

[AaronK]

I just used UPS successfully this week.
I call and check delivery times for the two zip codes. They differ depending on the distance of the recipient from their local hub.
I mark the package "Perishable" , "Fragile" and indicate "This Side Up". I have had success in my limited attempts.
UPS does not allow the shipping of live animals. If you tell them they will not accept the package.
Last time I checked, three years ago, Fedex offered a Live Animal shipping program but the paperwork, red tape and insurance reimbursement were not worth the effort.

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

I think it depends entirely on where you live and where the package comes from. Different services apparently perform differently depending on location. It would be best to inquire a bit locally about which service is considered most reliable. And if USPS, I would only ever do express. Priority means nothing.

In my neck of the woods, UPS and FedEx are a disaster, while USPS express is fast and reliable. UPS and Feckex promise delivery times they can never, ever achieve - it's a big joke. I'd use them only for dry goods. Alas, must use Fedex for my blackworms, because that's the only way the vendor will send them. A "guaranteed" 1-day delivery will take 3 days, if you're lucky. Fortunately, the blackworms come well packaged and can take some abuse...So far so good...

I totally agree with you Molch! Its all about where you live and where the package is going.

 

[JessKB]

I've sent/received lots of live stuff over the years via usps and have had few issues. Of all the axolotls I sent out this year, the only real problem I had was the package I sent to Willis. Usually writing "LIVE FISH" all over the box helps them get there in one piece.

 

[Willlis]

Well i will take it in stride then that this could be just chance with two bad shipments with USPS. I use fedex a lot for animal shipments at work and have had 2 major problems but all in all success. I've also shipped several reptiles with fedex with no problems. I guess this is just another one of the fun parts of shipping animals.

 

[Jennewt]

Were the shipments Priority Mail or Express, Willis? I use USPS express mail all the time with rarely a problem. I do a lot of careful pre-ship work, checking on the ship time, availability of "hold for pickup", etc.

Regarding "regular first class"... this will only help you if you are sending a thick envelope, which is much cheaper by first class. If it's a box, then Priority Mail is usually only about 10-30 cents more, and probably worth the cost.

 

[Molch]

UPS does not allow the shipping of live animals. If you tell them they will not accept the package.

is this true? "Cause in the past I've gotten worms and Daphnia from Wards that were shipped UPS....

 

[AaronK]

I was wrong, I should have double checked. Please see the below link.

UPS: Shipping Live Animals

Shipping Live Animals
UPS provides service on a limited basis for packages containing some types of live animals. The term "animal" as used herein refers to anything living, except plants. While the list of "Accepted Live Animals" provided herein is an exhaustive list of animals that can be offered for transportation in accordance with the conditions listed, the list of "Prohibited Live Animals" is only a partial list of animals provided to clarify specific species that are not accepted for transportation and may not be shipped via UPS. Any animal not specifically listed on the "Accepted Live Animals" list is prohibited by UPS and will not be accepted for transportation.

Packages containing live animals must be prepared in accordance with the requirements as specifically stated herein. Packages containing live animals must provide for the basic humane care and safety of the animal during transportation. Any package containing a live animal shall be considered a perishable commodity and will be accepted for transportation solely at the shipper´s risk for any damage or loss arising from the perishable nature of the item. UPS shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages.

In the event a package containing a prohibited item is found en route or in the UPS system, that package will be stopped at the location or UPS facility of the discovery. UPS reserves the right to dispose of the package.

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Endangered or Threatened Species
In addition to the Prohibited Live Animals list provided here, any live animal that is an Endangered Species is prohibited by UPS and will not be accepted for transportation. Shippers must refer to the list posted on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site, and the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12, December 1999 (pdf file).

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Service Type
Live animals will only be accepted for transportation when shipped by a UPS service that guarantees delivery the next day.

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Packaging
Design and Construction of the Primary Container: All live animals offered for transportation must be in a new box. Corrugated boxes must be constructed of a minimum of 275 # bursting strength corrugated or 44 edge crush test. It is recommended that any package containing animals requiring moisture during transportation be constructed of water-resistant material such as wax coated, wax impregnated, or plastic corrugated. Minimal ventilation holes should be provided as necessary.

Internal Packaging and Other Considerations: Internal packaging materials must be used based on the characteristics of the animal, taking into consideration the necessary humane care for the animal while in transportation. Lizards and geckos should be individually contained in bags constructed of breathable material, such as burlap. Insects should be contained in individual primary containers such as plastic jars with ventilation. Fish must be double bagged in strong plastic bags with a minimum thickness of 4 mils. Each primary bag should be approximately one third full of water with the remainder filled with oxygen.

Package Testing: Any packaging used or developed to transport animals should be submitted to an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) certified package testing laboratory for pre-shipment testing in accordance with ISTA Procedure 3A before being offered for transportation.

Additional Considerations: Additional components such as food, moisture, and temperature controls should be added as necessary to provide a safe environment during transportation. Additional dunnage should be added to prevent movement of the primary containers or receptacles within the outer box.

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Accepted / Prohibited Live Animals
Accepted Live Animals

This is a comprehensive list of live animals accepted for transportation. Shippers are prohibited from shipping any animal not listed here, and all other live animals will not be accepted for transportation. The following live animals are accepted for transportation unless poisonous, venomous, and/or a Threatened or Endangered Species.

Amphibians (All): Examples: frogs, salamanders, toads
Crustaceans (All): Examples: crabs, crawfish, lobsters, shrimp
Fish (All)
Insects (Limited to beneficial insects only): Examples: bees, butterflies, crickets, lady bugs
Mollusks (All): Examples: clams, mussels, snails
Reptiles (Limited to the following):
- Lizards: Examples: chameleons, geckos, iguanas, monitors, flying dragons
- Turtles: freshwater turtles (except: snapping turtles), land tortoises, sea turtles
Worms (All)


Prohibited Live Animals

Live Animals that are prohibited from being shipped and are not accepted for transportation include, but are not limited to:

Any poisonous, venomous or threatening animal
Any Threatened or Endangered species
Arachnids (All): Examples: mites, scorpions, spiders, ticks
Birds (All)
Crocodiles (All): Examples: alligators, caimans, gavials
Mammals (All)
Obnoxious Insects: Examples: flies, locusts, mosquitoes, roaches, termites, weevils
Snakes (All): venomous and non-venomous

 

[AaronK]

Fedex

FedEx Express Terms and Conditions and FedEx Ground Tariff

Live Animals and Ornamental Marine Life (Including Live Fish)

FedEx Express does not accept live-animal shipments as part of its regular-scheduled service and does not transport household pets such as dogs, cats, birds and hamsters. FedEx Express may accept certain shipments of live animals such as horses, livestock and zoo animals (to and from zoo locations only) on an exception basis if approved and coordinated by the FedEx Live Animal Desk (call 1.800.405.9052).

If approved by FedEx, we may accept non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, live/tropical fish and beneficial insects on an exception basis under the following conditions:

Shipments must be from a business to a business (from a breeder to a pet store, for example).
The shipper must have its packaging tested and pre-approved by FedEx Packaging Design and Development for the type of animal being shipped. Call 1.800.633.7019 for assistance. It is the responsibility of the shipper to adequately package shipments for all temperature extremes and handling conditions.

Contact your FedEx account executive for details and additional requirements.

 

[onetwentysix]

I almost exclusively use USPS, and I've never had a problem with them. Occasionally, priority will take an extra day, but that's the only problem I've ever had, and I've sent somewhere between 100-200 packages of animals out in the past five years.

Packing can be part of it. I always ship aquatics in Kordon breather bags, and I love them. I also prefer to place the bag into a plastic cup (a small fruit-fly culturing cup I buy, they're cheap), so that the bag has structure and is less likely to get crushed or damaged. And then I pack everything in tight using plastic grocery bags, so that it can't move around. The box is lined with Styrofoam, which gives it some structure, insulation, and protection, and I use a cool pack when necessary. Unless the package is actually crushed en route, I can't imagine anything causing any trouble. Going this route, I feel comfortable shipping sirens over 2-3 days with the possibility of an unexpected extra day if the weather isn't hot (it's almost always 2 days priority, and I've never had express take more than a day, at least not that I remember and made note of). Sirens are much more durable than other aquatics, though; I'd never ship an axolotl priority.

USPS is much cheaper than FedEx or UPS, sometimes costing half or a third of what the other service is asking, and I don't think you get much of a difference in shipping quality. A lot of times, UPS and/or FexEd (can't remember which but believe it's both) use USPS for the final doorstep delivery, so you're not getting anything different in that situation. If you have a problem, it's probably happening over the last leg of the journey and is due to the people in your city, though that's just my opinion (or the people on the sender's end).

You might get more package delays with cross-country shipments, though. If something is going from coast to coast, you may be better off going with a shipping service that can guarantee overnight delivery; it's just going to cost you a lot more, since USPS does tend to have problems getting from here (SC) to CA in two days, and sometimes doesn't even offer overnight delivery at all.

I prefer USPS over the other services; I use them frequently, and only one animal out of hundreds that I've sent arrived in poor condition, and it was entirely due to my own fault in packaging. So if you're having problems, try making sure they're being packed well, are being shipped overnight, and hold the package at the post office if you can.

 

[Willlis]

Well thanks for all the advice everyone. Maybe my shippers can weigh in on what they shipped it as. I don't remember. You can ship reptiles with fedex you just have to use a special service. Hopefully my next shipment arrives healthy and on time : )