Having a problem shipping with Fed-Ex & UPS...

[Logan256]

I'm looking to sell quite a few of my snakes, so I contacted Fed-Ex and UPS to find out how to go about shipping them (so I won't be restricted to local sales only)...

Fed-Ex said they don't ship live animals, PERIOD, unless it's to a zoo or something like that, which I know isn't right, since I have had many many snakes shipped to me via Fed-Ex in the past. :shrugs:

I then called UPS, and they said they do ship live harmless reptiles, but only certain species. I told her what I was looking to ship, and she said they will ship the geckos, etc. but NOT the corns. Once again, I have corns shipped to me via UPS all the time.

Can anyone explain this to me a little better? All I've managed to do is confuse myself and everyone around me. :eek1:

Thanks,
Logan

 

[ghosthousecorns]

The procedure to be able to ship by fed ex is long and tedious and probably only worth your while if you plan to do it quite a bit. Most of the employees seem to know nothing about it and will say they don't ship live animals.
In a nutshell, you will have to ship them a test package, wait until that gets approved, be assigned a rep, and sign a waiver before you can ship that way. I'd try to find a person close by to you who has already done all this and can help you ship, or else try to sell the animals locally.

 

[Joejr14]

I'm looking to sell quite a few of my snakes, so I contacted Fed-Ex and UPS to find out how to go about shipping them (so I won't be restricted to local sales only)...

Fed-Ex said they don't ship live animals, PERIOD, unless it's to a zoo or something like that, which I know isn't right, since I have had many many snakes shipped to me via Fed-Ex in the past. :shrugs:

I then called UPS, and they said they do ship live harmless reptiles, but only certain species. I told her what I was looking to ship, and she said they will ship the geckos, etc. but NOT the corns. Once again, I have corns shipped to me via UPS all the time.

Can anyone explain this to me a little better? All I've managed to do is confuse myself and everyone around me. :eek1:

Thanks,
Logan

Everyone that you talk to at the FedEx 1-800 number is going to tell you they do not ship live animals. They clearly do not know about the policy.

If you want to go about shipping via FedEx--you need to get certified, which is a relatively easy process.

You would first need to setup an account on FedEx.com. I believe it takes up to 48 hours to 'active' in their system. While you're waiting I'd suggest prepping a test package. When you send it in, they want your test package inside another box for protective purposes. Be overly careful with your test package---tape the deli cup, and even toss it into a snake bag. You can re-use an old shipping box if you wish.

You'll have to google or head over to Fauna to get the print out that you need to fill out for the testing lab.

Usually takes 10-14 days to get your package back from testing. As long as you were careful and taped the deli cup and used a decent box you'll pass that. That's when you need to call FedEx and either find out who your rep is, or have your rep call you. Wait a few days and make another call. If that doesn't work, I have a few names of account reps that can help you.

Btw, UPS does not allow the shipping of snakes. Some UPS offices don't care, but their listed company policy prohibits the shipment of snakes. There is no 'legal' waiver that you have to sign like you do with FedEx.

Hope that helps.

 

[MegF.]

You can ship thru Fed Ex. UPS does not ship snakes of any kind. If you need help going thru the process for Fed Ex, drop me an e-mail. I can walk you thru the process and give you a name of someone who can help you if you can't get a rep to help you. Once you get a good rep, it doesn't take that long to do.

 

[Logan256]

Thanks everyone, this has been such a hassle! Hopefully now I'll be able to figure it out

 

[Nanci]

UPS does not _knowingly_ ship snakes. I've received snakes from UPS- and the first time, I didn't even know they weren't supposed to go by UPS, so I go running out to the truck- "My baby snake is here!!! Woohee!! Be careful, that's my snake in there!!!" Nice...I just noticed while window shopping that a rather large breeder has switched from UPS to Fed Ex.

 

[jmksnakes]

Same problem!

I'm having a very similar problem too. The only step I have left before being certified is too ship the test package, which I was planning on doing this Wednesday. I was told I need to go to the local FedEx shipping headquarters to receive the proper paperwork & address for the test package. However, I've been "warned" by 2-3 people at FedEx that I can ONLY ship from business-to-business.... not to a residence. Should I expect further roadblocks with this issue or do I just keep "pluggin'" away to become certified?

 

[Joejr14]

I'm having a very similar problem too. The only step I have left before being certified is too ship the test package, which I was planning on doing this Wednesday. I was told I need to go to the local FedEx shipping headquarters to receive the proper paperwork & address for the test package. However, I've been "warned" by 2-3 people at FedEx that I can ONLY ship from business-to-business.... not to a residence. Should I expect further roadblocks with this issue or do I just keep "pluggin'" away to become certified?

Actually you have more steps after your test package gets approved. You have to wait for legal to draft your waiver and for it to be sent to you. You then have to sign and send it back to your rep.

Don't worry about the business to business aspect. We like to get around that with the 'home based business' terminology.

 

[MegF.]

Most people I ship to are breeders and I ship to their "business" which is out of their homes...just as mine is. I just place their business name on the address label, and then you've satisfied the business to business recommendation. Make sure your rep gives you his shipping certification so that you don't have to pay for the box certification. Also make sure they send it back to you. After all, you'll want the heat pack/cool pack, and deli cup you put in there.