Go Airborne

I know this may be a bit unrelated, but I just wanted to make a comment about my shipping experience. We are vivarium builders, many of you have seen us at shows or floating around the web somewhere. We specialize in custom vivairums. When we began, we didn't expect to encounter the shipping problems that we have found. UPS told us outright that they couldn't ship our product and guarantee that it would make it without damage. They wouldn't offer insurance either. FedEx said, "Sure, no problem", and then demolished the first one we sent through them. Finally we decided to try Airborne. They were our third choice, and also the only company that would ship oversized packages. I know Airborne has somewhat a bad rap in this industry, but I saw no choice than to give them a try, or spend an absolute fortune in other shipping means. Not only have I had no problems with damage or late arrivals, but on Monday they picked up 5 packages from us, 2 were due to arrive Thursday, and 2 on Friday. All 5 packages are out for delivery today (Wednesday). Four of the five packages are a day or two early. Yeah! Go Airborne

Thank you for listening!

I also sing Airbonre praise

I to have used all three of the large carriers. And hands down, Airborne has done the best job with delieveries. I don't know if it is because of my local carriers (Indiana) or the company as a whole. UPS has lost packages, delayed delievery for two or three days. Fedex has accepted packages, and at times refused packages, has lost shipments, and has had numerous day delays. As of this posting, I have not had one problem with Airborne Express, and I have shipped 57 packages in the past three months.

I have heard good, and bad about airborne. I will just tell you about an experience I personally witnessed.
First I just want to say that Airborne must do things different in all parts of the country.
Here in Wichita Ks. the delivery guys drive around in little S10 pickups with toppers on the bed of the trucks, and if you are not home they will just through your package in the back of the truck, and finish their deliveries, and if they have time they will stop back by after they are done, and see if you are home.
Last January I was at an exotic pets store when their animals arrived. I guess the driver had showed up before they had opened, and since know one was there he through their packages in the back of the truck, and finished his deliveries. Even though the box was marked with live animals, and was also marked not to allow under a certain temp.
The employees of the store, some other customers, and I helped open the boxes, and as you can guess. All of the animals where pretty much frozen. Some of the animals we were able to warm up slowly by holding them in our hands, but then other animals. Like a group of Tokay geckos where all huddled up in a ball frozen together.

Later on, I found out that this wasn't the first time that this had happened with this driver, and that the pet store had called the Airborne main office to complain, but obviously it didn't help.

Of course I dont think Airborne is ran like that in other parts of the country, but I know it is here.

Just my .02

Yikes

Wow, Shane, I can't believe the way that guy cares for the packages that he's entrusted with. Wait a minute, yes I can, especially after what I saw FedEx drivers do to my vivarium and base! I 'spose they're all really the same. They (courier services) have good drivers and bad drivers. Just makes me real glad I don't have to ship animals, only product. You can rebuild a vivarium and base, but certainly can't rebuild an animal.

I also meant to add that Airborne does have regular delivery trucks here (we also have running water, and color TV...LOL), and Im not sure why they have S10 pickups. But I do know that anytime that this particular pet store gets a delivery from Airborne. It is always a guy driving those little trucks.

Two topics of interest here:
1st Topic: Sending a package/recieving a Package
If I am expecting delivery of a package, I make sure someone, either myself or a family member is here to accept said delievery. I never take chances on this issue. If you know something was shipped, and not make arrangments for it's "safe" delivery, well all I see here is a MAJOR PROBLEM with either the animals being left outside in the enivorment (either to hot or to cold), or like was metioned in the aboved post, being tossed around in the back of a vehicle all day, or at it's worst, being sent back to the hub for you to come and fetch.
When sending packages, I make sure, I even STRESS this point: Have someone home to accept delievery. How can I, the seller of said animals gurantee them to you the reciever, if they have been sitting outside in the snow for four hours? Or sitting on the front porch in 95 degree weather (110 in the shade)?? I believe this is the sole reason almost every seller of reptiles that uses these over night carriers says NO GURANTEES and to be honest, can you blame them? Now, I know some folks ship some sorry animals, but that is for another thread.
2nd Topic Regional Differences in the Same Company
What I am trying to say here, is YES I believe that these large companies have different SOP's (standard operationing proceures). I have had FEDEX tell me point blank, we do not, under any circumatances ship reptiles, only to have two shippments arrive the folling day via Fedex!!!
Airborne Express is the little guy, when it comes to this business of shipping. My personal opion is they want the buisness, at least in my area. Most of the drivers that arrive here for pick ups know me by name, and we chat about such things as the weather, fishing or how the Colts suck (NFL football team).
They always arrive by the set time in those new shinny large trucks of theirs, and never, never have I recieved a shipment here later then 10am!! A perfect score.
What happens in Tulsa, Tubbelow Mississippi or that Bum*uckegypt place I always here about I can't comment on, Just what happens here in my little pond.
Good day

Not to change the subject, but Fedex has told me the same thing about not shipping reptiles. Although I have received reptiles through them.

Airborne good and bad

I have had good luck with shipments arriving from Airborne. They have always been on time and problem free. However shipping reptiles with Airborne can be difficult. In South Carolina, they would take anything I had and never asked a question. Here in Florida, they want to know everything in the package and threaten to open the package and check for themselves if they dont think you are telling the truth. I know their bylaws and I know that they can and will refuse snakes and lizards. They will accept tortoises and frogs but offer no insurance on them. So needless to say, I ship a lot of books and household goods from MKL Reptiles LOL. I figure that they are happy to bill me and take my money for the shipments I make on my corporate name, what do they think I will be shipping??????????? LOL

Here are my two cents and experience with Airborne Express.

I have recieved packages twice from Airborne that were "lost" in transit.

I shipped a package, and it got "lost" in transit for FOUR DAYS!!

When I have called Airborne to track these shipments (the only info on the website was "shipment picked up and such and such time"), they could not even tell me if it had made it off the truck that picked it up!!

So, basiclly what I am saying is that I think Airborne sucks!

While no carrier will ship reptiles as a standard, any carrier can issue a letter of exception to that rule (or any rule for that matter). I have this set up with UPS now and am in the process of getting it done with FEDEX (like everyone I didn't think they would until I talked with a local fish farm that uses FedEx).

A lot of the impression of a company's service relies on the final delivery person. I've had an airborne driver drop a box the last 18 inches to the floor on it's side when the box was clearly marked with arrows and live animal text. Got a blank stare when I asked if he was recently fired from McDonald's or Burger King for lack of ability to read.

And I bet that delievery guy will from now on, take special care of all your packages!!

I used Airborne fr th first time...

I just recently used Airborne and all went like clock work...
Not a single complaint from me...
With other shippers I had a few problems. So I guess I'll keep using Airborne. They have at least started with me on the right foot!!

MELVIN EFRECE

Airborne

I've never shipped a reptile, but I have recieved shipments of reptiles 3 times from Airborne Express. All three to the same address. 1st time.......September 11, 2001. That box didn't make it onto the Air Force base I lived on (NO box was getting on a base that day) Called airborne and the lady found that box and made sure it was in her office and safe until I could come and get it. Good Job. 2nd delivery, no problem, right to my door in a timely fashion. Good Job.

The 3rd one though. I was at home (As always when expecting reptiles) and had the front door open (Screen closed) and was anxiously waiting for my box. At about 3:00 pm I began to get anxious and looked out my front door to find my box sitting on my step for God knows how long in the sun, in the middle of the Majove desert. I am SURE no one rang my bell or knocked on my door as my dog would have barked. Luckily the snakes were fine, but I was pretty mad.

I think its a craps shoot on the driver. Could be good, could be parbroiled or frozen snakes.

I just got this email....

What do you guys make of this? I just got this email and I find it a little odd I've been using FedEx 5 years and have just gotten this after the whole KS thing went down. Anybody have any thoughts?

Mr. Block,
It has come to my attention that you are shipping Live Reptiles via
FedEx. This is prohibited in accordance with the FedEx Service Guide.
Page 10. Prohibited Items. The FedEx Service Guide can also be found
online at www.fedex.com.

In addition, FedEx demands that Impact Reptiles immediately cease all
use of the FedEx/Federal Express logo or any other FedEx service mark or
trade mark. You must provide written confirmation that Impact Reptiles
has ceased all use and distribution of such materials. Your immediate
compliance with this demand is required. FedEx reserves all rights,
causes of action and remedies it may have in this matter.

James Brown
Paralegal
FedEx Corporation
3620 Hacks Cross Road
Building B-3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38125
901.434.8494
901.434.9255 fax
<<Brown, James S..vcf>>

Click to expand...

Adam Block

well

THAT was mighty low. Whomever it was that "Notified" FedEx was expressly looking to destroy your business. I wonder if it was in fact this Jeff person or a lap dog that actually did the dirty work? Try not to fall to the temptation for a little pay back on this one Adam, you don't know who actually did it and no one wants to see this type of thing going on. Starting to feel a bit like the Godfather now..........someone is looking to make Impact reptiles "Sleep with the fishies"

I agree with you 100%! At first it ticked me off very much.

I will say that since being banned, I haven't been able to pay one of my debts, I owe a few people money for pending deals, this includes Casey, Chad Martin, Frank Hayden and others. I understand there are other options out there but there are NO other options that move animals. If you look at the traffic to me site you will see:

Week 50 328

Week 51 249

Week 52 170

Week 01 84

Week 02 76

Since I was banned traffic has dropped A LOT and emails are gone. I'm not saying I won't get over it but I will say Jeff has the ability to take away 90% of a sellers income. If I do sell on other sites it will not be even close to the same prices.

I'm also not saying Jeff or somebody he knows reported me to FedEx. What I will say is that in 5 years of shipping with them I find it odd I've been banned within a month of my fallout with Jeff.

Of course I will be bigger then that, what else can you do? Without traffic and the ability to ship it makes things very hard.

Adam Block

Adam,

Where else do you advertise?

I just checked and the ONLY advertisement you have on this site is that infamous list that got you in trouble on KS. Do you have advertisements on other sites? Are you on the FaunaTopSites links? Banner ads? Anything? How are people SUPPOSED to find you?

Heck you can always post something on rec.pets.herp and get some exposure there as well. I think that's where a lot of the raw newbies come into the internet, and certainly where a lot of sites got their starts.

Yeah it may be more effort without KS, but it can be done.

Heck, I'm tempted to put up a links page solely dedicated to KS outcasts. Well there's a project for you! Set it up and I'll put up a link for you. Probably be worth it in giggle value anyway. A kind of who's who of people whom have pissed off Jeff. KS-outcasts.com
:laugh:

Adam,
Have you checked in to that email to see if it's a hoax. The name of that paralegal has me wondering. (LOL)
I wonder if he works with Susan Smith



Chris Raden

You know, Chris does have a point here. I doubt that FedEx would do anything in an official legal manner like that via email.

Adam check the header of that email and post it here so we can get someone to analyze it to try to figure out where it really came from.

Paralegal? Huh... I didn't know lawyers jumped out of airplanes voluntarily, like paratroopers.... I always thought they were thrown invountarily....

And without chutes too, WebSlave. Don't forget the lack of chutes!