Steps To Become Fedex Certified!!!
 

Ok, this is what you need to do.

First you have to set up an acct with FedEx. This costs you nothing. It can be done on line or by phone. It is easier and quicker online (I would think anyway) since you do not have to hold and have people asking you to repeat something.

Go to http://fedex.com/us/ and click on the link on the left hand side near the top where it says 'opening an acct'. Go through the steps from there. **by setting up an acct. you get free labels etc. You can have them pre-printed with your shipping info, I received mine the other day.
AFTER 24 hours (takes that long to process it and make it 'live')
After you do the above things you will then need to call 1-800-GOFEDEX (4633339) and ask customer service to have your account representative call you. This can take anywhere between a few hours to 48 hours. While you are waiting you can go to http://fedex.com/us/services/express...ing/tips.html, scroll down towards the bottom and click on a link that says 'complete this form' under the heading "Packaging Testing or Evaluation". This is the form you will have to print and fill out to send with your package.
Now, with all that said, you probably could skip the call to the sales rep. and just print the form and send it in. The Packaging Department did not know I was sending in a package. The only valuable info I got from the sales rep. was the account number (theirs) in which to bill the shipping sharges to.
**Sorry, I will not give that number out, it is not my place to do so**

I then sent the package to the Packaging Design and Development department (address is on the bottom of the page you will be printing out. I sent it out last Friday (6 days ago) and I got the box back (you can request on the form to have the box sent back) with the current paperwork I have on Tuesday.
It then tells you to call you local acct. rep (follow the above steps with 800 number) to have them send you the legal paperwork.
This will be a contract between you and FedEx regarding your shipping live harmless reptiles/animals. I picture that I will have to fill it out/sign it and fax/mail it back to them. At that point you should be good to go unless they give you any other instructions.
Some key numbers you might want:
Package Design and Development Dept.- 1-800-633-7019. This is if you have any questions of them.
Live Animal Desk- 1-800-405-9052 This is just for you to have. They really did not help me any as they sent me, at that point, to their legal department. In fact, they told me that exceptions are not made and only ship horses and animals for zoos.
Legal Department- 901-434-8494 The contact I used was James Brown. He was good to answer some questions I had.

**When shipping the box to the Package and Design Dept., you want to ship just like you would when you send a snake. Include everything right down to the deli cup or snake bag.....just no snake of course**

I hope this helps you all. Take advantage of this. This is the best way, so far, that we reptile/amphibian breeders have in order to ship our 'goods' without being denied the service. It might sound complicated, but it really is easy.

Best of luck to you all!

One little addition to Brian's post. FedEx recommends that you re-package your test box inside another box for shipping to the test lab. This way, you can potentially avoid any damage to your box on the way there. Just label the outside of the repack box: "Test Inner Box" so that they know what's going on.

I just sent mine off yesterday.

Thank you Brian for a very helpful post.

Step one~ check

I've never shipped a snake, I have never shipped anything Fed-Ex......but now I have an account. I'll move to step two Friday or Monday.

Thanks~ I never would have worked up the nerve to actually try this without y'all doing it first and blazing the bath!

My test package went out today. I am sure the testing lab is beginning to wonder what is going on with a steady stream of reptile related packaging coming in daily.

This could very well be a major turning point in favor of the growth of the reptile industry as a whole.

It's kind of fun to be part of the first wave.

Thanks again to the first few who broke trail for us all.

Just to add to this, like Rich mentioned to me in an email. Once you complete the above steps, that does NOT mean you are done. Like it mentioned, you still have to get the paperwork (contract) and complete that.

I like the idea of putting the 'shipping' box insode another box. I was not told to do so, nor did I do it.

This thread will eventually be put up on the Shipping Forum, per Rich as that is where hewould like it to go.

Can't Agree More
 

I just got off the phone with our local representative and she couldn't have been more pleasant. She is emailing me our application as I type this and gave me all the info about sending out a test box.

I'd like to thank those here at fauna for breaking the ice on this shipping issue. For the first time we have a method to ship our snakes legitimally with-out having to spend $100 with the airlines.

This is a huge step in our favor. My local rep said that James Brown has been getting swamped with phone calls concerning shipping reptiles. Lets keep it up guys, the more that call the more respect our industry gains as a legitimate source of business for FedEx.

process to begin shortly
 

Since we haven't really had to ship anything in the past couple of years due to re-directing efforts here, I finally got an order out a little bit ago to Daniel at Scales for shipping supplies. As soon as those arrive here then I will be sending out our test package.

Spoke to our acct. rep this morning and he seemed really enthusiastic, especially when he realized that all reptile shipments would be by Overnight Express and that they would mean a lot more revenue for the company. Seemed excited that this is an effort across the nation to unite a huge number of reptile people under 1 shipping comany that wants to accomodate them. And he admitted to not being a fan of snakes due to growing up in an area of the south where he and his family had too much contact with venomous species, though he did think that lizards and turtles were pretty much fine in his book.

Anyway, the ball is rolling from coast to coast and it looks and sounds grand. Kudos to those who went before and made this all possible.

David

Thank you
 

I've set up my account & ordered the labels. I'll be switching from Airborne or DHL, lol.


Thanks for all the info.
Joel Roberts

I just Shipped a Lizard to Miami from NV**
 

Here is what happened. I marked it please keep 65-75 F (live harmless baby lizard) I shipped it using my account. they accepted the box no problems at the Fedex terminal directly behing the Airport. Next day by 10:30 am. 3lbs. cost me over $40.00 had (1) 20 hr and (1) 40 hr. heatpack. Thank God, I added the 40 hr. they lost the box at thier Memphis Tenn. Terminal. called all the way up the ladder even spoke to James Brown. whom said we don't ship animals/reptiles. I told them that's strange all the other carriers ship tortoises, lizards fish, or all of the abo ve. UPS, USPS, Airborne. So I spoke to a lady whom said they do accept reptiles. But have no guarantee. etc. they can only refund my shipping Cost. (anyway I rec'd a Blue Cayman/ Cross. Father came from Blair. via USPS. I called my local P.O. for my zipcode. and asked them to hold their and call me. So I ended up calling in b4 they were able to call me and it was sitting on a Nice Lady's desk. And she told me to ask for her. I showed my I.D. picked up my Lizard. and it cost less to than 1/2 the price of Fedex.) Fedex agreed to try and get the pkg to Miami
the following day by 8am. Per fedex tracking it left Tenn. at 3:25pm. So I assume it's on the way to Miami now.
** The post office on the other hand, will allow you to insure the animal etc. So maybe you folks may want to speak to the proper folks at USPS.***With Fedex, You are on your own it looks like. I never had a problem b4 with Fedex shipping other items, until I marked a Box ( Live Harmless Lizard ) coincidence?? Your guess is as good as mine*********Well that's my 2 cents and Feb 18th shipping experience. I have used UPS, Airborne in the past. No issues with UPS. Airborne toss of the coin. mostly good. but there official book only allows Tortoises, go figure.

If I may respond to this.
First, it is very difficult to request something to be kept at a certain temp. That is why it is up to US to add heat or cold packs to our shipments. I am surprised you would request this knowing that these warehouses that shipments go through, at times and places, are not that warm or even that cool depending on the place. I guarantee you, even with a/c, that some types of warehouses they have here in Phx. would cook a lizard.
Second, I am glad that it turned out for you when using/dealing with USPS, but the same thing has happened to people with their services as well and end result could have been that FedEx did a great job. This is something that was brought up early on in the discussions about shipping. It is the risk we take when shipping live animals.
Third, you are correct, FedEx will not guarantee the life or well being of the animal being shipped. I know for a fact that this will be clearly stated in the contract I sign with FedEx when i get it.
Forth, just because other companies ship turts/torts/lizards does not mean they all have to. That is the policy that the (any of them) company inforces and I as well as others have to respect that.

I think the bottom line is, and this is just a general statement, that we need to be profession, tret people like professionals, if what we want in return is to be respected as a whole, community of professionals.

Just my thoughts!

Glad your Cayman made it safely and I hope the lizard gets to Miami ok!

Brian - Good point
 

Everything you stated makes alot of sense to me. And Thanks, I hope the makes it OK tomorrow as well.

The coincidence factor
 

I have been using Airborne for about a year now. Now I haven't had any problems while shipping Lizards but once I started sending snakes, hmmmm???.
I have heard a ton of horror stories with Airborne & snakes, but very few, with lizards.
I wonder if they are scanning them, & when they see it's a snake, they treat it in a different manner? Kind of like saying "we'll show them"

With that said,, Have you done the "contract" for shipping live animals? Perhaps that's why Mr. Brown said no animals?

Brian is totally right,, we do need to act professional & treat people professionally. It will only take a few bad apples to screw this up. lol
Also keep in mind, they ship thousands! of things a day & things will be misplaced from time to time & just because ours are live, that doesn't void ours from the mishaps.

Also,,, I do personally know a guy who must save the couple $$ and uses the US postal service. Every single time he has shipped, they have been 2- 3 days LATE! I'm sorry, but that is just not worth the risk to me. Especially when your sending out animals in the $1700. range. lol I would like to see an insurance claim paid in that amount.

Just my 2 cents.

You are correct, Joel. THings willbe late form time to time, just the way it goes.
I SWEAR by Delta, but I have had thigs late with them before as well. I shipped out a boa a couple months ago. It was sent Dash, not only did it not make the flight it was supposed to be on, it missed the next one as well. It DID get there the same day, but my customer had to sit at the airport for an additional 3 hours to wait for each flight in case it showed up on one of them. FRUSTRATING? Yes. Does it happen? To ALL carriers!

The answer is, ship it the best way you can. Use the smallest (as mentioned) box you can that will still be safe so the snake is not crammed in there and can still move a bit if it is in a bag. Deli Cups or that style of sup (even if bigger in size) if the best way. You can ship more snakes in a organized manner in a smaller area than one might with the same number of snakes in bags.

I have been a UPS shipper and have been fairly satisfied with the service provided. However, I am more than willing to switch to Fed Ex if they are actually making an effort to get the reptile business.

One of my first UPS shipments was returned to me with little warning. I was at work and checked the status of my shipment on their website only to see "returned to sender". This was a major hassle as I had to leave work to avoid having the package sit in the sun all day (it was summer). When I received the package I found it was returned due to "no air holes". I use very well insulated boxes and hate the thought of ruining that level of insulation by poking holes through the sides. I know there is enough air in the box to keep a small reptile alive for a week or more. Since they provide no guarantee of live arrival, I want to package the animal in the manner I know offers the most protection.

When you provided a sample box to Fed Ex, did you have holes poked through the walls?

Bob Garby

No holes.

Make sure you all read your fed ex contract very closely, You are signing away all your rights to ANY reimbursement from them... Say goodbye to, getting your money back for late packages, Claiming anything that is lost stolen or destroyed even if its insured, and make sure you have your pricing guide set up before you start shippping... We got stuck with over $4,000 in over billing due to lies from our account rep and delays... Just a heads up on the headaches we encountered about 4 months ago during this pioneer period.... Most reps do not know these accounts even exist... Also Be prepared to have your customers demand their money back for shipping even though you will not get it back, cause the customer service 800 # for fed ex will say they give you your money back cause they do not know what is in your contract


Alfredo Veloso

Unclear of what happen?
 

"We got stuck with over $4,000 in over billing due to lies from our account rep and delays"

Alfredo can you please explain this better?

Thanks
Joel Roberts

We were promised a discounted rate due to our obvious volume discount... Wewere approved for the account 30-40 days after we opened it... Once we started shipping our bills started coming in billed at full price, no discount whatso ever... My rep told me she was working hard to get me the best rate and not to worry about it... 1 month went by almost 2 before I went over her head and called her boss... Had my rates the next day but I was SOL to all of the previous bills... WHich is BS but sometime you have let it go as we have no Other option (at the Moment) for shipping...


Alfredo Veloso

average cost?
 

So what is the average? As Airborne is between $35 - $50. What is FedEx?

Also, once you get your rates, do they have all the hidden extras like Airborne?

Thanks.
Joel

Rates
 

Hi,

I am planning on setting up an account with FedEx and had a question.

After you set up an account to ship reptiles are the rates the same ?

Thanks,

TK

They give a 10% discount for using their automated online shipping system, other than that there is no discount, mostly just the ease of mind knowing that your shipping legitimately.

With all big companies, don't take the salesman's word on anything. Get it in writing. I've run into the same scenario a couple of times with larger companies like this. Called the rep's boss to find I've had smoke blown up my nether regions for months on end. I REALLY hate that.

Correct, you are signing away your right of collecting for lost or damaged packages. How does this change from before? They never did that anyway!
I do not believe they discounted for late arrivals either like the USPS does.
You all have to understand that a lot of these policies were already in place when shipping with FedEx. It is not like they are punishing us because they are shipping snakes.

Even Delta who allows the shipment of reptiles, gives you the chance to buy insurance, still makes it VERY difficult to collect if the animal dies.
As far as the billing issue. I would be upset if I was told that as well. Like it was mentioned, you have to get everything in writing these days. Can't trust anyone.......hell, why do you think the BOI is here? LOL

Sorry, I forgot to add this in response to Bob's question.

I did not put any holes in the box either. Those boxes are FAR from airtight. You would have to tape every edge/corner. Next to impossible to make a package airtight unless you are using a plastic box for shipping.

My statement was not about them covering animals that are DOA in transit but rather about any package they Lose or destroy, even if insured... If delta Looses your package and its insured you get paid... Fed ex on a normal basis gurantees the delivery time or your money back, that is what they will no longer do if you sighn the contract... And trust me there will a lot of lates... You do get better discounts depending on the amount of packages you send( I mean over $1,000 a week)


Alfredo Veloso

I do wonder why they are voiding us from a delivery time guarantee? Being a live animal would make it take longer to get there?

Just doesn't make sense to me.

Of course it makes no sense... THeres no competition so they can do what they want... We need them cause there is no one else who will take snakes, so they do that in order to make more $$$$... But I already Have a letter from UPS that may change all of that


Alfredo Veloso

SO if they cannot guarantee a delivery by "X" time, then they cannot do so with any package.
Maybe this is something we need to address with them.
I think they are more or less saying that delays happen. Being that we are shipping live animals, the delays can be harful to the snake, there for it COULD die or be hurt and they will not be responsible for that. Just like my shipment a couple weeks ago on Delta that missed it's connecting flight AND the next one after that........yet the original flight to the first city arrived on time. If they lose or destroy a package, most likely the end ersult IS a DOA....or at least a dead at this point.

I honestly think these cases will be few and far between. ALL shipping companies have been late (UPS, USPS, Airborne, FedEx, Delta, US Air, and so on). It is just, once a again, part of the gamble one takes when shipping live animals..........nothing more to say about it.

I hear what you are saying, don't get me wrong, but I think we are splitting hairs here. I am not siding with FedEx, but what other avenues do we have? You could go ship Airborne, you will get the same result..no live arrival guarantee, no reimbusment for DOA, etc. You could ship UPS...no live arrival guarantee, no reimbusment for DOA, etc. You could pick any company and the policies will be the same. Nothing has changed here folks. The only thing different is that there is ONE company that WILL ship or snakes, witht the same results and policies as those that will not ship them.

something missing...
 

If we are signing away any rights to payment adjustment for "Late delivery", or more so, "LOST" Now, not only are you out the $$ for the animal (as you would be with all the others) But now you also still have to pay the shipping??? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I'm getting from this.

That to me is not the same. With the others, or "the old way" at least you didn't have to pay them $50. to loose your stuff. lol


Joel Roberts

What I am saying is they gurantee every package to arrive by a certain time 10:30 am , 12 noon or 5 pm... If it is late you get a refund on shipping costs... Once you sighn this contract that will not be the case, which is not the way UPS or DHL do it


alfredo veloso

That is exactly what I thought I was hearing.

That is very scary to me. I dont' know what else to say. lol

Joel

I follow you and maybe I was not understanding that to begin with. I think there is a way to work around that. I PERSONALLY do not care if it is late, although it would be an inconvienience, but as long as it gets there I will be happy.
IF it is lost, I think there is not reason we cannot get them to understand how silly it would be to charge us for a service that was not fulfilled.

Lets Hope. :):)


Joel Roberts

UPS and DHL, as far as I know, also will not give you a contract stating that they will ship live harmless snakes for you. So if you need to ship live harmless snakes, the point is moot.

If your package is late via UPS, and your customer calls them up screaming and yelling that there are live snakes in that box and they need to deliver them NOW, well, that certainly could ruin your current relationship with UPS. Maybe UPS will refund the shipping cost for that package and in the same breath tell you they are not accepting any more of your packages.

That is more or less what I was trying to say, Rich. Thanks!

You can complain all you want to any of the companies. Bottom line is that only FedEx, at this time, is offering to work with us (snake people).
Not to be rude, but you can always go about it the way you have been and not worry about dealing with FedEx if you do not like it. I, on the other hand, choose to go by the few rules that they have appliled in order to know that I can get my snakes to people. With that said and like I have stated before, I will continue to use Delta, which in my opinion, is the best way to go. I only have FedEx as a bak up for those that I cannot convince to go the quicker, safer, more reliable route, even if it does cost a few extra bucks and they have to drive to get the snake.

Ok, all of these posts are talking about snakes, but what is FedEx's policy on shipping lizards (leopard geckos). Also, when going through the process of setting up the FedEx online account, did anyone else get charged $20, because I did?!

Thanks,
Rob

Setting up a FedEx acct is 100% free. I was told that by the FedEx rep on the phone and I saw it somewhere on the webpage as well.
Now, if you ordered a bunch of supplies you could have been charged because you are only allowed so much a month or something like that.
I do not know what the policy is on lizards and things of that nature. I would suggest you call and ask, although I know that the "animal desk" page and the people you talk to representing the same department will tell you that they only ship horses and zoo animals.
No reason you cannot go through the same steps that we have in order to become approved or verified or whatever you want to call it. ALl you would have to do is put 'lizrds' or whatever on the page that you fill out rather than putting snakes like I did.

I was getting ready to go through the process of sending them a box and getting approval, but then I got a little mad when I saw that they charged me $20 for nothing and the quoted prices for shipping were much higher than I expected. All I did was sign up for the online account, I didn't order anything. It was just like when I signed up on UPS, except FedEx charged me. I'll have to call them on Monday and get it all figured out. From what I read the quote page quotes at a higher price than the actual shipping cost, is this true?

I just saw, I was also charged $20. two seperate charges of $10. What is up with that???
I'll be calling them very shortlly.

Yup, I had two seperate charges too. Hey where in Jacksonville do you live? I used to live in Mandarin for 6 years.

After closer inspection, it's $30 they charged me. I just called cost. service & they said you have to call billing, who is not open on the weekend. lol

Not a good start.


:(


Robert,
It's Orange Park. Small world hey.

Joel Roberts