I have been using UPS to ship reptiles for a while now and have had no major problems. Packages have always arrived on time and I have had no DOAs. The only problem I ever have is when a new driver comes for a pick up and says, "I can't take live animals, it is against the rules." But then I show them the rules and give them the names of who to contact regarding my account, and no more problems
I am one of the last stops on their route for pick up, so the animals are not in the truck that long.
But Winston, I have to agree, shipping the mammals through them was not the best idea. Mammals HAVE to go through airlines, no questions. The only exception I know of are frozen feeders.