Reasonable Shipping Rates???

How are some people able to ship reptiles overnight priority with Fedex for rates between $35-$50???

Every time I try to get a quote with the two big reptile shipping companies (SYR, and RE) the quote is extremely high ($70-90) even if I select a zip code that is only 1 state away from my own.

If I run hypothetical situations with a very small 6"x6"x6" box, which is probably too small to be able to use a heat or cold pack, I can get down into the mid $50 range.

I have a Fedex account that I have had approved to ship reptiles since 2004, but I still cannot get a direct quote from them that is lower than SYR and RE. I even have "discounts" applied to my Fedex account to where my rates are lower than what is being charged on their website.

Whats up here?

Back in 2004, I was able to get rates between $35 and $50, but now since I have started up again, those prices seem to be ancient history.

I just charge a flat rate of $50, and eat the difference.

I just shipped a box last week using my Fed Ex account.
It was a 12x9x6 insulated box with an adult BP and heat pack going a few states away from me.
The cost was $64.72

I had another package ship across the country (same setup as above) and it was $162.89

Long gone are the $35-$50 shipping charges.
Is now runs a minimum of $65 for Fed Ex.

I won't charge a flat rate anymore.

Depending upon the value of the animal, shipping is sometimes more than the purchase price.

How are some people able to ship reptiles overnight priority with Fedex for rates between $35-$50???

Volume discounts, and/or accepting some degree of loss.

shipping has averaged $75-90 these last 2 years for me

I rarely charge over $65 for a small box, but I end up eating the balance 90% of the time. Why? Thus far, my animals have all been safe and on-time with Fedex, so I consider it acceptable overhead.


Noelle

I just charge $50 because I get tired of answering emails over and over again that only ask "How much is shipping to xxxxx?". I do think box size has alot to do with shipping costs, too. I was using a 12x9x6 box even for single hatchling BPs, and found that 7x7x6 saves me about $10 per shipment (only works for single hatchlings, tho). I guess I'd rather eat $10-15 on shipping than waste alot of time answering emails (and alot of people who are newer/haven't had to ship themselves seem to balk at paying more than $50 for shipping). I don't think they realize how much it costs...but I'd rather lose $15 on shipping than lose a few hundred dollar sale over $15.

Thanks. I appreciate the replies. It is just as I had feared...having to eat the difference....oh well.

Usually $45-$65 depending on what SYR.com gives me.

got some quotes tonight, all info is the same:

FedEx (no volumn discount)


Ship Your Reptiles


Reptiles Express


Not sure why SYR was so high. Anyways, thought I'd post this to show how expensive shipping can be since I see some people surprised when they get quotes over $70.