HELP!! Shipping tomorrow..crazy rates

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

This sounds absolutely nuts! Are you doing this through your online fedex account ship manager?

It has never asked me to put in dimensions. Simply a weight. It asks what type of package. I click box. It asks what type of shipping and I click overnight express second priority which is generally a 10:30 am delivery. Then it asks approximate value.

If you select "Your packaging" then it asks for the dimensions. I have my box dimensions saved on my profile so I can just click on. This allows me know what I will be charge. They take the dimensions and the weight of the package to come up with your shipping fee. Without the dimensions... your shipping calculations will be off. It cost more to ship a 1lb 12x12x8 box than it does to ship a 1lb 7x7x6 box.

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

You can use a brown cardboard box and cut your own styrofoam insulation to fill all sides, top and bottom. Then put fragile and/or perishable stickers on it. The outside of the box does not have to be marked in any way that says it's a live animal.

Ummmm I think your wrong on this one. The outside of the box DOES have to be marked per the Lacy Act.

Reference: 50 CFR 14 10.2008.pdf - specifically 14.82

Option One

(i) Conspicuously marking the outside of each container or package containing fish or wildlife with the word “fish” or “wildlife” as appropriate for its contents, or with the common name of its contents by species, and

(ii) Including an invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or similar document to accompany the shipment which accurately states the name and address of the shipper and consignee, states the total number of packages or containers in the shipment, and for each species in the shipment specifies:

(A) The common name that identifies the species (examples include: Chinook (or king) salmon; bluefin tuna; and whitetail deer) and whether or not the listed species is venomous; and

(B) The number of that species (or other appropriate measure of quantity such as gross or net weight).
The invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or equivalent document must be securely attached to the outside of one container or package in the shipment or otherwise physically accompany the shipment in a manner which makes it readily accessible for inspection

I just went to the FedEx store to get quotes for shipping and a 1 pound 7x7x6 is $37 where as a 12x11x6 is $63!!!! Thats for priority overnight where as standard overnight is $58 for the 12x11x6! these prices are crazy!

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

The outside of the box does not have to be marked in any way that says it's a live animal.

The top of the inside flap does however. Or the top of the top piece of styrofoam. This way if it is ever is inspected, they will know what is inside before they completely open the box.

100% incorrect information.
SHIPPING: What you need to know!

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

This sounds absolutely nuts! Are you doing this through your online fedex account ship manager?

It has never asked me to put in dimensions. Simply a weight. It asks what type of package. I click box. It asks what type of shipping and I click overnight express second priority which is generally a 10:30 am delivery. Then it asks approximate value.

I've shipped to businesses and residences with no problems ever.

As far as the certification waiver.. My rep did send me a new application informing me that that they have this new form for certification but I was also told that anyone who was certified before the new application was made available would not need to re certify.

I think she sent it to me to let others know if I was ever asked.

I do know that many fedex locations will not accept live animals to be dropped off for shipment or to be HAL simply because they are afraid and ignorant of the fedex rules.

Any actual fedex staffed location is required to accept these packages. If they say no, then politely get the name of the person you spoke to or the location manager and pass this info on to your rep.

If it is not a fedex staffed location, they do not have to take these packages if they don't want to.

You can use a brown cardboard box and cut your own styrofoam insulation to fill all sides, top and bottom. Then put fragile and/or perishable stickers on it. The outside of the box does not have to be marked in any way that says it's a live animal.

The top of the inside flap does however. Or the top of the top piece of styrofoam. This way if it is ever is inspected, they will know what is inside before they completely open the box.

Luckily my fedex driver is really cool and doesn't have any problems picking up my "packages". And from what I have been told, you do have to mark the package with Live Harmless Reptile and put the species name on the outside of the box. I also attach my waiver and shipping invoice on the side of the box. They say if you don't have Live Harmless Reptile, an arrow pointing "up" and fragile as well as perishable, they toss the box like it has books or something in it. My fedex guy even told me that.

I did find some boxes online at uline.com that were pretty reasonable...$50 including shipment, for 50 boxes, 2 different sizes. And they are the white ones too. And the styrofoam is about $10 at Lowe's so I am probably going to make my own boxes come spring.

Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by RidgeTop Reptiles

If you select "Your packaging" then it asks for the dimensions. I have my box dimensions saved on my profile so I can just click on. This allows me know what I will be charge. They take the dimensions and the weight of the package to come up with your shipping fee. Without the dimensions... your shipping calculations will be off. It cost more to ship a 1lb 12x12x8 box than it does to ship a 1lb 7x7x6 box.

Yep you are right on this one. I tried putting in different sized boxes to see how much shipping would be and there is a $3 difference between a 12X10X8 and a 12X10x9. So they always say to go with the smallest box possible which is also a good idea for the animals so it doesn't have too much movement inside the box. I wanted to use a 7X7X7 box which made a big difference but I used my only one last week...

Dimensions are important. FedEx calculates minimum weight charge based on dimensions. Effective Jan 1, 2011, the formula is L x W x H / 166. Example: 8 x8x810= 640. 640/ 166 = 3.85. In this case you are charged for a 4 lb box, even if it only weighs 1 lb.