Problem with a shipment, need some advice

Originally Posted by Chance

I've shipped countless times through UPS and have gone through phases of where I would put "Live Harmless Reptiles" on the box and when I wouldn't. In my opinion, stating that there are live reptiles in the box is just as risky, if not more than, than not putting anything at all. There are, I'm sure, lots of UPS employees who might take perverse pleasure in handling such a package excessively roughly. Additionally, I've shipped and had things shipped to me through Delta, with the contents labelled explicitly along with storage directions, that were either left out in a 30F cargo bay, or looked like it had been ran through with a fork lift. So, even those companies who knowingly accept such shipments don't always handle them with the proper care.

Ah, and on the issue of fines...UPS certainly could cancel my account if they wished, but they have no authority to fine me. They are a private company, not associated in any way with any governing body.

Just because you can get away with it, doesn't make it right or legal. UPS can report you to US Fish and Wildlife and they can make the determination on whether you violated any laws.

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuslaceyact.htm

As far as I'm aware, the Lacey Act requires animal shipments to be labelled as such. This box was labelled as Pantherophis. I know this is a tired defense, but how many hobbyists and companies out there use UPS as well again?

I believe that the box is supposed to be labeled with the quantity of each specimen, as well as both the common and full scientific names.
And you're right - it is a tired defense...and it won't buy you any leniency if you get caught.