| Author | Subject: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER |
| Mickey(TLK) | Posted At 06:49:00 06/13/2001
I am not, nor have I ever been a fan of shipping anything UPS, and I am even more convinced of this now.Monday I was sent 20 dragons UPS (against my wishes for US postal Express).Not only did they not make it by 10 am yesterday as guranteed, they are still not here at 7 am today, and I have tried to locate the package over 100 times.UPS informed me they are not able to locate a package untill it reaches the customers hands, even on their premium delivery service.I have offered to go to the hub, or airport to recieve the package to speed up the process, and of course that was shot down.Now it been nearly 48 hours the dragons have been in the box, in very warm temperatures, and are most surely going to be delivered dead. IF you care at all about your animals NEVER USE UPS they suck.They are the least responsible, carring shipper you will ever find.If you do ship UPS you are putting your animals health at risk. Mickey Hinkle The LIzard King Reptiles |
| JERRU TRESSER |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4482.html Posted At 09:56:52 06/13/2001 Iam assuming we are talking about Express Mail. The problem is their antiquated method of tracking their overnights. When the shipment is given to the counter, it is put into the system, and remains their until it is retrieved by a second party. This is where the difficulty lies. Until someone scans the package the 2nd time , no one knows where it is. Once its scanned the second time, hopefully its at its destination at which time it is scanned a 3rd time which acknowledges where the shipment is now. It is also scanned a 4th time to indicate that the receiver has actually received it. Very poor system, in comparison to UPS, which can tract the package at any location. You have my sympathy, and hope all works out well for you. JERRY |
| John Hedger |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4483.html Posted At 10:36:13 06/13/2001 I agree Mickey! I had a shipment of one snake come once (on a Friday new years eve 1999) via UPS. I wasn't home at the moment they tried to deliver in mid afternoon(left notice on my door). I got home shortly after and tried to contact them -- as I live only 5 minutes from the local UPS center. I thought, no problem, I'll just call and arrange to drive over and pick up the package personally, or have the driver rediliver. WRONG!! TRY CALLING UPS AND GETTING A LIVE HUMAN BEING ON THE PHONE!!!!the only phone number was an 800 computerized recorded message from a city 1-1/2 hrs away. I FINALLY got a live operator who said UPS drivers cannot redeliver and I would have to wait until Monday. I asked for the phone number of the UPS center in my city(unlisted of course). She said she could not give me that info. I asked to speak to her supervisor, who finally coughed up the number when I told her the shipment involved live animals which would die if left in a cold warehouse over the weekend. I got there just as they were about to close for the weekend. WHEW!! When I picked the package up (I was fuming by then!) the worker told me UPS only handles live crickets and that my snake was illegally shipped, according to their rules. I could care less at that point. I'll never use UPS for shipping ANYTHING ever again. I don't see how that company stays in business! They are completely customer UNFRIENDLY. You just can't get them on the phone! For shipping reptiles, my first choice is the more expensive Delta Dash. The guys at the airport here (Lexington, KY) are great with reptiles. Secondly,Airbourne Express, as they always deliver around the same time here (9 AM) and I've never had a problem with them. John Hedger |
| Liz |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4487.html Posted At 15:32:29 06/13/2001 Hi there, I've been shipping live with UPS for alomst 3 years now, and have never had any serious trouble. A couple of late afternoon arrivals was the worst, with no harm done to the animal. Sorry to hear you've had so much trouble with them. |
| Mike Pinkston |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4488.html Posted At 15:42:36 06/13/2001 In defense of UPS...I have used UPS and USPS and Delta for receiving my shipments and prefer the UPS overnight to any other. I have always received my snakes on time and healthy. The problem with using the Express Mail offered by United States Postal Service is that it is 100% illegal from what I understand. Therefore you are commiting a federal crime. By using UPS and shipping animals you at least are not commiting a federal crime as they are not ran by our government. UPS does at least offer live animals shipper permits they still don't like to ship reptiles...chicken I guess. The only other shipper that makes it easy to ship live reptiles in Delta air cargo. They may be a little more expensive but so far so good with them on animals I have received. Good luck with them in the future and be careful shipping with USPS. I hear Leavenworth is hot this time of year!!! Mike Pinkston |
| Ernie Watts |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4493.html Posted At 17:30:46 06/13/2001 First of are you speaking of UPS (the brown trucks) or USPS (mailmen)? I use only UPS and will not guarantee shipping through anyone else as I have had trouble with everyone else including Delta Dash. UPS has always been able to tell me where my package is. One time a package got left behind, but I asked them to keep it at 85 degrees and it was no problem. They never asked why I only said it was a small harmless reptile. This happened before their rules were changed, but now you could still say it's a fish or what ever, or get permission to ship the boas, or whatever, you can do it with no problems. They make special arrangements for live animals. John, as for missing a shipment that's your own fault you knew it was coming you should have been there. I usually send and recieve packages to arrive at 10 am, but it has been normal to recieve them by 5 pm and except for the one time I have always without fail gotten all my shipments the next day by 5 pm. |
| Mike Pinkston |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4495.html Posted At 17:39:37 06/13/2001 I have to agree Ernie...By the way...UPS = United Parcel Service...USPS = United States Postal Service. I have never had a problem with UPS myself and plenty of problems with USPS. Mike |
| Angela Dean |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4503.html Posted At 19:53:30 06/13/2001 I've never had any problems with the USPS not accepting packages that say "Live harmless reptiles" all over it. I'm known as the snake/lizard lady at the post office. Now UPS has always been late for me...maybe it depends on the area. |
| Mickey (TLK) |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4504.html Posted At 19:57:55 06/13/2001 Ok to start I am talking UPS (United parcel service) 1: UPS in Omaha (where I live) does not allow live animal shipments period.It is also the same where the person lives.So instead of sending the bearded dragons (legall to ship us postal express) where they could have been labled "Live Harmless Baby Lizards" The shipper just shipped them un marked. That is the biggest problem I have with the shipment, besides the fact I had stated I did not like UPS.Atleast with us postal he could have marked them as live animals.I use to work for UPS and they dont care about anything in the building, and Im sure even if it were labled "live" they wouldnt care. As for US postal express it is perfectly legal to ship lizarfds, and thats what the order was, where as UPS told me both on the phone, and at the local Hub that they do not allow live animals PERIOD.So everyone can say what they will but if you call and talk to a supervisor they will tell you that they do not allow live animal shipments. As for my local Delta Dash depot, they told me I personally cannot ship live animals without being a confirmed shipper, so I dont use them. My big beef with UPS is that they not only did not deliver on time (as usual with many delivery companies) they dont care about the customers, or the animals that were shipped.I offered to do whatever it took to get the lizards to save stress, and they basically laughed at me, told me the shipment was illeagal to begin with, and said "we dont know where the package is, and it will get there when it get there". That is a poor way to do business, and an in-humaine way to deal with animals. I made my post to agian warn people who dont know, that in my opinion UPS is a very bad way to ship live animals, and that was all. Mickey Hinkle P.S. On the bright side the babies arrived alive, and appear healthy.But on the down side now Im waiting on a shipment of Chameleons that were due to arrive 8 hrs ago us postal, and it looks like they to will be a day late.I guess all shippers suck..LOL BUT ATLEAST THE CHAMELEONS ARE MARKED LIVE HARMLESS LIZARDS |
| Matt Tinney |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4516.html Posted At 01:17:58 06/14/2001 First thing first so no one get's into trouble it is a federal Law that if you ship snakes through any thing that it is illegal! Delta is the only company that will do it for you as long as you have papers or you fill them out. Other places do take snakes as long as you do not have live snake or say there is a snake in the box. It is a human nature to hate snakes as with other animals are scared also. I personally have no problem with tham amoung many others. Now with the ups thing... I shipped 5 packages out on monday my ups arrive at there two places at 10 and 8, while my usps packages 2 arrived a day lat eand still there is one missing and well this is Bull sh it. I have only had a couple in the past be late, but now I am not doing any thing else except UPS, Airborn express, and or delta dash. Delta dash is expensive but it is a same day servise. Well my spelling not great but I do hope you have read my thoughts. Matt Tinney Gecko America |
| Andrew Anders |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4519.html Posted At 04:54:59 06/14/2001 The last post invites a largely disputed issue into the fray, and ive seen this comment many times, along the lines of "it is illegal to ship snakes through the mail" in response to this i've seen "prove it" as the standing argument. well, i have personally seen what seems to be good proof, documented regulations against the shipping of snakes, at leasy by usps. On the other hand, as ive heard mentioned before, is this an actual law, a regulation, a guideline? if i see a sign that says "trespassers will be shot" i dont tresspass, simple, however-if the consequences arent clearly stated, how many people are going to accept that "rule" when it goes against their wishes? also, everyone seems to have their own definition of "breaking the law"...personally, i jaywalk, never drive the marked 5 miles per hour in a parking lot, and ship snakes marked as lizards. these are things im willing to do to make life a little simpler. basically, i think this is a grey area where everyone needs has to decide for themselves where the balance lies between whats convenient and what's morally acceptable. thanks for your time-Andy Las Vegas Snake Farm |
| terri langley |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4529.html Posted At 12:28:45 06/14/2001 i just got back from the post office. sent out snakes (marked live harmless reptile) with no problem. the clerk knew what was in the box. it think the confusion is in the fact they dont guarantee live delvery but they do guarantee a time. so the insurance is null and void. i think its the same with all carriers that handle live anything. |
| Ernie Watts |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4547.html Posted At 23:45:09 06/14/2001 It is not a federal law. All the feds did was mandate that if a carrier is going to ship animals they need to make changes to their aircraft, training personal and regulations for the protection of the animals. So to get around this they decided to decline to ship animals and guarantee their safty, but you can ask for permission as Peter Kahl did. if you go down several posts this topic has been covered. It is not the hubs decision. Any company would rather blow you off than to deal with you not just UPS. Call the corporate office and speak with someone with some pull. As for refunds they only guarantee they will arrive with in a given time period with a grace period of usually 24 hours. I have been through this with several shipping companies and I have yet to receive a refund. The federal government can only set a mandate the shippers must follow in order to ship animals. It is against the constitution to tell someone they cannot ship an animal or anything else, except for drugs, explosives and firearms. They can only pass laws to protect the animal during shipping. We are not breaking the law by shipping them because it doesn't pertain to us, but neither are they if they don't know the contents. UPS to my kmnowledge has upgraded their aircraft as they still ship dogs I believe. A friend just received one a few months ago through them. It is your choice who you like to use for shipping and if someone doesn't ship the way you want then insist they pay the shipping. If you're paying for shipping then you should get to ship with who you want. On the flip side though if you choose a shipper that the seller has had bad experience with then you may have to eat it if they show up dead or late as I do not guarantee live arrival unless it is through UPS or an airfrieght carrier like Delta Dash. Maybe your local UPS office is not up to par which is another thing you can handle through the corporate office by placing a complaint or get in touch with the district supervisor, if there is one. With a little effort you may be able to get special permission as Peter Kahl did. I don't know what he had to do or agree to, but it's still worth a try. |
| Reptile Ranger |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4562.html Posted At 13:39:54 06/15/2001 Do any of you people know of anyone busted shipping snakes or turtles through usps or ups? What is the penalty? I have a butt load of boxies to ship and can only do it legal through Airborne express or Delta-Dash. I won't use usps for anything but lizards. Or will I......LOL This is crazy people, I live in the middle of nowhere far from the nearest airport and struggle with should I or should I not. The idea of what they don't know don't hurt them is hard for me to do considering no one knows the penaltys involved. I'm like Andy if a sign says "trespassers will be shot" I ain't trespassing. If usps were to say that, we'd all be out of business,right? While I'm here anyone want boxies..........LOL Tim.......... |
| Eric Macuski |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4568.html Posted At 15:50:30 06/15/2001 I might as well get my two cents in here.... From what I know of, UPS does not guarantee anything that is live. But most of the shipments to me through UPS came well and healthy. Most companies go through UPS, like LLLReptile, Reptile Depot, Seaside Reptiles...and I could go on and on. To me, I feel that usps is the cheapest and most reliable. It is like local, and you know it will get to you in one day. If not one day, then early the next. Reptile Ranger knows that from what happened with that shipment to his house from mine. Ok, I have said it. Eric |
| Double "D" Reptiles |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4625.html Posted At 12:56:56 06/17/2001 Well, we can't get UPS to even pick up live harmless reptiles as we've been told it's against their regulations (have found out otherwise since last attempt.) USPS is perfecly legal for lizards, turtles and amphibians but they do hesitate and tell you they can't ship packages labeled as "snakes." Never have much trouble with USPS though you do have to watch their delivery dates closely. Most "overnight express" from here is really 2 day delivery. Once you learn the routine it's now so bad and can be planned accordingly. Have determined that if I use work to ship with UPS I won't have any problems because of the normal volume for shipping (can even have them labeled as small containers of haz-mat at no extra charge and receive extra special handling.) Can't wait to use that one shortly. David |
| Reptile Ranger |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
4694.html Posted At 02:19:05 06/20/2001 USPS Lizards yes, turtles no. What is the penalty for not following their guidelines? Isn't it a federaly controlled institution? Felony? Does anyone out there really know the codes? If you do let me know. Every reptile in my home, including all snakes, were shipped via USPS. I plea the fifth on doing the same. Using USPS is a stroll in the park with no questions asked and, thousands of people use the service illegaly every day to transport their reptiles. The local office is one block from me and not to use their service would be insane. Is UPS federaly controlled? Tim |
| Sydney Alcorn |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
5822.html Posted At 01:48:04 07/15/2001 UPS, where to start? They do track packages very well. Packages are supposed to be scanned every time they are loaded onto a truck. Hubs are 4 hours apart, and all trucks are unloaded and reloaded at each hub, and packages are scanned. They only way the tracking process would be messed up is if the person doing the loading does not scan the package. As for arriving on time, it is up to the sorter. Each hub has packages going all over the US, and it is up to the sorters to get the packages to the right trucks. The packages are sorted, and then resorted. If they are not where they are supposed to be, they start all over again. As for handling, I will have to say that is company fault. They expect the unloaders to unload 1 package every 3 seconds. The unloaders do not have time to look to see if the package says fragile, or live animal. Loaders have 10 seconds per package, and they can't pay attention either. you would have to be in the hub for a week and learn the whole process to really understand what a package goes through. |
| Kassi Page |
Re: NEVER EVER USE UPS TO SHIP ANIMALS...EVER
8629.html Posted At 19:40:54 09/03/2001 UPS is my shipper of choice! Airborne Express is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE and their 'overnight' service takes two days to get here. USPS is good, but UPS gives my the opportunity to pick it up myself first thing in the morning. I'd rather take the time out of my precious day than have my valued reptiles riding around on a truck all day anyhow. With UPS hold for customer pick up on a next day air shipment my animals are never packaged for more than 16 hours. Who can beat that consistently? |