Python escapes in UPS truck

After a long pause, she said that there would be "fines" added on to the account to be paid before further shipments would be taken, and any damage done by the animal or caused by trying to capture the animal should it escape, would be relayed back to the sender.

This is just my opinion and nothing more, but I'd be willing to bet the part about the fines is bull, she just made that up, or else the pause was her asking a supervisor and he made it up just to discourage you.
Although, if there was damages incurred from shipping a prohibited item, I could see them charging the shipper for them.

Lacey act only applies to ENDANGERED appendix I species. Burmese are not appendix I. Ceylonese and Indians are. You can ship with FedEx, UPS and Airborne if you obtain approval. Boxes must be clearly labeled and you must show them proof of how you will pack. USPS will take anything but, snakes. Depends on your local office. Too many times people skirt the issue and do not mark the box or put airholes in just so they can get the box out. These are the same characters that do not know how to pack! Comes back on all of us as a whole! Think people!!!!