well, I went to the above link and found nothing other than the fact that they do not receive/ship goods of our nature. I was hoping that I would find and email addy, but there was not one OR I overlooked it. Anyway, this is what I wrote in reply to her response to me. We will see what the reponse is this time.......LOL!
Denise,
I appreciate the prompt reply. I was under the impression the link below would allow me to contact someone to speak with regarding such services, but it does not.
I have read the 'Terms and Conditions' regarding live animals, but I still have a few questions and comments.
There is a very large market of individuals who breed nonvenomous snakes such as myself. I am talking multiple thousands if not 10,000+. I would think, if packaged properly to eliminate any liability on your end, you all would want a piece, if not all, of that market share.
I am one of many people who make multiple shipments a day, week, or month. I know that there are regulations when dealing/shipping venomous snakes, but I do not partake in that type of breeding. I am rather confused as to why there are some people that are permitted to ship nonvenomous reptiles/amphibians (including lizards, snakes, frogs, etc.), yet some run into many challenges when requesting and/or seeking the same.
I, as a 'shipper', am not looking for any responsibility on your part for damage or death in the event of such when shipping my snakes. I feel, as a small business owner, that it is my responsibility to provide my 'customers' with a healthy and in tact snake when such purchases are made. Although I have never had anything happen when shipping before, again, I take the responsibility if it were to occur.
Like I mentioned in my previous email, I am looking for a professional business partnership that would benefit both parties. I know any business that FedEx (as one of the largest shippers in the world) can get, would be much appreciated. The reptile breeding industry does not get a fare shake at the services that are provided to other industries in the country or world for that matter when it comes to shipping needs, that we as a business, need from time to time to be successful. We, like others, have to take proper actions and steps to insure the safety and well-being of the product we ship. That is the responsibility of me, as the supplier, to do so and am not looking for any support in that area. I am seeking, as a professional, an avenue to take my 'product' from point "A" to point "B" and believe FedEx can provide that best service when it comes to my needs.
Although I am just one piece of a VERY large pie in this industry, I believe, like mentioned before, that the rewards you and your team of professionals would benefit from would be astounding if given the same courtesy as a small minority in our profession have received in the past.
I know there are risks involved, but is the case in anything that your company ships on daily basis. Proper packaging along with explicit guidelines as to what is expected from you in our relationship is a must and would be very understanding.
I feel there is a way that FedEx and myself can work together and in the long run benefit us both in the professional world.
Just to rehash a few things, I want to share with you the steps that I take to insure the safety and security of the reptiles I ship (and your team as well although there really is no risk, but still needed thought and care is on my mind) to insure that my customers receive a well packaged snake that will arrive in great condition.
1. I use a sturdy cardboard box
2. I line the box with 1" styro to insure a humane level of heat/cold is maintained in the box during shipping
3. Plenty of shredded paper or crumbled newspaper to reduce, if not illuminate, that shock from moving while driving, flying, etc.
4. Snake is placed in a escape proof bag. These bags are designed for my industry for transporting reptiles. The bags are NOT airtight to allow the snake to breathe, they are very sturdy/thick to insure security of the snake not to escape. The bag is then tied in a knot tightly, again, to insure the snake cannot get out.
5. All the above is then placed in the box, taped shut over all joining sides/flaps of the box.
6. It Is the labeled "fragile- harmless reptile". This would be no different than if I were shipping a glass vase, just to make your company aware of the contents so you all can add your extra sense of professionalism and care when handling.
The last thing would be, how is it that other entities have been given such opportunities?
Respectfully,
Brian Oakley
Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net <mailto:BrianOakley@cox.net>