Inquiry Shipnex (anyone used them?)

[Lair of Dragons]

Hey Guys,
Sounds like to me Ship Nex is like a Travelocity.com or any type of cut rate booking for hotels, planes, rentals etc. They probably have a contract to fill empty spaces on Fed Ex or UPS trucks and planes and get a discount for doing so with no recourse back to them. They dont care whats in the box they just want to fill the truck and plane.
Just my opinion and I could be wrong.
Travis
Lair of Dragons

 

[KingBowser]

Here's the problem I have...if Shipnex considers "animals" to be mammals, then why is that not specified?

 

[Anthony V.]

Just curious...

Has anyone with a Fed-ex account bothered to contact Fed-ex and ask if they can ship snakes using a shipnex shipping label? I am Fed-ex certified. Given that I am solely responsible for the packaging, and that my contract states that Fed-ex assumes no responsibility for my reptiles anyways, has anything really changed? I still package the animal and deliver it to fed-ex, then they deliver it to the recipient. I believe this might be okay as long as Fed-ex authorizes my account to do so.

Any thoughts on this?

Anthony-

 

[radera5]

Has anyone with a Fed-ex account bothered to contact Fed-ex and ask if they can ship snakes using a shipnex shipping label? I am Fed-ex certified. Given that I am solely responsible for the packaging, and that my contract states that Fed-ex assumes no responsibility for my reptiles anyways, has anything really changed? I still package the animal and deliver it to fed-ex, then they deliver it to the recipient. I believe this might be okay as long as Fed-ex authorizes my account to do so.

Any thoughts on this?

Anthony-

This is along the lines of what I am thinking. I get that they don't take responsibility for the packages, they offer no legit guarantees, and they don't have waivers. I also get that snakes "shouldn't" be getting sent through them if it specifically says no snakes.....
What I don't get is this talk about "I care about my animals too much to use Shipnex." It is quite true that they are just a third party here. If I guarantee my animal, and I am willing to refund my customer if something happens then who I "check out with", really doesn't matter. When I use Shipnex, 9 times out of 10 I still use a red and white live animal box.
This would all be very different IMO if Shipnex was it's own shipping company all together, but once I drop it off with FedEx, it is all the same.

I guess I am still going to steer clear of them with all this uncertainty

Again, if they don't allow snakes then they don't allow snakes
Nothing we can really do about that. I definitely wouldn't consider it "unsafe" or anything along those lines though.

 

[robyn@Pro Exotics]

Many shipments going into California are being audited by Fish and Game, among others, for contraband. When the dogs sniff a live package, it is pulled and inspected. There are species issues, venomous issues, exterior labeling issues, and live shipping issues (as well as drug issues, explosive issues, liquor issues, etc).

During these audits, they may check the accounts with the FedEx Live Animal Desk for account approval. If a live reptile is shipped on a non-certified account, the package may be turned over to Fish and Game and not delivered. You would then incur hundreds of dollars in fees, as well as absorb the cost of returning the package to you, after who knows how many days.

Enforcement is random, penalties are random, California is particularly aggressive. But the consequences can be serious.

When SYR packages are pulled, the account is confirmed, inspection paperwork is inserted inside the box flap, and the package is delivered on time, as normal.

Moving up to 1000 packages through the system a week, we have a very large sample of various experiences, I really have a strong understanding of shipping function, and the importance of proper shipping.

It IS important whose account is being used. FedEx is MUCH better at communicating with the line, compared to UPS. There is no "live animal" division/head at UPS. FedEx has a specific Live Animal Desk, they actively pursue, and certify, live animal shippers. That makes the process, and assurances, much better.

 

[angelgirls29]

And the shipper has the choice to insure the box for whatever value they choose

I may be reading this wrong but I don't think they will insure it according to the Terms and Conditions.

8. Shipment Value Protection (Insurance)

If the Shipment has an actual value greater than the liability limits listed in Section 6, NEX can arrange shipment value protection for Shipper covering the actual cash value in respect of loss of or physical damage to the Shipment provided Shipper completes the Declared Value for Carriage section on the front of the waybill or requests it via NEX’s automated systems and pays the applicable premium. Shipment Value Protection does not cover indirect loss or damage, or loss or damage caused by delays. If Shipper does not declare a value for carriage and pay the appropriate charge, Shipper assumes all risks of loss or damage over the amount of NEX’s liability as stated in Section 6.

SHIPMENT VALUE PROTECTION DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING:
•Accounts, bills, bullion, currency, deeds, evidence of debt, furs, original/fine art, computer chips, loose precious/semi precious stones, jewelry, money, notes, securities, perishable cargo, televisions, tickets, laptop computers, cellular phones, personal goods, or similar property.
•Merchandise shipped on consignment, memorandum, or approval unless shipped in fulfillment of an order or request.
•Loss, damage, or non-arrival of any parcel which; (a) is addressed, wrapped or packed insufficiently, incorrectly or contrary to the carrier's packaging requirements; or (b) bears a descriptive label or packaging which tends to describe the nature of its contents.•Any parcel containing personal goods to accommodate an employer and/or employee.

SNIP

http://www.shipnex.com/terms-and-conditions/
So if you write what it is (as per the Lacey Act) then it won't be insured for loss/damage/non-arrival?

And the time of arrival isn't necessarily guaranteed?

As I said, I could be wrong but that is how I read it.

 

[chuckwalla]

Has anyone used reptilesexpress.com?...

They use fed ex, have the proper shipping clearences and are on average 10-15 bucks per shipment(12 x 9 x 6 reptile shipping box) than SYR. I use them all the time.

 

[Deborah Stewart]

I did a little investigation when I saw this thread not that I have interest (I am certified and I also use SYR which is a legitimate company)

I will not comment on reptiles in general but snakes.

They do not have proper clearance when it comes to snakes and reptiles when it comes to using fedex, right now they seem to use UPS and when questioned they keep saying the same thing over and over again like a politician dancing around the question.

They say they do not have a contract and tell their potential customers (if they question them which I am sure most don't) that it is THEIR responsibility not theirs

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Shipping Sevices
From: Agee Chakmak <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, September 29, 2011 9:53 am
To: "Deborah Stewart (Stewart Reptiles)" <[email protected]>,
Customer Service <[email protected]>

Dear Deborah
No, we do not have a specific contract with UPS allowing us to ship reptiles and in particular snakes.
YOU as the sender has to use sealed containers for shipping and have the license to ship the related contents.
Kind Regards,
Agee

Question them some more and still the same answer

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Shipping Sevices
From: Agee Chakmak <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, September 29, 2011 11:14 am
To: "Deborah Stewart (Stewart Reptiles)" <[email protected]>

Dear Deborah
Once and for all No, we do not have a specific contract with UPS allowing us to ship reptiles and in particular snakes.
YOU as the sender has to use sealed containers for shipping and have the license to ship the related contents.
We also recommend you read our Shipment Value Protection under terms and conditions.
Kind Regards,
Agee

Of course this is BS, as a third party they either have a specific agreement with either of those carrier (Fedex and/or UPS) to allow shipping of snakes and reptiles in general or they do not, if they do not than that is the end of it and the answer they should give to people inquiring is "we do not have a contract with either carrier allowing you to use our services for shipping of live harmless reptiles and therefore the shipping of snakes and/or reptiles in general is not allowed" instead they dance around the question.

Now what troubles me here hence my little investigation is the fact that people might willing to use a company that seems less than legitimate to ship reptiles........ PLEASE remember that the herp community is under enough scrutiny already, use common sense and ship reptiles appropriately (this means using the proper and legitimate company to do so) to avoid breaking any rules that could affect the rest of us who are shipping legitimately.

It's easy get fedex certified or use SYR it's that simple

 

[RichsBallPythons]

With what Robyn talked about with Cali is Real. I and MANY others have had boxes shipped out and in of Cali getting stopped. If you as the shipper use Shipnex, Cali stops it and runs a check on the Account number. If everything comes back not allowed to ship snakes, Cali will Destroy the package including the snake.

Sending you and your customer a letter with either a warning or Fines. I for one will NOT accept a package shipped via UPS nor will i accept an Unmarked box either.

 

[dragonlvr64]

Personally it is not worth the risk in my opinion. I am quite pleased the way I am currently shipping.
People in this thread shipping reptiles and possibly doing it against policy can further damage the reptile industry if this is the case....

Unless you have something in writing stating that YOU are allowed to ship a lizard through them, why do it? Then there are the people shipping snakes...just a disaster waiting to happen that can screw the whole industry. Taking all shipping rights from us if the incident is big enough.

I wanted to fact find a bit and see what info I could get as a possible customer.
I am not overly impressed so far. I sent them an email through their contact link yesterday, stating I am a reptile breeder. Shipping lizards for several years, and was referred to them as a possible shipping source. Could they please pass along any information in regards to the legality of shipping live reptiles through them. I have heard nothing from them.
FedEx and UPS respond with at least a computer generated letter, followed up by a letter typed by a person....as most companies will do. How is it possible that this company has blown me off? Kind of weird.
Maybe a lot of people reading this thread have written them and they are figuring out the correct response?

 

[Lucille]

My father is an attorney .

May I humbly remind you that in most court cases each side has an attorney. If the issue proceeds to trial one side will win, one side will lose. An attorney opinion does not equate with being right, all the time.

Here's the problem I have...if Shipnex considers "animals" to be mammals, then why is that not specified?

Exactly

It's only going to take one incident to cause a major issue.

I think so too.

They do not have proper clearance when it comes to snakes and reptiles when it comes to using fedex, right now they seem to use UPS and when questioned they keep saying the same thing over and over again like a politician dancing around the question.

Beautifully said.

 

[cricketman]

Very interesting thread, decided I should weigh in.

I am Clay Ghann, owner of Ghann's Cricket Farm, co-owner of RE (Reptiles Express).

Becoming approved to be a Value-Added Reseller of carrier labels is NOT an easy task. Throw in getting approved to ship live non-venomous reptiles and amphibians and well... I hope you brought a lunch - it's a complex, tedious, painstaking, time consuming, and expensive endeavor.

We here at RE have done it the right way, just like SYR has.

As far as I know at this point, NO company is authorized to sell discounted labels AND to ship reptiles and amphibians (especially snakes) via UPS, and RE and SYR are the ONLY two companies that ARE authorized to sell discounted labels AND to ship reptiles and amphibians - including snakes - via Fedex. Anyone else that does so is doing it ILLEGALLY.

ShipNEX was NOT approved to resell Fedex labels at all, nor were they approved for live animal shipping. And I use the past tense there because I have just received info confirming that Fedex has issued a cease & desist to ShipNEX to STOP selling discounted Fedex labels - period. I assume that's why many of you have reported that the labels you purchase from NEX are now coming out UPS rather than Fedex. I believe it's just a matter of time before UPS follows Fedex's lead (the UPS legal dept is already aware of NEX, and is investigating them).

As has been said many times throughout this lengthy thread, shipping reptiles & amphibians in an unauthorized manner - meaning prohibited animals, improper packaging, incorrect marking/labeling, via an unapproved service, ETC - is not only irresponsible, but threatens the existence of our entire industry.

As previously noted, our industry has enough battles to fight already, we sure don't need any more. If you care about the animals, your industry associates, and your own business, use proper packaging & procedures and a REPUTABLE AND APPROVED SERVICE, and that means either Reptiles Express or SYR - period.

 

[dragonlvr64]

Thank you for the info Clay! Not at all surprised!

 

[ShadowAceD]

Very interesting thread, decided I should weigh in.

I am Clay Ghann, owner of Ghann's Cricket Farm, co-owner of RE (Reptiles Express).

Becoming approved to be a Value-Added Reseller of carrier labels is NOT an easy task. Throw in getting approved to ship live non-venomous reptiles and amphibians and well... I hope you brought a lunch - it's a complex, tedious, painstaking, time consuming, and expensive endeavor.

We here at RE have done it the right way, just like SYR has.

As far as I know at this point, NO company is authorized to sell discounted labels AND to ship reptiles and amphibians (especially snakes) via UPS, and RE and SYR are the ONLY two companies that ARE authorized to sell discounted labels AND to ship reptiles and amphibians - including snakes - via Fedex. Anyone else that does so is doing it ILLEGALLY.

ShipNEX was NOT approved to resell Fedex labels at all, nor were they approved for live animal shipping. And I use the past tense there because I have just received info confirming that Fedex has issued a cease & desist to ShipNEX to STOP selling discounted Fedex labels - period. I assume that's why many of you have reported that the labels you purchase from NEX are now coming out UPS rather than Fedex. I believe it's just a matter of time before UPS follows Fedex's lead (the UPS legal dept is already aware of NEX, and is investigating them).

As has been said many times throughout this lengthy thread, shipping reptiles & amphibians in an unauthorized manner - meaning prohibited animals, improper packaging, incorrect marking/labeling, via an unapproved service, ETC - is not only irresponsible, but threatens the existence of our entire industry.

As previously noted, our industry has enough battles to fight already, we sure don't need any more. If you care about the animals, your industry associates, and your own business, use proper packaging & procedures and a REPUTABLE AND APPROVED SERVICE, and that means either Reptiles Express or SYR - period.

Thanks for the info, Clay.

 

[Spyral]

Since UPS does allow shipment of approved animals, would the issue here be whether NEX is selling discounted labels without authorization? Or are there issues with using UPS for reptiles without prior authorization? Fed-Ex requires authorization (either individually or through SYR or RE), does UPS have the same requirement?

 

[AltitudeExotics]

UPS does not require any approval or authorization of any kind for shipping harmless reptiles that are not snakes. So let say...gecko's are perfectly accepted and legal to ship UPS.

 

[Captive Bred Excellence]

Shipnex

I just re-visited and read all the posts. Thanks to everyone who posted. When I started this thread I was hoping Shipnex was a legitamate alternative to the other available approved shippers. I'm not surprized their not considering the huge savings they were offering us, 40-50%. I know when we first started shipping reptiles in the early 90's are first account was with a third party shipper who at that time used Airborne Express, and yes we were approved through Airborne to ship reptiles. Using the third party shipper enabled us much better rates than our standard Airborne account and we used them for aprox 5 years. When Airborne sold to "DSL" we received a letter stating they no longer accepted reptile shipments. So that left us with Delta, UPS, and FedEx, we are certified with Delta and Fedex for shipping snakes but UPS will only allow us to ship lizards. Since the 9-11 attack we have used FedEx exclusively for snakes and UPS for lizards. Delta just got to be a pain in the ass after 9-11. So that leaves only FedEx (or ship your reptiles) who ships through FedEx as an approved shipper for snakes. We don't like having only one shipper but that seems to be it ATM. If anyone knows of any other legitamate shippers please let us know as it's nice to have a backup.

Tad Fitzgerald

 

[Spyral]

ReptilesExpress.com (RE) is also a legit 3rd party company via FedEx and reviews have been very good for them as well.

 

[radera5]

RE is awesome. Debbie is always a huge help

 

[Captive Bred Excellence]

Shipnex

Thank-you, we will check them out.

Tad Fitzgerald