There are many choices for drop off locations. As a hobby, we are bound to run into reptile phobic clerks at any time. There is little we can do about Know-it-All Andy at a particular UPS counter in Racine Wisconsin, or wherever. He is going to flex his (ignorant) power any time he gets his chance, that is what makes his day.
You can schedule a driver pickup from your home, you can drop your package off with a friendly business that has a daily pickup, and you should meet minimum phobia at friendly UPS drop off points like Staples and Office Depot.
Individual UPS Stores are franchises, independently owned, and they set their own standards for what they will and won't accept, and may choose to abide by the UPS tariff on accepting perishable packages, or not.
Many VET CLINICS have daily pickups and deliveries, those are excellent and EASY opportunities to get your prepaid package into the hands of the UPS driver. Bike shops have pick ups and deliveries, so do hardware stores, auto spots, and 1000's of other businesses. If you have a friendly relationship with any of these folks, it is not hard to leave your packages with their own for their daily pickup. It is of no additional expense or consequence to them, or you, and drivers make regular, timed, predictable stops and these small businesses.
As for our rates, Next Day Air is a straight 30% savings from the UPS rate. There is no fuzzy math involved. Getting a quote on the front page of our site is QUICK AND EASY, no registration is required to get the quote, and it will show you the UPS rate, as well as the ShipYourReptiles.com rate. The savings is QUITE REAL! : )