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UPDATE ON SHIPPING

B

BEN SPARKS

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HI ALL!

FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR POSTING AND EMAILS, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT A HELP IT HAS BEEN.

YESTERDAY I MET WITH 2 REPS FROM UPS. THEY DROVE ABOUT 1-1/2 HOURS TO MY HOUSE TO MEET WITH ME. I DEMONSTATED PACKAGING, DIFFERENT BOXES, INSULATION,
AND HEAT PACKS TO THEM. AFTER THAT WE WENT UPSTAIRS
TO THE ANIMALS AND MUCH TO MY SUPRISE THEY WERE VERY EXCITED ABOUT GETTING TO HOLD SOME. I WENT OVER
THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY OF SNAKES THAT WOULD BE SHIPPED (BABIES - 2 YEARS OLD) ARE JUST THE SAME AS THE
LIZARDS AND FROGS THEY ALREADY ALLOW TO BE SHIPPED.
IN FACT AS FAR AS THE "WIGGLE FACTOR" GOES THEY ARE LESS A RISK. THEY HELD A COUPLE OF BALL PYTHONS, THEN HELD SOME GECKOS. THEY COULD EASILY SEE HOW THE BALLS SHOULD BE LESS A WORRY THAN THE GECKOS (AS FAR AS ONE GETTING OUT AND SCURRYING UP A DRIVERS SHIRT, HEHEHEHE). WE THEN TALKED ABOUT POSSIBLE VERIFICATION SYSTEMS THEY COULD USE, AND I RECOMMENDED SOME GUIDELINES TO THEM AS FAR AS PACKING GOES. I WENT OVER THE POTENTIAL REVENUE IT WOULD CREATE, ESPECIALLY IN THE PEAK HATCHING SEASON.
THIS IS WHAT REALLY HAS THERE ATTENTION.
THEY TOLD ME THAT MOST LIKELY IT WOULD COME TO A "TRIAL PERIOD" WHERE EITHER A HANDLE-FULL OF PEOPLE, OR ONE STATE WOULD BE ALLOWED TO SHIP OUT TO ANYWHERE FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME. AFTER THE "TRIAL PERIOD" IF THERE WERE NO "MAJOR" MIS-HAPS THEN IT WOULD BE OPENED UP NATION WIDE FOR EVERYONE!!
THE MAIN THINGS THEY ARE LOOKING AT ARE:
POTENTIAL REVENUE
UPS WORKER SAFETY
AND ANIMAL SAFETY (IN THAT ORDER)
PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO THEM BUT I STILL HAVE SOME MORE INFO I NEED TO GET TO THEM TODAY. THE TWO REPS THAT CAME OUT SAID THEY ARE TOTALLY ON OUR SIDE AND BOTH THINK THAT UPS SHOULD SHIP SNAKES JUST LIKE THEY DO OTHER REPTILES. THEY SAID IN THEIR OPINION THAT TURNING DOWN REVENUE DUE TO SOME PEOPLES COMMON PHOBIA AND PREJEDUCE (SP?) IS OBSURD TO THEM. THEY NOW HAVE TO CONVINCE THEIR BOSS OF IT (THEN THE BALL STARTS ROLLING!!)HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE WORD IN THE NEXT WEEK OF EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. SOON AS I HEAR I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW.
THE MEETING WENT EXTREMELY WELL AND I DO EXPECT GOOD THINGS TO COME FROM THIS!

BTW, ONE OF THE REPS LEFT WITH 2 FREE HAMSTERS FOR HER KIDS (EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS YA KNOW! HEHEHE)

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT.
KEEP THE FAITH!
GOD BLESS
BEN [email protected].
CUSTOM REPTILE CARPENTRY
TAHLEQUAH, OK <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
Way to go Ben!!! I really hope this works out!  It would be absolutely wonderful (and in my case very time saving) to have a legal door-to-door shipping service.  Do you know yet if we'll have to set up a special business account with them to utilize the service or if it will be available at all times to anyone (this is assuming they approve it, which it sure looks like they may)  I'm looking forward to find out what the final decision is.
 
THANKS NEIL AND HI KARA!

ODDS TO NONE WHOEVER WOULD SHIP WOULD NEED TO HAVE A ACCOUNT WITH THEM SO THEY COULD VERIFY THE PERSON WHO IS SHIPPING. THE GREAT THING IS (AND I DONT THINK MANY PEOPLE REALIZE THIS) THAT YOU CAN GO ONTO UPS'S WEBSITE, OPEN A ACCOUNT FOR FREE, THEY SEND YOU SHIPPERS, FREE SUPPLIES, AND A RATE BOOK. WITH HAVING A ACCOUNT WITH THEM YOU GET A DISCOUNTED RATE THAT IS A GOOD BIT CHEAPER THAN JUST GOING TO THE COUNTER SOMEWHERE- AND FREE SUPPLIES!
THIS IS THE CASE WITH ANY SHIPPER THOUGH. I HAVE ACCOUNTS WITH UPS AND AIRBORNE. ALL SUPPLIES ARE FREE
AND I GET DISCOUNTED RATES WHETHER I SHIP EVERYWEEK OR NOT. IF I NEED A PICK-UP I JUST CALL.
AT ANY RATE THEY WILL PROBABLY DO THIS LIKE I SAID SO THEY CAN VERIFY THE SHIPPER. IF THE SHIPPER IS CAUGHT IN VIOLATION (SHIPPING VEN. OR NO INSULATION ETC..) THEY WILL BE BARRED FROM SHIPPING WITH UPS AND UPS
CAN GIVE THE INFO TO ALL THE OTHER SHIPPERS ALSO.
THAT WAY IF SOMEONE BREAK THE RULES WITH ONE, THEY WILL PRETTY MUCH SCREW THEMSELVES WITH ALL THE SHIPPERS! (UPS, FED-EX, AIRBORNE ETC..)

THANKS AND GOD BLESS TO ALL!
BEN [email protected]. <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
That is Great news Ben!!! Even though I don't ship snakes as often as most of the big timers but I ship at least 1 or 2 packages a month maybe more on certain months. I usually do it throught airborn but if there is a legal way to ship it I would prefer that <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>.......Let me know how it goes

Thanx

Winston
 
Wow that is awesome Ben!  Kudos to you for taking
the initiative to get the ball rolling!  (don't forget to
mention that all shipments (will be/should be) sent overnight..
that might raise the level of "profit" a bit in their eyes if
you hadn't already mentioned it. <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>  Thanks for the update!!!
 
Ben,
  Thumbs UP !!!!!! Thank You!!!  I hope this works out for everyones sake.  You know once I hit the road. I won't be on line as much. But if there is anything that I can help with just use that cell #!!!!
Thanks again,
       Tom
 
Glad to hear there's progress on shipping.  It's about time UPS came to their senses.  Having just experienced our first problem in trying to get snakes shipped through UPS, it will be nice to have something in our favor.

We've always slipped them under the door with UPS, so to speak, and our last shipment which went out Monday didn't make it under the crack.  They discovered the snakes before they got on the plane, and returned them to the local center here.  What puzzled me was that they put them under a Fish and Wildlife Hold, then closed up the box after verifying there were no venomous, and sent them on their way to the buyer.  Seems to me like they aren't really worried about anything other than venomous.  Haven't heard anything from UPS about it.  Found out what I know from a friend who works for the Conservation Dept. here in Missouri.

Keep up the good work!!!  Let's get this deal done!!
 
Thumbs up to you Ben
I too have been using UPS[got permission from the rep up here in Mi.]
I guess it's about time It was everywhere <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
good jog Benster

Tell them not to worry about safety when it comes to shipping.....they have been safe all this time   <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

just kidding

after them...lets see what the others will say.
actually, I am fine with UPS....if UPS is the only one who will go for it...then it is the other people's loss
 
Well BEn i must say this and  we need to poll this lol , i can see your face on Reptile Magazine Now Herper of the Year !!! wow !!! but in all due respect the herp industry is goin to " blossom" if the goes well and  all need to know that it will be a MUST to follow all guidlines set forth from this if it goes cause all it could take is for one group to find out and do a "test" to see hoe peole ship , i mean imagine if some LAME shipper ships a snake that ends up frozen dead on arrival and its to some anti snake or anti anything group this would be enough for them to stop what gets started !! just food for though and Ben ... You Are da MAN"
 
I contacted my local ups when I was going to ship for my first time.  I explained what the problem was and how I packed them, and they still said no.  They said that they did not ship any live animlas at all.  You guys seem to have been able to ship lizards etc.  just not snakes.  Was it because I did not have an account?  Or was it just this office?  Any info would be apprectied.  Thanks, Jacob. <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
 
AWESOME BEN  WTFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you are the man with the plan ben   if you need anymore help i will do what ever i can    just let me know  
im so glad to hear this   it will be so much easier  

and to think during hatching season   even at discount rates
think about it  lets say  theres  30 hatchlings   25 buyers  
at $30  each  shipping costs  
$30
x25
----
U do the math    and thats just 1  breeder
now times that total   by   3000 breeders (even though  theres alot more of us out there )
THATS ALOTA  POCKET CHANGE FOR UPS  

youd think they would have thought of this by now
and if this passes  and is legal to ship  through them  that will also  help on the REPTILE BANNING  issues  
think about it  
legal to ship now  so that says to some  our business is a bit safer than what people make it out to be  hense  a  pointable argument  twords stopping banning of reptiles  


thought of the day :
1 small step leads to another  , and another ,and  another eventually those small steps  turn into big steps  then  we will be learning to walk again  ,
and when we learn to walk again  ,  things will be brighter  and within our reach .....................


keep the faith  we will be walking again real soon  ..:D  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

shawn
 
<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
THANKS FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT FOLKS!!
SOONER OR LATER WE'LL GET THIS DONE AND EVERYONE WILL
BENEFIT!

GOD BLESS TO ALL!

BEN [email protected].
 
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Jacob Abshire @ Feb. 28 2002,16:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> You guys seem to have been able to ship lizards etc.  just not snakes.  Was it because I did not have an account?  Or was it just this office?  </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
hey jacob...
it is not just you.....

the ups in south carolina says "NO SHIPPING OF ANY LIVE ANIMALS THROUGH UPS"

but i recieve them all the time.......go figure.
and the boxes I receive says.  "Live harmless Reptile"

I guess a "Reptile" is not the same as an "animal" where ups is concerened
 
The UPS rate and service guide for 2002 on
page 151 paragraph [n] states
'Ups does not regularly provide service for
packages containing live animals. UPS will only
accept live animal shipments on an exception
basis. Transportation for packages containing
live animals is limited,must be prearranged,
and as with all other package,will be provided
only according to the terms and conditions
contained in the UPS tariff.'
This is copied word for word,...no mention of reptiles
Hope this helped some
 
Way to go Ben!!!  

I have been shipping geckos through UPS for a few months now, and they have been excellent to me about it.   I got an exception to do it, but it didn't take much more than explaining to the rep what I was shipping, how many I was shipping, and then just getting through the, "and you're shipping WHAT, again?" part of the conversation.  

It would be great to see them allowing snakes.  In all honesty, I always thought it was silly that you could ship lizards and frogs, but no snakes.  

Great to see you got us moving in the right direction Ben!
 
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