Just to add my two cents to the mix..... as I understand it, it is illegal to ship snakes through USPS, just as all of you have said. It has also been said (several times I think) that it is against company policy (FedEx, UPS, Airborne Espress, etc.) to ship snakes (and other animals, with few exceptions), but some of these companies will make exceptions, and they will willingly and knowingly accept snakes as cargo.
I am in negotiations with one of those carrier's legal department, at this very time, to see if in fact they will accept venomous snakes, IF I provide IATA approved containers for the animals, and if I ship in strict compliance with the IATA regulations. So far, the reply has been, "we're not sure" instead of "NO!" because I have taken the time to ASK them in a polite and professional way. I will be updating the thread, should I get any new developments, but as it stands, if I release the carrier of any legal responsibility, they are willing to accept live harmless reptiles, including snakes, from me anytime I want to set up an account. We're still talking about the venomous ones.
I COMPLETELY agree that a venomoid, despite my displeasure at even typing the word, would be cause for a person to be prosecuted for shipping illegally, (reptiles aren't hazardous materials, as far as I know) in light of the fact that someone might easily have a heart attack if a carton were to become damaged and the snake escaped..... Law enforcement will not be interested in milking said snake to see if it's hot or not.....
Bottom line is we better clean up our act or there won't be anyone willing to pick up a parcel anywhere in the country without a criminal background check on the shipper first.....