Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have never shipped out a snake before although I would like to know how. I am familiar with packaging them, a I have had boas mail to me before. How would I decide which company to use, and what do I ask for when I go there to mail it? Anything else in particular I need to be mindful of?

Thanks,

Mat

This is a subject I've really wanted to speak to lately.
First, let me say -- it's not "mailed". It is against the law to send snakes via the U.S. Postal Service.
You can ship Airport to Airport via Delta Airlines Delta "DASH" Service. You have to be known shipper. There are varying opinions on what that takes.
Secondly, most people ship with a Parcel Service -- UPS, FedEx, DHL. Requirements vary. I believe DHL does not allow shipping snakes.
My main focus here is in how the animals are packed.
I have gotten a lot of snakes shipped to me lately. Here are some things I've seen, that I ask people NOT do in the future.

1) When you ship with the molded Styrofoam "cooler" type liners, please put a few air holes in the container. Especially if you include a "heatpack". Heatpacks consume oxygen. They increase the snake's metabolism with the additional heat. When the type of liner is composed of individual pieces for each side, top, and bottom; air holes are probably not necessary.
2) Whenever you include a "heatpack" in the shipment please make sure there is a good physical barrier between the snake and the heatpack. Cardboard, or something like that. I got a boa in today, sitting on a heatpack that arrived with a body temperature of 91 deg.F. That's too hot. Unnecessary stress.
The same goes for "coolpacks", too. I've received boas sitting on top of coolpacks arriving at 52 deg.F. Just make sure to wrap that hot/cold thing up and attach it to the lid or side, as best you can. About half the time heat/cool packs shake loose in transit. Try to make sure there is a barrier.
3) Place a wad of paper towel or newspaper in the sack or deli cup for the animal's security. It gives them something to cling to. The paper towel or newspaper also acts to absorb any mess the animal may make in transit. It may also insulate the snake from a heatpack or coolpack, should one come into contact with the snake bag or deli cup while in transit.
4) Fill the additional space in the container with wadded up newspaper for stability and to cushion the animal in transit. Do NOT use foam peanuts or bubble wrap. They displace air/oxygen in the container. You want as much air inside the container as is possible, right? Besides that, no telling what kind of toxic fumes (formaldehyde) they may give off, especially if a "heatpack" is being used.
5) There is no need to completely seal the inner Styrofoam liner or outer cardboard box with sealing tape. I've seen people completely seal the lid on a "cooler type" inner Styrofoam container. Not necessary. Reduces air flow. Not good. Every seam on the outer carton does not need to be sealed, either. Let a little air in.
6) Pack them like it's going to take 48 hours for delivery.
Unfortunately, it does take that long or longer every now and then. Common sense goes a long way.
That is my rant.
jsc

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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

I agree ~!
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TnK

You brought up some good points. DHL actually does ship snakes, as I have received snake shipments from them in the past. My question was directed more towards what do I do once I get to DHL, UPS, etc..? What do I tell them (details)regarding how I would like to ship it? I know there are a few different methods/options and I dont have any experience with shipping. Do I just write "live reptile" on the outside of the box and hand it to them and say "over-night delivery" and thats all I need to do?

Thanks,

Mat

Call your local FedEx Express,tell them you want to become FedEx Certified,they'll direct you on the procedure.
You'll need to ship them a box simulating the "exact" setup you'll use for live animals.They will inspect it and OK/Deny from there.
*** DO NOT MENTION "HEAT PACKS" *** Do not include one in your test box.
Just ship them an insulated box thats properly addressed and taped securely.
I dont recall the vendor .... but there is one that has printed"Live Animal" shipping boxs and or sticker labels for sale that are of good quality.

>>You brought up some good points. DHL actually does ship snakes, as I have received snake shipments from them in the past. My question was directed more towards what do I do once I get to DHL, UPS, etc..? What do I tell them (details)regarding how I would like to ship it? I know there are a few different methods/options and I dont have any experience with shipping. Do I just write "live reptile" on the outside of the box and hand it to them and say "over-night delivery" and thats all I need to do?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Mat
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TnK

DHL and UPS will ship reptiles -- as long as they don't know about it, but I have read their statments that say no reptiles. Fedex will certify you like previously mentioned, but you must send a test box - and make it a good one. I ctually DID send an un-opened heat pack and everything was okay, but maybe things have changed in the last 5 years. This process takes a few weeks. This is the only way to be up front with the carrier about the contents (aside frim airline shipping), otherwise , if you use UPS or DHL, you'll need to keep it "hush hush".
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Snake room janitor