Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me what is required to be classified as a live animal shipper by shipping companies, and which companies have this classification.
Thanks, Ed

I just got through this process with UPS. First, they won't let you ship any snakes. If you need to ship snakes, I'm sorry I can't help. Anyway, I had to open a free account and explain to a UPS customer service person what exactly I was going to ship (tortoises) and what the shipping box was going to be like. After all of that was settled, they sent me a letter that allowed me to ship tortoises. If a UPS person has a problem with me shpping tortoises, I just show them my letter. One thing you have to do is have your shipper number on the box. The corporate office has you on record as a verified live animal shipper.

Hope this helps,

Reid

Fedex is now offering to ship live reptiles including non-venomous snakes. There is a process you go through to be certified, call and ask to speak to your area rep foor details. There are two issues that pose a problem with their current agreement. 1) It is for business to business only. 2) They will not honer the priority time guarantee but expect us to pay for it. If you are ok with those issues it's fairly simply to get the account.

You can also go to your local Delta air freight office and tell the manager you want to become an approved shipper. They will send a rep to your home/business to verify you in fact have a reptile operation. They don't require you so have a business license but most give them a bussiness name anyway. They then ask that you ship 2 times within the next 6 months to stay certified.

UPS will approve several types but will not accept snakes.

Hope this helps,
Tad Fitzgerald
Captivebred.com