Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just heard that DHL/Airborne is now refusing to ship turtles and tortoises. Also that shippers that still transport chelonians are really cracking down on enforcing the "Four Inch Law". Anyone had any recent experiences with DHL and what shippers are still 'turtle friendly'?

I received a shipment of baby Russians from DHL at the beginning of October (from KC, Missouri to Bay Area, CA). The box was labeled "live tortoise," so DHL obviously was aware of the contents. I know local offices can sometimes be balky about shipments, but I've never had any trouble with DHL/Airborne.

Hope this helps.
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Sohni

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
1.0 3 Toed Box Turtle (rescued)
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Edmund,

10/20 3p CT DHL picked up a typical sized package in E.TN at my residence.. it arrived in N.CA 10/21 11a PT.. safe and sound. Have been using DHL for 4 months.. everytime I call for a shipping rate they know I'm shipping baby turtles/tortoises.

I don't mark the box/shipping label.. "live turtles".. but it has air holes and "fragile handle with care".. "this side up" all over the box.

The only issues I've had is they want to charge a 5 lb. rate for a 11"x9"x7" box with a couple plastic containers with 2 oz. turtles in them.. so I call.. tell them the box had baby turtles in it.. (they go.. Ahhh!)..and they adjust it. No problem.

Any other Q's?

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

I just opened an account with them, it was very easy, all done in about 5 minutes via the web. I have received tortoises from them, and I believe, also a snake. Nothing I've got from them is ever marked live reptiles, or live anything, and frankly, if I send something LIVE through them, I very much doubt if I will be doing any labelling, why take the chance? I would, however,write fragile, this side up on it.

I have NEVER been refused here in Seattle by Airborne/DHL. I
take my animals right into the counter, usually about a half an
hour before the plane leaves. The staff know me on sight(DUH!!).
They are always very attentive about my concerns for the
animals i'm about to ship. No complaints from me.

I just shipped two 5 lb. sulcatas to a friend on Thursday. So they must still be allowing it.

Tortuga