Fedex associates dont know anything about reptiles shipping

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

I can guarantee you that they don't treat you box with any extra care. It gets stuck on the conveyer belt just like any other package and is dropped/thrown/slid just as much as any other package. Most of the package handling is done by machines so Fragile, perishable, Live animial is pretty meaningless. I have a buddy that worked for fedex for years and some of the stories that he has told me makes me surprised that any package makes it to it's destination undamaged.

Best not to think about it huh. Its a good thing our snakes are tough!

[WingedWolfPsion]

I always keep it firmly in mind when I pack them. Extra crumpled newspaper never hurts. I don't want any space in there that the snake might slide or fall through. I try to package them to survive being thrown down a flight of stairs, because it just might happen. I pack deli cups for geckos pretty full of paper towel, too, for the same reason.

Ironically, in tests, it was USPS that handled packages most gently. UPS came in a far second, and Fed Ex third, for hard impacts. (USPS packages were rolled more, but less violently). Too bad they're not an option.

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

I always keep it firmly in mind when I pack them. Extra crumpled newspaper never hurts. I don't want any space in there that the snake might slide or fall through. I try to package them to survive being thrown down a flight of stairs, because it just might happen. I pack deli cups for geckos pretty full of paper towel, too, for the same reason.

Ironically, in tests, it was USPS that handled packages most gently. UPS came in a far second, and Fed Ex third, for hard impacts. (USPS packages were rolled more, but less violently). Too bad they're not an option.

They are much cheaper too

[MitsuMike]

The girl who took my box flipped it in the air as she walked to put it in the outgoing section. I had to get her attention and tell her "Do you not see the big red letters that say perishable and fragile and the arrows pointing UP" ..... I swear some of these employees just don't give a crap.

I would have dropped her on her head if I saw a person do that. And they don't, with anything. I swear if you don't have a tracking number on something (not reptiles of course) they always just so happen to lose it.

[SlitherinSisters]

Great thread, I was just wondering about this sort of thing. I hope it goes well for me when I start shipping! I know there is at least one person shipping BPs through our FedEx hub so it *should* go smoothly.

As for the "handle with care" and "up" message.... it really does mean nothing. When I got my trio of het pieds I was sooo excited to pick them up! I got into the office, asked for it, she came back, and DROPPED it on the counter She probably dropped it on the floor before she brought it out for me

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

A part of the hobby we just cant change.