Shipping?

I've never ordered a snake and had it mailed to me before (I've done this with our Welsh corgi though, she did fine) so I'm a little curious on how the process works and all those important details.
I've seen unboxing videos on Youtube and it seems the standard for shipping reptiles is something along the lines of a snake in a bag inside a tub padded in foam inside a box inside a different box. I'd think that'd be a bit stifling but it seems pretty safe?
Also, do the animals get shipped directly to your doorstep by UPS/FedEx or do you pick them up at an airport (Which is what I did to pick up my dog).

The insulation keeps the heat inside the box, and putting the snake in the bag keeps it secured away from everything else. Most of the snakes I've had shipped usually have crumpled up newspaper in there too, so the snake doesn't get thrown around in transit.

Some people pick up their snakes directly at their hub (airport), you'd have to call to find out which hub it'd be coming in. I have gotten all of mine shipped to my door with no issues, but it all comes down to who you purchased it from. I've seen some bad unboxing videos where the snake didn't make it, it's usually the shippers fault :(

Here is a video the shows how they are packaged:

http://youtu.be/aZgvFfbGubI

Pretty much once they are put in the box the shipper will have FedEx pick up the box in the late afternoon.

FedEx will then overnight the package to you. It should be on your door by noon.

Most shippers do not require a signature so in the case that you do not answer the door they will leave the box there and not take it back with them and try the next day as this would result in a dead snake.

Typically the animal is secured in something a bag or even a deli cup depending on the animal. The box is padded ,insulated, and ventilated then heated (if need be or cooled). Sealed and shipped next day priority. Delivery location is dependent on the buyer and the weather they can be shipped to your door or held for pick up at a fed-ex spot of your choosing.