Reptiles are well suited to Overnight shipping. If properly done, you should expect prompt overnight service and you should encounter no issues, including healthy issues. Overnight shipping of reptiles makes the entire industry possible. There is no reason to be limited to the animal selection within regional driving distance, or a reptile show schedule.
You should STILL be discerning and selective when choosing a breeder or dealer to work with. There is still junk out there, and there are still crooks. But there are TONS of terrific breeders and dealers with awesome customer service and attention, and awesome animals. Choose wisely, and everything will be just fine.
As for these kinds of images, ugh. There is so much wrong here. The box is completely inadequate. It doesn't include insulation, for one. The FedEx and SYR minimum is at least 3/4" insulation. That provides not just thermal protection, but structural protection as well. Believe it or not, this style of "plain box, no insulation" shipping is pretty commonly recommended on some of the turtle and tortoise forums. Drives me nuts : )
US Postal is also the worst carrier choice (and they don't allow snakes, period). Box handling is poor. "Overnight" is not overnight to all addressees, and tracking just stinks. Folks that ship live reptiles as pictured here put all of us at risk of losing our ability to ship and receive animals. The shipping standards aren't hard to find, and they are easy to follow. It's not like you have to use a diamond encrusted titanium box that levitates off solar power.
You can refer to our ShipYourReptiles Shipping Standards, which meet the FedEx requirements, where we cover packaging, temperature guidelines, insurance and more.
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Originally Posted by Prahanien