How to become FedEx Certified to ship reptiles....

Opps sorry I see from your profile that you are 21! sorry for that.

No prob, Bob

I could have sworn you where 16! ;)

It's hard to take that as a compliment, but I'll try

do you have to put your credit card number in, in order to make the account? what is it for? because im afraid that i will charged for something lol

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Originally Posted by BaLLPAddICT

do you have to put your credit card number in, in order to make the account? what is it for? because im afraid that i will charged for something lol

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yeah you have to

I was charged $20 so far but I'm told it will be reversed in a few days

=/

really? what were you charged for? ..good thing i asked first

I have no idea. I never saw anywhere on the site where it said it was going to authorize my card but it did 2 times, each for $10.

okay thanks for the heads up, im gonna call tomorrow to make sure everything will be okay before i make the account.. and good luck

They make sue it is a valid card. The funds will be back on there in usually 3-4 days. My moms certification papers came in the mail today and she signed them and overnighted them back to her rep. The rep gets a copy, the legal dept. gets one and so does my mom. So hopefully by friday we will be certified if not monday!

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

Becoming FedEx Certified

The process of becoming a qualified reptile shipper with FedEx is very simple. I have compiled a list to take people through the process.

1. Set up a FedEx account. Setting up an account is very simple. Go to http://www.fedex.com/us/ and click the ‘Open an account’ link. Follow the directions provided. Make sure you write down you account number because you will need it in the following steps.

2. Find your FedEx account representative. I did this by calling 1-800-GO-FEDEX. You will need to say. …TECHNICAL SUPPORT…REP. You will understand that when you make the call. Ask the representative to have your FedEx account representative call you. Then wait for the call. You will not be able to really do anything at this point, but make sure you get the contact info and fax number of your representative. You will need this information later after you get your test package results back.

3. Prepare your shipping box for inspection and testing. You will need to set up a box identical to the way you would set it up for shipping a reptile (but without the reptile). An over box can be used to protect you box, just be sure to write OVER BOX on the outer box.

4. Download this application and fill it out appropriately. http://www.fedex.com/us/services/pdf...pplication.pdf

5. Contact FedEx Packaging Design and Development Services at 1-800-633-7019 and get the account number that will pay for the test package shipping. You do not have to pay to have the test package shipped, so this call can save you some money.

6. Now you just have to wait to receive your test results. If you pass, call your FedEx account representative. The rep will ask you to fax them a copy of the paper saying that you have passed(or in most cases they will already have it). From this point, the rep will take care of getting the appropriate legal paperwork together. You will not be 'verified' to ship the reptiles until you sign these legal documents.

7. Once you receive the paperwork, you will have to sign your name a few places then send it back to your rep. Your rep should then notify you when everything has went through and you are approved.

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I had a couple more questions, just so I can get eveything right :) once i fill out the application and contact packing design to get the account number thats paying for it... where do i ship the box to? also if i put a overbox do i put the application on the inner box or the outter.. also on the application do you fill it out pretending there is a reptile in it (value, product, weight) or do you do the box itself's value and packaging contents? thanks

I actually didn't call to get the account number...I got instructions from Fauna and it neglected this fact. My account rep. told me it was to no charge on me. I just checked the Bill Recipient box on the form. According to tracking they have the package and my account hasn't been billed yet! Let's hope it stays that way ^_^

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

Becoming FedEx Certified

The process of becoming a qualified reptile shipper with FedEx is very simple. I have compiled a list to take people through the process.

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Great job on this thread! I just went through all the steps and am now certified to ship. You do have to jump through a lot of hoops. I happened to get an account rep with a super sense of humor and she worked really hard for me. The only money out of my pocket was the price I paid to buy my test shipping box, other than that it was free, just make sure when you ship your test package you use there account number, they will give it to you if you ask.

I am pry being too anal but I just started the process and had a couple of quick questions.


1. I noticed that the boxes recommended say they are perishable but not that they contain harmless reptiles...do you have to add a sticker or write on the box that it contains a reptile?

2. On the form for the packaging certification it asks for the model of what is in the box...did you write it was a reptile or something similar?

3. Finally when you sent in the box did you include anything in the snake bag or just the bag? Just wondering if weight is an issue or what they are really looking at?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

I am pry being too anal but I just started the process and had a couple of quick questions.


1. I noticed that the boxes recommended say they are perishable but not that they contain harmless reptiles...do you have to add a sticker or write on the box that it contains a reptile?

2. On the form for the packaging certification it asks for the model of what is in the box...did you write it was a reptile or something similar?

3. Finally when you sent in the box did you include anything in the snake bag or just the bag? Just wondering if weight is an issue or what they are really looking at?

Thanks

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I have been a Fedex verified shipper for quite awhile and the best answers I can give are-
1.Write on the outside of the box "Live Harmless Reptile"
2.Once again-live harmless reptile, heat/cold pack, stryofoam, shredded paper, and snake bag/container.
3.I put some shredded paper in the bag to give it some shape.(Make sure the bag or container is securely closed.) They are just looking at it.

Hope this helps. I was very nervous myself but the process is quite simple.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

Becoming FedEx Certified

The process of becoming a qualified reptile shipper with FedEx is very simple. I have compiled a list to take people through the process.

1. Set up a FedEx account. Setting up an account is very simple. Go to http://www.fedex.com/us/ and click the ‘Open an account’ link. Follow the directions provided. Make sure you write down you account number because you will need it in the following steps.

2. Find your FedEx account representative. I did this by calling 1-800-GO-FEDEX. You will need to say. …TECHNICAL SUPPORT…REP. You will understand that when you make the call. Ask the representative to have your FedEx account representative call you. Then wait for the call. You will not be able to really do anything at this point, but make sure you get the contact info and fax number of your representative. You will need this information later after you get your test package results back.

3. Prepare your shipping box for inspection and testing. You will need to set up a box identical to the way you would set it up for shipping a reptile (but without the reptile). An over box can be used to protect you box, just be sure to write OVER BOX on the outer box.

4. Download this application and fill it out appropriately. http://www.fedex.com/us/services/pdf...pplication.pdf

5. Contact FedEx Packaging Design and Development Services at 1-800-633-7019 and get the account number that will pay for the test package shipping. You do not have to pay to have the test package shipped, so this call can save you some money.

6. Now you just have to wait to receive your test results. If you pass, call your FedEx account representative. The rep will ask you to fax them a copy of the paper saying that you have passed(or in most cases they will already have it). From this point, the rep will take care of getting the appropriate legal paperwork together. You will not be 'verified' to ship the reptiles until you sign these legal documents.

7. Once you receive the paperwork, you will have to sign your name a few places then send it back to your rep. Your rep should then notify you when everything has went through and you are approved.

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Do these guidelines still remain fairly simple or are you unaware since you already got yours?

So how long are you verified once you do the steps. Do you have to do this once a year, 5 years, ???.

Just to post an update*

When you are ready to ship your package in, you do not need to call and get an account number for fedex to pay the shipping, you just need to send it 2-day and mark the 'bill to recipient' box.

:gj:

Cheers,
Kat

Oh hell. Here's the pictorial to easy packing for your test package....


Step 1: It helps if you're anal and have a designated shipping area :D

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...ppingspace.jpg

Step 2: Acquire box and gather materials.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...eadytopack.jpg

Step 3: Prepare box for fake snake.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...preparebox.jpg

Step 4: Make realistic fake snake out of a rock wrapped in papertowels. This is not necessary (you could use an empty bag), however, I feel it may add some trepidation on the part of whomever opens the package. It's not nice, but I like it.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...baggedrock.jpg

Step 5: Place fake snake in box snugly.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...acktherock.jpg

Step 6: Place more insulation on top of fake snake.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...uretherock.jpg

Step 7: Attach heat/cold pack securely to inside of lid.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...e/putonlid.jpg

Step 8: Close it up

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j.../closeitup.jpg

Step 9: Mark the outside. Smiley's help.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j.../labeltogo.jpg

Step 10: Take it in to fedex, along with your filled out form. Fill out the waybill and have the fedex guy attach your form to the outside of the box, as well. Bill it to the recipient and go home to wait for the results. If you did everything right, it's gonna be good news.



Hope it helps.

Cheers,
Kat

What about airholes so the poor thing can breathe? Or does it get enough air in through gaps in the box?

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Originally Posted by janeothejungle

Oh hell. Here's the pictorial to easy packing for your test package....


Step 1: It helps if you're anal and have a designated shipping area :D

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...ppingspace.jpg

Step 2: Acquire box and gather materials.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...eadytopack.jpg

Step 3: Prepare box for fake snake.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...preparebox.jpg

Step 4: Make realistic fake snake out of a rock wrapped in papertowels. This is not necessary (you could use an empty bag), however, I feel it may add some trepidation on the part of whomever opens the package. It's not nice, but I like it.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...baggedrock.jpg

Step 5: Place fake snake in box snugly.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...acktherock.jpg

Step 6: Place more insulation on top of fake snake.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...uretherock.jpg

Step 7: Attach heat/cold pack securely to inside of lid.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...e/putonlid.jpg

Step 8: Close it up

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j.../closeitup.jpg

Step 9: Mark the outside. Smiley's help.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j.../labeltogo.jpg

Step 10: Take it in to fedex, along with your filled out form. Fill out the waybill and have the fedex guy attach your form to the outside of the box, as well. Bill it to the recipient and go home to wait for the results. If you did everything right, it's gonna be good news.



Hope it helps.

Cheers,
Kat

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Now, about the smileys...
can I make them without noses, and can I put a circle around them? That's my preferred smiley method.

j/k It was a great picture tutorial, I bookmarked it.

if you go through reptster... you do not even need this certification now from what i was told. is that true?

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Originally Posted by Colin Vestrand

if you go through reptster... you do not even need this certification now from what i was told. is that true?

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This is true. No personal certification needed, as you're technically shipping through the Reptster account.

Will they still let you ship snakes if you are not certified?

I have to ship a snake and i have a fedEx account but I am not ceritfied. :(

Getting "certified" through repster is as easy as signing up and watching the video.

Also...something to note that I read over at faunaclassifieds is that supposedly you can get the same discount reptster gets (if not better) if you waive some of fed ex's responsibility. Which if you think about it is almost nil anyway because the seller is the one typically guaranteeing live arrival.

Anyone else heard this or know more?

I like the concept of reptster but so far haven't been very happy with the implementation. It will be great someday but right now it's pretty mediocre (interface, reliability, etc)

i have not heard that... i didn't think you could really pick and choose what you get charged with a shipping company. that doesn't make business sense to me...?

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Originally Posted by Colin Vestrand

i have not heard that... i didn't think you could really pick and choose what you get charged with a shipping company. that doesn't make business sense to me...?

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FedEx sales reps have a lot of leeway in the amount of discount that they can give to their accounts/customers. If you've ever logged in to the FedEx website and requested a quote you may have noticed that it gives two prices ... the FedEx standard rate and "your rate" ... the reason for the two quotes is because many FedEx accounts receive discounts.

It's similar to my business ... my customers that buy from me year after year get much better discounts that I can give to someone buying for the first time. Many other types of businesses do the same.

Make friends with your FedEx sales rep ... I talk to mine at least once a month ... and I definitely don't pay the standard FedEx rates. ;)

Hope this helps.

-adam

good info... i use fedex, i guess maybe i'm paying too much! haha

Do you think I would be able to get bigger discounts once I get certified because I personly know someone who owns a fedex store?:banana:

I need to do some of this sometime soon. Thanks for all the info.:gj:

This is great- many thanks! I talked to a Fed Ex representative a few days ago regarding becomming a verified shipper, and you did a much better job explaining the steps than she did. Thanks again!

Thanks for posting this info....I noticed that the original post is a few years old. Has any of the paperwork/processed changed recently?
Thank you!

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Originally Posted by jsschrei

Thanks for posting this info....I noticed that the original post is a few years old. Has any of the paperwork/processed changed recently?
Thank you!

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I'm going through the process right now, and using this guide in the process so if anything has changed, I'll note it when I'm done.

Words of advice

Save your "Waiver of Liability" and take it with you each time you go to drop off a package at your local hub

Also, try and stop in with it on your way home from work, and get to know some of the people and make them aware of who you are and what you are going to be shipping.

Nothing like encountering problems with a snake ready to go out in a box, learned that the hard way.

Write down and save your FedEx representatives number and extension, get to know him or her as well. They are a valuable asset.

Is it normal to be charged to make a Fedex account. Once i hit complete my paypal Debit card was charged $10

Thats not a charge, they dont "charge" you to create an account.

NOW, when you set up your debit card or credit card on your account, they charge 10 bucks to it and then credit it right back to make sure its a working card number.

if it didnt get credited back, well.......

Thats why I said to get acquainted with your FedEx representative.

They'll be able to take care of everything for you.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Is it normal to be charged to make a Fedex account. Once i hit complete my paypal Debit card was charged $10

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

Thats not a charge, they dont "charge" you to create an account.

NOW, when you set up your debit card or credit card on your account, they charge 10 bucks to it and then credit it right back to make sure its a working card number.

if it didnt get credited back, well.......

Thats why I said to get acquainted with your FedEx representative.

They'll be able to take care of everything for you.

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I dont have or want credit cards. The only one i have is my Paypal Debit card to have quick access to money sent to me. Currently its at 0 as i haven't received any payments yet. I guess when i get a balance in there ill register an account so i can get the acc. #

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

Words of advice

Save your "Waiver of Liability" and take it with you each time you go to drop off a package at your local hub

.

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Is local hub a central FedEx location or can the small FexEx store in a strip mall work too?

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Originally Posted by xscorpio

I'm going through the process right now, and using this guide in the process so if anything has changed, I'll note it when I'm done.

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How is it going so far??

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Originally Posted by ted1025

How is it going so far??

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Its going well. Got a great contact with Fedex who is very knowledgeable about the process and some updated documents to share with you guys once its done. I'm in the process of re-sending my test package....I was missing one piece of tape. Ugh. Other than that, once I found someone who actually knew something about this process (that was challenging), they've been very helpful.

The only place I've found that took packages was my local FedEx Kinkos, they have since told me they dont want to take them anymore.

Im going to have my rep talk to the store next time I talk to him.

But as long as they are cool with it, the strip mall should work fine.

I actually PREFER the local HUB, the central location, because I can drop the package off much later at night. Therefore, the snake spends less time in the box.

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Originally Posted by pandp

Is local hub a central FedEx location or can the small FexEx store in a strip mall work too?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by xscorpio

Its going well. Got a great contact with Fedex who is very knowledgeable about the process and some updated documents to share with you guys once its done. I'm in the process of re-sending my test package....I was missing one piece of tape. Ugh. Other than that, once I found someone who actually knew something about this process (that was challenging), they've been very helpful.

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That's awesome! Let us know if anything has changed and the updated documents. I'm thinking about getting certified.

Are you allowed to share your contact so I could get that person as well or does it not work like that?

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Originally Posted by ted1025

That's awesome! Let us know if anything has changed and the updated documents. I'm thinking about getting certified.

Are you allowed to share your contact so I could get that person as well or does it not work like that?

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I'm working them to figure out what I can publish/link/post here and what I cannot. Some of it would have to go through their legal department, and the rep basically said it would probably be easier for me to just summarize. They actually have a formal doc for reptile shipping which details their exact requirements.

I'll update this all in one summary post, but they also currently do not assign you a specific rep until after your waiver (certification) is complete. Send me a PM and I can start you off in the right direction since I am not done yet, I don't want to make a bunch of partial posts.

Anyone in Illinois FedEx Certified that can give me the name of a good FedEx rep to help me get my certification? :confused::confused:

Okay, started the process on Wednesday, 6/2...Let's see how long this process takes :weirdface:weirdface

OMFG!!!!!! :rage::rage::rage:

I can not get through to a rep that knows what they are talking about...I talked to 3 different reps and a supervisor and got 3 different answers...The last one, finally gave me the answers that mimiced what was in the thread...

Also, I got 3 calls today and NO ONE LEFT A MESSAGE ON MY PHONE!!! One even hung up on me after I said, "Hello"...:rage::rage::rage::rage::rage::rage:

I swear I wish this wasn't my only option...It's beyond frustrating!!!!

Sorry for venting...:(:(

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Originally Posted by pandp

OMFG!!!!!! :rage::rage::rage:

I can not get through to a rep that knows what they are talking about...I talked to 3 different reps and a supervisor and got 3 different answers...The last one, finally gave me the answers that mimiced what was in the thread...

Also, I got 3 calls today and NO ONE LEFT A MESSAGE ON MY PHONE!!! One even hung up on me after I said, "Hello"...:rage::rage::rage::rage::rage::rage:

I swear I wish this wasn't my only option...It's beyond frustrating!!!!

Sorry for venting...:(:(

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I understand your frustration it took me a bit to find the right person. I'll get you going in the right direction.

You do NOT need to talk to an account rep before sending your test package, in fact...they have changed their business structure somewhat in that new normal accounts do not get account reps. Per Fedex, our accounts will be given a designated rep only AFTER the waiver process has been completed. Don't bother leaving a message for a rep to call you beforehand anymore, its a waste of time and honestly a frustrating wild goose chase.

Here's what you need to do to get started.

Make sure you've established your Fedex account, once you have your account number you can proceed.

Download the Fedex Packaging Test Application from this page.

When completing the shipping information, mark it as "Bill to Recipient". Because Fedex requires this process for shipping live reptiles they do not require the customer to pay for shipping. I even got my first shipping charges reimbursed after getting wrong information the first time around from several people. If they give you any grief at the shipping location, have them call Fedex Packaging Services to confirm (1.800.633.7019). I was not provided an account number to bill to, it was not an issue.

Packaging tips...Make sure you secure everything in the box. If you use bags, knot it securely or use zip ties or tape as a secondary reinforcement. They are requiring secondary security on enclosures now. If you are using deli cups, use tape to secure the deli cup lid, the snap tight lids are not enough on their own. Use an H-pattern on both the top and bottom of the shipping box to secure it (across the seam and the side edges). If you do this, you shouldn't have any issues.

I have a pdf from Fedex called "Live Harmless Reptile Packaging Guidelines". However, Fedex will not give me permission to republish it here for their own legal reasons. If you want a copy of it, PM me with your e-mail address and I"ll gladly e-mail it to you. I'm still trying to get approval from their legal department to post it here though.

Once they get the test package it takes about 7-10 days to get your results via e-mail. They provide a detailed report including pictures of your packaging results and any issues or suggested improvements with the notification. Again, if you would like to see a sample of the report, PM me. I'm expecting the results on my recent retest in the next day or two. But, I have my failed report from a couple of weeks ago for missing the tape on the deli cup (ugh!).

Hope this helps, feel free to contact me with any questions/issues/etc. I'll help however I can.

Eric

Just got my notification that my 2nd test package passsed. Now just waiting on the paperwork and then I'll get a full start to finish revised write-up done here.

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Originally Posted by Twisted Reptiles

Just got my notification that my 2nd test package passsed. Now just waiting on the paperwork and then I'll get a full start to finish revised write-up done here.

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CONGRATS!!!!!! Thank you so much for your help...:bow::bow:

My test package is off...Just dropped it off at the FedEx store...Time to cross fingers...:oops::oops: