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

Thought I'd post to help the thread hit the triple digits!!!:banana::banana:

Has anyone posted pictures yet of how they put together thier test package that passed?

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Originally Posted by derrabe

Has anyone posted pictures yet of how they put together thier test package that passed?

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There's some great pics on page 7 of this thread showing a basic walkthrough.

Be sure you have the new application for the package testing. The older one is no longer accepted.

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Originally Posted by Twisted Reptiles

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

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I downloaded the pdf from your link, but I dont see anything about live harmless reptiles on the application where does that go?

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Originally Posted by derrabe

I downloaded the pdf from your link, but I dont see anything about live harmless reptiles on the application where does that go?

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When you fill out the form just put 'Live Harmless Reptile' in the product name and description field.

If you want the pdf from Fedex about how the package should be assembled per their policy, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll get it to you.

I got my approval for my package yesterday also, a fedex rep told me the package testing lab called her and she filled out my information and sent it to their legal department. They said up to 14 days to finish all the legal paperwork. Hopefully it will go quicker. By the way I sent my test package on 6-2-10 and was approved on 6-8-10, now we will see how long before I can actually ship.

One question, where is the best place to buy my packaging needs from? I am going to get my test box setup going just want to know where everyone online buys their packaging materials?

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Originally Posted by derrabe

One question, where is the best place to buy my packaging needs from? I am going to get my test box setup going just want to know where everyone online buys their packaging materials?

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Check out Superior Shipping Supplies (formerly Superior Enterprises). That's where I buy all of my shipping supplies and where most others go that I am aware of as well.

Wooooo hoooo :banana:

I just got my e-mail saying that I PASSED!!! Now it's back to dealing with the people and trying to get the legal paperwork filed...I tried calling to get a little more information and got the run around again...Had to hang up and take break to get a coke and a smoke...I TRULY DISLIKE the FedEx call people!!!!!! I oversee a call center and would FIRE every one of these incompetent call people if they worked for me...

Just to get my certification which kit should I purchase? SYR Kits

Well i thought i would add this incase someone wonders.I have not used my fedex account for 2yrs and just got off the phone with fedex.My account is still active :banana:.So i guess once your certified its good forever :gj:.Its good to know now before i have something that needs to be shipped :D

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Originally Posted by derrabe

Just to get my certification which kit should I purchase? SYR Kits

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They are way to high on the prices :O.I used this place several times for my supplies.

http://superiorshippingsupplies.com/

Woooo hooo...I got a call from a FedEx Sale Rep :banana::banana:

I got an AWESOME sales rep...Finally, my time with FedEx is turning around it looks like...Hoping, not holding my breath...

I have to check with my rep but I was told today that they no longer pay for the test shipment.:O

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Originally Posted by Emilio

I have to check with my rep but I was told today that they no longer pay for the test shipment.:O

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I just got my test package approved and it was paid for by FedEx...Just had to check Bill Recipient on the form and away it went...

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Originally Posted by pandp

I just got my test package approved and it was paid for by FedEx...Just had to check Bill Recipient on the form and away it went...

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I just paid 6 bucks for ground I'm gonna call my rep to check but I called the number in one of the steps listed in there email and the rep told me straight out that they no longer pick up the tab. Alot of these people don't know what the heck there doing.

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Originally Posted by joepythons

They are way to high on the prices :O.I used this place several times for my supplies.

http://superiorshippingsupplies.com/

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I would agree with you if I wanted more then one kit right now. I am just looking for 1 kit for my test package I wont have snakes ready to ship for at least 2 months. So I just want to purchase one kit, which is the best example I should use.

I shipped out a SYR 16x16x8 as my test package

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Originally Posted by Emilio

I just paid 6 bucks for ground I'm gonna call my rep to check but I called the number in one of the steps listed in there email and the rep told me straight out that they no longer pick up the tab. Alot of these people don't know what the heck there doing.

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Quite the contrary, the reps on the phone DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!!! Sorry for bolding, but I've had my fill of their inconsistent answers and poor service:rage::rage::rage::rage::rage:...So, don't take what they say as gospel because it's often times wrong...:rage::rage::rage:

Now, once you get your rep, that's another story. The first nice person I've dealt with in this painful process starting back on 6/2 I think...:gj::gj:

Long-winded answer...Shipping is still on FedEx, try and get your $$$ back...

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Originally Posted by pandp

Quite the contrary, the reps on the phone DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!!! Sorry for bolding, but I've had my fill of their inconsistent answers and poor service:rage::rage::rage::rage::rage:...So, don't take what they say as gospel because it's often times wrong...:rage::rage::rage:

Now, once you get your rep, that's another story. The first nice person I've dealt with in this painful process starting back on 6/2 I think...:gj::gj:

Long-winded answer...Shipping is still on FedEx, try and get your $$$ back...

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This is correct, it is still on Fedex. Because they REQUIRE the waiver in order to ship the animals and the test process is part of the waiver process they do pick up the tab.

Congrats on getting your test passed pandp. I'm still waiting on the legal docs.

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Originally Posted by pandp

Quite the contrary, the reps on the phone DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!!! Sorry for bolding, but I've had my fill of their inconsistent answers and poor service:rage::rage::rage::rage::rage:...So, don't take what they say as gospel because it's often times wrong...:rage::rage::rage:

Now, once you get your rep, that's another story. The first nice person I've dealt with in this painful process starting back on 6/2 I think...:gj::gj:

Long-winded answer...Shipping is still on FedEx, try and get your $$$ back...

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I'm with you half of the people I've spoken to don't have a clue.LOL

If you have problems about getting fedex to pick up the tab ask you rep to call the package and design center and they can get a account number to fill in. I printed off my shipping label from home and used the package and design testing labs account number for "bill to". They will pay for it. My legal paper work is in-process and I expect to be finalized any day.

DAMN IT!!!! :rage::rage: I got charged for shipping to but not $6, I got charged $12.37 and they won't reimburse or refund the charge...UNREAL!!!!!! :rage::rage::rage::rage:

Okay, my rep brought me down off the ledge...Man, she is the only bright light in this whole process...

However, she did add some clarifcation to what the incompetent call center people are saying. I was told to send Express Saver and Bill Recipient. Supposidly, what was suppose to be done was 2-Day Shipping and Bill Recipient. Anything besides the 2-day shipping will be charged to the account.

Once again, UNREAL!!! But thank God for my FedEx rep...

:banana::banana::banana: I'm now FedEx Certified!!!!! :please::please::please:

Sent my package via normal Fedex ground to the testing facility on 6/10/10. It arrived at the testing facility on 6/14/10 and I got my test results back today. I passed! Now just waiting on legal paperwork and whatnot. Thanks for all the help Twisted! This thread is great!!

AGREED...Thank you TWISTED!!!! :gj::gj:

Your help was great and really helped in the process. I think we need to somehow get your new information updated at the beginning of the thread. Just MHO. :bow::bow:

Just got my pricing details, signed and returned my acceptance and can officially start shipping snakeys...Woooo hooo :banana:

Glad I could help you guys. I'm still waiting on my legal docs, my rep said she hopes to have them early next week.

Congrats pandp!

I just got my legal waiver emailed to me and I just emailed it back to legal. I will see how long before I hear from them to see if I'm legal once I send the waiver back in.

Apparently my legal docs are taking the slow train. I've not seen anything of them yet and my test package was done before most of yours. Go figure. I'll be really glad when this process is complete.

My test package is going out tomorrow morning.

Just sucks im over 1hr away from fedex drop off location for Express. And express pick up cutoff is 2pm. This is a PITA when i work 6-2.

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Originally Posted by Twisted Reptiles

Apparently my legal docs are taking the slow train. I've not seen anything of them yet and my test package was done before most of yours. Go figure. I'll be really glad when this process is complete.

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Twisted...Have you reached out to your Account Exec/Sales Rep, whatever they call themselves? If you can find his/her name and reach out to them, they might be able to touch base on your behalf with the legal dept. Mine really helped out and I sent a glowing thank you to her supervisor because I was seriously thinking of getting out of the process until I talked to her.

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Originally Posted by pandp

Twisted...Have you reached out to your Account Exec/Sales Rep, whatever they call themselves? If you can find his/her name and reach out to them, they might be able to touch base on your behalf with the legal dept. Mine really helped out and I sent a glowing thank you to her supervisor because I was seriously thinking of getting out of the process until I talked to her.

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Yeah, I sent her a follow-up mail on Friday and I got this response:

"...I have submitted a request to get you a refund on your Test Packages. I am still awaiting your Waiver from the Legal Department. Hopefully I will get it later today as I have no control over how quickly they process these requests...."

Needless to say, I'm...impatiently waiting.

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Originally Posted by Twisted Reptiles

Yeah, I sent her a follow-up mail on Friday and I got this response:

"...I have submitted a request to get you a refund on your Test Packages. I am still awaiting your Waiver from the Legal Department. Hopefully I will get it later today as I have no control over how quickly they process these requests...."

Needless to say, I'm...impatiently waiting.

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Well, I guess that also follows suit...Sometimes you get good reps and sometimes you get the "do as little as possible" reps...Good luck and I'm hoping yours comes through soon...:please::please:

Wow.. im going to have to contact someone, because I "billed to recipient" and just noticed a $50 charge from fedex on my debit account..... grrr

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Originally Posted by Tyler_Royality

Wow.. im going to have to contact someone, because I "billed to recipient" and just noticed a $50 charge from fedex on my debit account..... grrr

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Yep, it will be a surpise to most who don't send it 2nd Day. The reps will be saying Express Saver and everyone will be getting charged from what I was told. The CSR (Customer Service Reps) need to be trained.:rage::rage:

Is it neccessary to put a cold pack in the test box if it is hot out? I guess I mean to say to they even check the temperature of the box inside? Or just structural integrity and packing?

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Originally Posted by Andrew Larson

Is it neccessary to put a cold pack in the test box if it is hot out? I guess I mean to say to they even check the temperature of the box inside? Or just structural integrity and packing?

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Hot or cold packs are not needed for testing at all. Their more concerned on how you pack it and if it will survive the journey.

Sweet. Less things to worry about messing up. Maybe just tape a paper to the top of the styrofoam saying "heat/cold pack" or something. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Tyler_Royality

Wow.. im going to have to contact someone, because I "billed to recipient" and just noticed a $50 charge from fedex on my debit account..... grrr

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If you got the fed ex acct number to bill third party then your fine. Thats what i did and selected 2day air and thats it. They picked it up today at 2pm

I put one in just in case and because I saw most threads showing the heat or cold pack put in the package...However, I have heard that it's not necessary...I figured go all out and play it safe...:please::please:

I sent my test package out yesterday. Wish me luck... I will keep you all informed. Thanks again Twisted!!

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Originally Posted by pandp

I put one in just in case and because I saw most threads showing the heat or cold pack put in the package...However, I have heard that it's not necessary...I figured go all out and play it safe...:please::please:

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It's not necessary, but it doesn't hurt.

Okay, added great stuff coming from my awesome rep...Once you get your approval and account set-up...Check out www.fedex.com/us/insight

It's a cool notification and tracking resource...Your rep needs to approve you I think...But it looks cool and I'll find out when I send out a burm today...woooo hoooo :banana: If I had a vuvuzela, I'd blow that baby right now... LOL

I got my package test approval email on the 14th but no word yet on the waiver I have to sign. How long did it take for you guys to receive the waiver form?

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Originally Posted by Quiet Tempest

I got my package test approval email on the 14th but no word yet on the waiver I have to sign. How long did it take for you guys to receive the waiver form?

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Did you call your rep and get a fax number to fax the test results to them

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Originally Posted by Quiet Tempest

I got my package test approval email on the 14th but no word yet on the waiver I have to sign. How long did it take for you guys to receive the waiver form?

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I got my waiver form within the next day or so after the approval of the test package and e-mailing the test results to my account executive. Then the signed legal wavier the same day after after e-mailing the waiver back with my signature. The key part is getting in contact with your account executive.