Proper Labeling of your package is a MUST!

Alot of people send out packages marked "perishable" and not "live harmless reptile." I always have had mixed feeling about this, of which I started typing a gripe-message but don't want this to be a griping thread.... Anyways, here is why better labeling is, um, well, better!

I have never had a DOA, nor a package get off track, but this week I had a fear of a DOA when the package got sent off track. Luckily no DOA, but definitely a, shall we say, "adventure" getting it fixed.
I have the same method usually for shipping: Label and setup box, package the snake and get dimensions and weight, from a email asking the customer to cross-verify address I copy and paste (not type) the info into fedex. If nothing else, copying into it means if the info was incorrect, it was the customer's fault when they cross checked it.

So two things happened in this. One is I debated even marking it Live Harmless Reptile and was thinking maybe this time I would leave that label off. I decided that since I have always done it the one way, and Fedex asked that I label it that way, I would not change it. GLAD I LEFT IT, wait to see why....

The copy-pasting thing....ummm, ya, I did for all fields except zipcode. I typed this in manually.

So to get to it: the package is out and the next morning I get an email: "exception, wrong address." I am trying to call Fedex when suddenly they call me. They explain that I had a dyslexic moment and flipped two numbers in the zip code, putting it in the wrong part of C.O. and it was too far for customer to drive to pick up the package. The lady on the phone was super helpful and nice as she was a self proclaimed animal lover and when they saw that they were going to leave a package marked with a live animal in it in the 100 degree warehouse, she got concerned and took it upon herself to pursue fixing the problem... unfortunately there was indeed a big problem.

What she told me was that packages labeled for Adult Signature Required were required by policy to be sent back to the shipper. So not only was the snake going to cook, it would make it back to GA. She stated she felt this was too much for the snake and I agreed. While I drove across town and faxed authorization to her to change the address, she went through a few of her higher-ups to be allowed to forward the package rather than do the normal policy of returning the package.... at this point she didn't even know if they would allow her to change it.

She was going above and beyond just for my one package!

I called her after the faxed authorization and explained the best temp to keep the package in and she said she knew a perfect spot until it went back out that evening. There were some issues the next morning where the package was not set to be delivered before 10:30 and the adult signature requirement was removed, but in the end the package got to the customer and the snake was fine.

Lesson 1: don't just double check your address, triple check. I flipped 1 number and double checked and still didn't catch it.

Lesson 2: Properly label! properly label!!! If not for that one label, this would have played out with a heat exhausted snake or a DOA since they would have ignored the package.


Here's to Proper Labeling!!

And Here's to Casey at Fedex who saved the day by simply reading a label and showing concern about my snake!

I'm pretty sure it's required to put live harmless reptile on the package not optional.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I'm pretty sure it's required to put live harmless reptile on the package not optional.

---

Yes, I am certain of it. This is why I couldn't talk myself into not labeling it as such... At least it used to be, but many do not label it this way unfortunately.
Funny thing is I remember it stating that clearly when I went through the process years back with my personal FedEx Account. I don't have all the documentation from back then to check it, but checking the paper work from when I setup my business account, it is not clearly stated in it. It says the package must be labeled properly (Item "C" if you have the same waiver of liability form I am looking at), but no longer states what that proper labeling should say.... I am pretty sure there are instructions out there on setting up the package before sending it in for testing though that do indeed clearly state this, but alas I don't have my copies of those.

I just finished getting fedex certified a few months ago and "Live Harmless Reptile" is a requirement for shipping reptiles via fedex. I had my test package labeled perishable and failed until I corrected it to the proper label. I dont have it handy but they sent an email stating minimum requirements for shipping. I'll see if I can dig it up. I'm glad you got everything straightened out with no fatality.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by H.o.F.R

I just finished getting fedex certified a few months ago and "Live Harmless Reptile" is a requirement for shipping reptiles via fedex. I had my test package labeled perishable and failed until I corrected it to the proper label. I dont have it handy but they sent an email stating minimum requirements for shipping. I'll see if I can dig it up. I'm glad you got everything straightened out with no fatality.

---

Not to pick on SYR, but sometimes I wonder if the reason we/I am seeing more of the "perishable" labels without "live harmless reptiles" is from people not reading the instructions on SYR's site. If one goes through the FedEx certification process, one will probably run into the same problem you had. If you find a copy though, I am curious which document it is on as it isn't the liability waiver. I feel it can't just be lazy breeders, so maybe it is more of uneducated persons who see the box as good to go without extra labels. I have never used SYR, but I do know they have it listed on their site how to label.... but then again maybe it simply is lazy people. In any case, I am also glad it was not a DOA/fatality, and hopefully anyone reading this who has not labeled their boxes will see the merit in doing so to avoid their own potential DOAs

I know of a spider dealer who shipped them two different times via Canada Post labelled as plants. They both arrived late and DOA. He said he did it so as not to scare the mail employees. This guy has been in business for 20+ years. There is little that can be done to enforce the mislabeling of packages as far as I know.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hig

I know of a spider dealer who shipped them two different times via Canada Post labelled as plants. They both arrived late and DOA. He said he did it so as not to scare the mail employees. This guy has been in business for 20+ years. There is little that can be done to enforce the mislabeling of packages as far as I know.

---

I posted this thread off the concept of why it's good for the snake (living animal if branching into spiders). I think this is another example of what i mean. Perhaps proper labeling could have saved a doa in his case. Not knowing all the details, I really can't say.

In terms of enforcement, in my opinion lthe worst case scenario is not enforcement, but revoking the privilege all together. It would be a financial blow i'm sure, but if they were to get tired of the problems, or any reason to justify it, they could say "nope, no more," and no one wants to see that, do we?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hig

There is little that can be done to enforce the mislabeling of packages as far as I know.

---

I think that UPS just refuses to pay on insurance claims if you ship a prohibited item, even if you state a value and insure it.

Both FedEx and UPS void insurance coverage on live shipments, and their policy is not to pay any claim, not for DOA, not for late arrival. In the FedEx live animal certification contract, you are actually specifically prohibited from even requesting it.

That is one of the reasons we created the ShipYourReptiles On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance program, to address these issues. We cover both late arrival refunds and DOAs.

As for labeling, it is not just a FedEx or UPS issue, there is also a federal requirement for labeling live shipments, under the Lacey Act. You can go all the way and include scientific names and qtys on the outside of your package, but the minimum requirement is to label the package "Wildlife" and include an itemized packing slip/receipt inside the box. There are also state requirements, such as in California, where they audit and inspect packages every day (using sniffer dogs to pull live shipments).

Given that, we suggest labeling each package "Wildlife- Live Harmless Reptiles" to meet both Federal and State requirements. You do NOT want your package delayed, much less confiscated, because of poor labeling.

We cover it all in detail at the ShipYourReptiles Get Help Section.

Great post! I switched a zipcode number on accident once but lucked out. The delivery office was literally 4 minutes from the actual address :) I lucked out and the snake made it safe. I always label my package with "Live harmless reptile".

Regards,

B

We label every snake shipment with this notice on two sides of the box:

THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS A
LIVE ANIMAL
HARMLESS REPTILE

(1) BALL PYTHON (python regius)


PLEASE KEEP PACKAGE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

STORE @ TEMPERATURES OF 70-80 DEGREES F

For information call: 601-919-5681

The following label is attached to the top section of styrofoam inside the box in case for some reason the package has to be opened before delivery:

Harmless Non-Venomous
LIVE REPTILE
in secure packaging inside.


Shipped according to FedEx guidelines and policies.


If for any reason this package is opened during shipment
Please contact the person listed below:


Louis Kirkland 601-919-5681

You know, along this same line. When I was talking to the lady at my FedEx hub about shipping my snakes, and this other girl picked up the box and started tossing it up and down, which I promptly asked her to stop doing, then I asked her why she would do that to a box marked like mine was. Her reply, " Well the boxes marked perishable probably just contain cheese or something like that, so you don't need to be that careful with it." I then pointed out the very obvious "Live Harmless Reptile" label on all sides of my box. At which time she freaked out and threw the box away from her, thankfully it landed on a nearby counter. I then asked the woman who was finishing the paperwork if all the employees were as stupid as her. The older woman shook her head and said, "No she's new, and obviously has a lot to learn." She then gave the girl a stern lecture on proper handling of customer packages and the responsibility of an employee to read the labels on a package before handling it so carelessly.

As I was leaving, I heard the girl ask the older woman, "It says there is a snake in the box. It's dead right?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Yes honey, I am shipping a dead snake in a box.

Gale

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Louis Kirkland

We label every snake shipment with this notice on two sides of the box:

THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS A
LIVE ANIMAL
HARMLESS REPTILE

(1) BALL PYTHON (python regius)


PLEASE KEEP PACKAGE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

STORE @ TEMPERATURES OF 70-80 DEGREES F

For information call: 601-919-5681

The following label is attached to the top section of styrofoam inside the box in case for some reason the package has to be opened before delivery:

Harmless Non-Venomous
LIVE REPTILE
in secure packaging inside.


Shipped according to FedEx guidelines and policies.


If for any reason this package is opened during shipment
Please contact the person listed below:


Louis Kirkland 601-919-5681

---

I have labeled minimal about 99% of the time. A couple package I have included a few details like your labels, but not even that detailed... I think I will begin going above and beyond and saving the trouble of a recurrence by doing something closer to your labels from now on. Thanks for the input, gives something to think about and an example for others to follow! :gj:
I create my own labels and just tape them on, even with the "perishable" boxes, so gonna get into photoshop and create a new label now :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by angllady2

You know, along this same line. When I was talking to the lady at my FedEx hub about shipping my snakes, and this other girl picked up the box and started tossing it up and down, which I promptly asked her to stop doing, then I asked her why she would do that to a box marked like mine was. Her reply, " Well the boxes marked perishable probably just contain cheese or something like that, so you don't need to be that careful with it." I then pointed out the very obvious "Live Harmless Reptile" label on all sides of my box. At which time she freaked out and threw the box away from her, thankfully it landed on a nearby counter. I then asked the woman who was finishing the paperwork if all the employees were as stupid as her. The older woman shook her head and said, "No she's new, and obviously has a lot to learn." She then gave the girl a stern lecture on proper handling of customer packages and the responsibility of an employee to read the labels on a package before handling it so carelessly.

As I was leaving, I heard the girl ask the older woman, "It says there is a snake in the box. It's dead right?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Yes honey, I am shipping a dead snake in a box.

Gale

---

I always try to include "fragile, handle with care" and "up" markers on the packages, but I have a friend who works sorting packages and says that even with those on it, what you witnessed is how they just handle packages, with only an occasional exception. According to her, sorters don't have time to read labels and they are just throwing the packages around. Sad to think...

The bad handler in your case was correct as much as she was wrong though. If not labeled fragile, handle with care, they have nothing to go off to change the assumption that it is simply some non-delicate item. Obvious to you is not obvious to them; "live harmless reptile" will not be seen unless someone reads the details of the labels, they need quick-to-read keywords like "fragile" or directional arrows for reference since, like I said above, they don't have time to read labels in depth.

Proper labeling is very important


Here is what I do on the outside.

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/a...Shipping13.jpg

Here is what I do on the inside

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/a...Shipping11.jpg

And here is the final product.

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/a...Shipping14.jpg

Awesome story and glad it worked out for the best. I always say that people should properly label things, not to mention false labeling may be against the law.

I agree with you to a point. I buy my supplies from SYR, so the boxes are clearly marked in big red lettering Perishable, Handle with Care, and huge red arrows showing this way up. You would have to be blind not to notice it, but I think it comes down to the sheer volume of boxes they must see every day, after a while many just ignore the labeling. They simply don't care.

That being said, the older woman at my hub knows me on sight now, and she handles all my boxes personally. She keeps them up front with her until the guys come to pick them up, and she always cautions them to handle my boxes like their jobs depend on that box getting safely where it belongs. She is very sweet and always asks me what kind of ball I am shipping, how my collection is doing, when I will have new babies, she's a real nice lady. I only wish she were the norm and not the exception.

Gale

Louis and Deb are providing their own variations on the SYR labeling that we provide with our shipping kits and booked packages. I love it!

Adding additional info like a personal phone number shows great initiative and concern for the welfare of the package.

Keep up the great work guys!

Great and informative thread folks. Thanks for your contributions. :)