Sending off fedex test package.. help!

Alright guys, I'm finally going to send off my test package to get Fedex approved to ship reptiles. Here's a pic of the box so far:

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...8/SSCN1398.JPG

I will tape the unopened heat pack to the styrofoam lid.. poke some holes in the deli cup, and perhaps tape around the lid of the cup.. should I do that?

When I close the box, should I just use normal packing tape and tape around each seam? I'll write 'live harmless reptile' on each side like you're supposed to, but do I need to make up a number and species of reptile that's 'inside'? (ie 1.0 ball python) That would kind of ruin the box for future use since I am having the box returned to me..

As for overboxing.. do I just go to the fedex place and get a box from them that this one will fit inside? Then does the form (paper to the left of box in picture) go on the outside of that box, or on the reptile box? I guess I just tape it to the outside? Do I need any other labels aside from the form?

Geez, that's a lot of questions. Sorry.. but I want to do this right.

Looks good, yes poke a few holes on the side of the deli-cup and tape up the lid to prevent escape, just added security.

Write on the deli-cup "Live Harmless Reptile", no need to write the species.

Place a bit more filler around the deli-cup so that it won't bounce around.

Yes, tape around each seam and write on the outside of the box "Live Harmless Reptile", no need to write species or numbers on the box. Also place some "Fragile" and "This side UP" stickers on the sides, just looks that much better.

You can place the test package inside any larger box and ship to the address provided.

Good Luck!

Ok cool. The box is printed 'fragile this side up' already.

Do I put the form on the outside of the overbox-box, or that box. Just tape it on? And is that the only label I need? I guess the people at the fedex store will get me what I need..

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Originally Posted by Shelby

I will tape the unopened heat pack to the styrofoam lid.. poke some holes in the deli cup, and perhaps tape around the lid of the cup.. should I do that?

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The main thing that FedEx is looking for is making sure the snake can't get out. Any seams or lids that you can tape ... DO IT! ... The more secure it looks the better your chances of passing (which is actually pretty easy). They don't care about air holes and stuff like that because if the animal dies, they still make money ... they just don't want a snake escaping and crawling into some old ladies QVC order. ;)

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Originally Posted by Shelby

When I close the box, should I just use normal packing tape and tape around each seam?

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Yes ... tape it up good!

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Originally Posted by Shelby

I'll write 'live harmless reptile' on each side like you're supposed to, but do I need to make up a number and species of reptile that's 'inside'? (ie 1.0 ball python)

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I would. I made the box up just like I would for shipping one REAL snake ... even put an index card inside the bag that said "this is a snake" ... The number, common name, and species name clearly labeled on the outside of the box is a requirement for the federal Lacy Act, so it's probably a good idea ... I put that info on the outside of every package that I ship.

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Originally Posted by Shelby

That would kind of ruin the box for future use since I am having the box returned to me..

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You could always cover it with a label in the future. ;)

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Originally Posted by Shelby

As for overboxing.. do I just go to the fedex place and get a box from them that this one will fit inside? Then does the form (paper to the left of box in picture) go on the outside of that box, or on the reptile box? I guess I just tape it to the outside? Do I need any other labels aside from the form?

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Buy a slightly larger box, put your test package inside, and then attach the form with a small piece of tape to the top of the test package so that they see it as soon as they open your outer box. On the outer box, make sure you write very large and very clearly ... "TEST BOX INSIDE" ... several times.

I've been through the package testing process with FedEx 4 times so far without a hitch ... you'll do great! :D

-adam

I think I put the form on the test package itself, don't tape it. Just place it inside the larger box. It should tell you where to place the form.

The FedEx clerk will help you ship it to the address provided. You should receive it back with 1-3 weeks.

Ok awesome.. you can see a paper inside the deli cup.. it says 'snake goes here' :P

Looks like you're all set, you'll be fine!
:)

Good Luck!

I'm all excited now. I just need those cali kings to pop out some eggs for me this year, and I'm all set!

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

I've been through the package testing process with FedEx 4 times so far without a hitch ... you'll do great! :D

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Why four times? Do they expire?

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Why four times? Do they expire?

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"Technically" you are supposed to get each different sized box that you are using to ship certified independantly ... My sales rep told me that there is no way for anyone to actually check this out or catch you if you don't, but I am real anal retentive when it comes to following those kinds of rules ... better to be safe than sorry. ;)

-adam

Yeah.. I am sure I'll be doing this again when I have bigger snakes to ship.

Once I send the box, what else do I have to do? Do I have to notify my fedex rep or anything?

When you get your approval back, call your rep and ask him/her where you need to fax your results to ... then you get your contract ... sign it ... send it back ... done. ;)

-adam

Ok. I don't have a fax.. what can I do? I get confused so easy.. lol

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Ok. I don't have a fax.. what can I do? I get confused so easy.. lol

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You can mail it via snail mail ... just takes longer ... Staple, Office Depot, Kinkos, UPS Store all let you use their fax machines for a nominal fee.

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

When you get your approval back, call your rep and ask him/her where you need to fax your results to ... then you get your contract ... sign it ... send it back ... done. ;)

-adam

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Only thing I can add, is make a photocopy just in case!;)

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Originally Posted by Wild Bill

Only thing I can add, is make a photocopy just in case!;)

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Good point! Never let an important document out of your hands without making sure you have a copy of it first!

I plan on sending mine off tomorrow also....If all goes as planned ;) Ha ha....things have kinda been crazy around here.....but at least i have a functioning keyboard now ;)

Mine is going in today! Keep your fingers crossed for me.. and Daniel too. :P

......mine did not make it.....i slept too late....now i have other stuff to do....next week ;) ...ha ha....not like I have a bunch of snakes I plan on shipping anytime soon anyways

i just had to reopen my box to ad a heat pack (forgot :() ...now the box kinda looks a little funky where I peeled the tape off....is that going to be a problem?

Whatever you do, dont pay for the shipping out of your pocket! I know some people have done this without knowing. Call the testing center and they will provide you with an account # to use.

Is there enough air in the cardboard box for the snake, or does it need holes punched in it too?

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Originally Posted by srozell

Is there enough air in the cardboard box for the snake, or does it need holes punched in it too?

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Cardboard and Styrofoam are extremely porous materials and allow for more than enough air flow for reptiles.

The only time I ever punch holes in boxes is when shipping overseas and that's only when the Fish & Wildlife officers make me do it. ;)

-adam

Yeah I had the fedex account #. Total cost for me to send the box was $0 not counting buying the box, deli cup, and heat pack.

So.. the box is on it's way. :)

All fingers and toes are crossed for you, April! Good luck!

Mine went out today....Hopefully both me and April pass with flying colors ;)

Odds are pretty good ... I have yet to hear about anyone being denied ... when I asked my account rep if he had ever heard of anyone being denied ... he snickered. ;)

-adam

Good luck! I should get that process started myself.

Well, I got the test results back via e-mail today.. and I passed! yay!

It says they'll send a paper copy to me with the box that they are returning to me. I guess I call my rep now.. though I don't know if I should wait for the box to come back so I have the paper copy...?

Yay! Congrats! =)

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Well, I got the test results back via e-mail today.. and I passed! yay!

It says they'll send a paper copy to me with the box that they are returning to me. I guess I call my rep now.. though I don't know if I should wait for the box to come back so I have the paper copy...?

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I knew I should have checked that box....I guess I will just have to wait and see ....oh well...

Congrats!!

Call them anyways, your rep may have access to a copy already and could fax you your contract for a signature.

Nifty. I'll leave her a message tonight probably.

I got my test package back today. I passed ;)

And I would also like to say that FedEx is awesome. I paid no money for the testing and they supplied me with the complete report with pictures and graphs. I was just expecting a single piece of paper saying that everything was either good or bad....not something with some quality like this...very professional people!

Congrats Daniel! =)

Congrats Daniel & April! If you two would like to test out your new shipping privs... I'm always available to receive "test" shipments of any BP you're wanting to see if you're ready to ship!! :devilish:

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Originally Posted by ddbjdealer

I'm always available to receive "test" shipments of any BP you're wanting to see if you're ready to ship!! :devilish:

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So sly...

Yeah, send me 100% albino and/or pied hets my way for um...testing...yeah. /nod

Congrats Daniel!!!! Way to go...:D

ah so you have to go thru this if you're going to ship like say baby leopard geckos, what do you put in the deli cup? i'd be scared it'd tip over and roll around then the animal goes flying in the cup.

You would put paper towel in there. The smaller the container the animal can go in, generally the better to avoid tumbling around. This is also why you pack the void in the box with newspaper or packing peanuts.

The boxes you send should say 'fragile, this side up' as well as 'live harmless reptile' hopefully the delivery guys will take heed.