Fish and Wildlife (with the cooperation of FedEx and UPS) are doing more and more package inspections for live shipments, or contraband, and if the dogs they use ping a package as live, and it is NOT labeled, it gets opened and inspected. Notices then go out to the shipper and receiver. There can be fines and penalties involved.
If the box IS properly labeled on the outside- Wildlife- Live Harmless Reptiles, then the package should be sent on its way with no inspection.
California in particular has been the most vigilant about this. The inspector gave us the specific verbiage guideline above for box labeling.
Given the current state of legislative affairs, it is irresponsible for folks to ship unlabeled packages, it puts the entire industry/hobby in further jeopardy.
However, going overboard with your labeling- giant red letters, writing on every side of the box, adding "warnings", not only does it NOT do you any good, or get you any special handling, it can actually draw unwanted attention and create reptile phobic handling and delay for your package.
I encourage shippers to label appropriately, not obnoxiously.
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