Offering flat rate shipping is all about marketing, many buyers have issue paying higher shipping fees especially if they are over $55/$60 when in reality it cost a lot more for the seller. Basically the seller will absorb most of the cost.
For example I offer a $45 flat rate in reality most shipment cost me $60+ to $85+ for a small box ($50 to $75 for the shipping itself, $5.50 for packaging material, $5/$6 in gas to drop off my animals).
Now shipping seems scary but it’s really common sense.
You obviously do not want to ship during extreme temps.
You want to use the proper supply, I use ¾ foam insulated boxes when many only use ½. You need to use the proper heat pack (40 hours min).
You need to check temperature in 3 locations and not 2 (origin, main hub, destination)
Chose drop off over pick up if Fedex pick the animal up from you this means the animal will spend most of the afternoon on a truck with no AC until it gets to the hub (this can be an issue depending on the weather.
Drop off your package as late as possible to limit the time spent in the box (Priority overnight deadline is usually 7 PM, I drop my animals off at 6/6.30).
Now to come back on checking the temps
Origin this will be the temps between the time you drop off your animals until a few hours later before departing for the main hub
For the main hub this is something you will only know once your shipping label is printed. Once printed the first later will tell you where your package will be sent. This is where the package will stay anywhere between 11 pm to 5 am
Main hubs are as followed.
A Fort Aworth TX
W Oakland CA
N Indianapolis IN
X Memphis TN
Q Los Angeles CA
Numbers in state and or travelling by trucks not plane.
Destination it will be temps anywhere between 7/8 am to 4.30 pm, while fedex guarantees that most of it's packages will arrive by 10.30 some package will not be delivered before 4.30 pm (remote area)
This will help as well http://www.shipyourreptiles.com/en/g...ping-standards
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