Sending off fedex test package.. help!

[Shelby]

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:



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.

[ssscales]

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!

[Shelby]

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..

[Adam_Wysocki]

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?

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.

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

Yes ... tape it up good!

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)

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.

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

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

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?

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!

-adam

[ssscales]

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.

[Shelby]

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

[ssscales]

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


Good Luck!

[Shelby]

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!

[xdeus]

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

Why four times? Do they expire?

[Adam_Wysocki]

Why four times? Do they expire?

"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