Overnight Shipping Temps

[starsevol]

Hi guys!
I completed my FedEx paperwork in April of last year, and called my sales rep this morning. It appears all my ducks are in a row. I will be sending one of my babys off to Texas on a breeding loan. I intend to pack him up and drive him to the FedEx facility myself, I HATE the idea of him bouncing around the back of a cold truck...The projected overnight temps for my area are 30-32 degrees Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I will not ship on Thursday, in case something happens.
What are acceptable nightime temps? I'm thinking in the 40s, at least.
Let the debate begin!
(and thanks in advance for reading this and helping me out!)

 

[admitchell08]

I'm thinking in the 40s, at least.

That's what I would say. Most people I have talked to won't ship unless the temperature on both ends is at least 40 degrees.

 

[danielle]

I don't ship below 32, but when under 50 use heat packs and everyone is fine that way. Just don't place the heat pack on the actual container holding the snake because those things get really hot. I usually activate them 3-4 hours before shipping so they peak out of the box (I use 40hr heat packs) and then line my box with the insulation styrofoam, put newspaper on the botton, then container with animal, followed by more newspaper, and then the top insulation styrofoam. Depending on how tall the box is I either tape the heat pack to the outside of either the top or side insulation and cut a hole in the insulation to allow only a little heat in. I know Kathy Love does her winter shipping this way along with Julie Bergman of gecko ranch so I just stole their method to be honest, but it has worked well.

 

[starsevol]

Oh yes, I'm definately using a heatpack.
Thank you so much Danielle, that helped me ALOT!

 

[carol]

35 degrees and up is usually my limit, and I use the thicker foam.

 

[Jynx]

I won't ship if the temps are below 40 degrees. You also want to watch the distribution centers too since that is where they will "overnight" mainly. The east coast's main distribution center is in Memphis, which normally stays pretty chilly until late March/early April.

 

[The Nothing]

received with overnight temps in the teens without problem

 

[kathylove]

I will ship (corns, not pythons) if the low temp is about 20F, or even a little below. With a heat pack, I am more comfortable shipping in those temps than I am during a summer heat wave. Always put the heat pack as far away from the snakes as possible, separated by lots of wadded newspaper, or even bubble wrap. I really worry about overheating, but not too much about cold as long as snakes can be kept at least 40F or so (on an empty stomach, of course). That should not be difficult in an insulated box when the outside low temps only get down to 20 or 30F. The box will not likely spend much time in those temps. If the overnight lows are about 30 - 45, I will use a smaller box with a hole cut into the styro so I can let just a little heat into the box. But if it is much colder, I usually use a bigger box so that I feel safe in putting the heat pack inside the box, instead of between the styro and cardboard.

If the overnight low is at least 45F or more, I don't use a heat pack as I am more worried about overheating than chilling. But I would use lots of insulation and no air holes in those temps.

If you really wanted to even out the temps, put a gel pack or SECURE (no leaks!!) small water container near the heat pack to absorb the heat and keep the box warm. Water or gel would take longer to heat up and cool off than air, so would help even out temps. Don't block the air supply to the heat pack or it will stop working.

Lastly, if you are concerned about high or low temps, get the recipient to pick up at the FedEx office in the morning. That spares the snake a long trip in a hot or cold truck, and assures early morning pick up.

 

[starsevol]

Well, *she* has spoken! (no offense intended to anyone else, I respect all of you VERY much)