Extremely angry at FedEx!

[simple_minded]

So last week I ordered 2 hatchlings from JnJReptiles. Their service was great, and they were very helpful. And yesterday (monday) afternoon, they sent out the hatchlings for overnight priority just like they said they would.

Well today, I called my father, who was supposed to pick them up for me, and he said that not only were they not there, the people at FedEx don't even know WHERE they are!!!

So I went online with my confirmation number, and the FedEx tracker said my package ended up in New Jersey! Now, they were being shipped from Maine to Massachusetts, so what in the world are they doing in New Jersey?!

I'm not happy with this situation at all. It was absolutely no use calling them. They basically told me they didn't know anything and would call me back shortly(which they never did). Now it seems like the earliest time they'll arrive is tomorrow morning, but my father won't be able to get them home until at least sometime in the afternoon, which means they would've spent a whole 48 hours in that tiny little box.

What's even more depressing is I dont think theres anything I can do about this at all. Even if I file a complaint, I doubt it'll get anywhere. I just hope that they're both alive and safe whenever they do arrive.

 

[simple_minded]

Sorry I'm just really frustrated right now and needed to get that out...

 

[Brizzle]

Wow, that's horrible.
I would find every way possible to complain to someone about FedEx. Also, write a letter.
Poor snakes. =-(

 

[Nanci]

Poor little guys...I bet they will be just fine, though- please let us know. They're probably just curled up sleeping. It's _so_ stressful waiting for a snake to be shipped.

Nanci

 

[Dave123]

Thats awful. I hope it all gets straightened out.

 

[Joejr14]

Well your first phone call should have been to J&J, not FedEx. They can do much more as a shipper than you can as a receiver.

 

[Nanci]

I had an experience with UPS, not concerning a snake, fortunately, where I bought something over the Internet, but transposed two numerals in my address. The shipper claimed there was nothing she could do when I notified her within 30 minutes of placing the order. I don't believe that. But UPS was able to catch the package at the hub and re-address it before it went out on the truck. Maybe if you have a choice, UPS is better to deal with.

By this time tomorrow- they'll be home safe with you. I don't envy you the stress you'll experience until then, though.

Nanci

 

[simple_minded]

My father did call JnJ when he first discovered that the hatchlings had not arrived, and JnJ has kept me updated on what they know through email. Unfortunately, up until 3pm today, no one, not even FedEx, even knew where the package was. And right now the only thing we know is that they're on their way here from New Jersey and should arrive, hopefully, sometime tomorrow morning.

 

[Cegninedorf]

This is part of the many reasons why I'm terrified to ship snakes. I can completely understand, though, that sometimes it's the only option available...and I by no means begudge anyone that opporunity. However, I do hope that the lil'guys arrive all right, and I can truly understand your frustration. Although, I'm sure that they're fine as we animals have more resiliency than we believe...just give them some extra TLC.

Please let us know how they are! *fingers crossed for the best!*

 

[Mrs InsaneOne]

I'm sorry to hear about the critters being diverted, hopefully they will still be in good health when they do arrive. Things like this happen occasionally, but not that often. Let us know if the little ones make it.


Jenn

 

[CMLReptiles]

This kinda stuff seems to be more common lately. A friend of mine had 2 packages of snakes in 1 day go where they weren't supposed to! 1 package the animals ended up dying, but the other he was able to get a hold of the hub manager and they opened the package up, looked after the animals, then repackaged and reshipped the next morning. Luckily, fedex was really helpful for him. He had recently sent a package (non snakes) that got sent to the wrong company in the wrong state, and NOBODY seemed to care, nor did they seem willing to do anything about it and it took him almost 2 days to get it all sorted out, and only because the people who got the package brought it to fedex!

 

[k120]

This kinda stuff seems to be more common lately. A friend of mine had 2 packages of snakes in 1 day go where they weren't supposed to! 1 package the animals ended up dying, but the other he was able to get a hold of the hub manager and they opened the package up, looked after the animals, then repackaged and reshipped the next morning.

The latter sounds like it might have actually been me. If not, very similar. I was very fortunate that all my snakes survived through the whole thing.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Part of it could very well be from the holiday. This week would have been a bad idea to ship since Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

 

[Susan]

Part of it could very well be from the holiday. This week would have been a bad idea to ship since Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

Exactly! The people working at FedEx are still only human and mistakes are bound to happen. Just think of how many packages are being shipped on a daily basis at this time of year and how many make it to their destination perfectly. Just be thankful that FedEx will ship snakes and can take care of them at a hub if necessary. UPS, as Nanci suggested, will NOT knowlingly ship snakes and if this situation came up, there is nothing that can be done. But you have the colder weather on your side as the hatchlings will be able to tolerate getting a bit too cold better than getting over-heated. And you really can't complain to FedEx as the waiver to ship snakes clearly says they are not responsible if something happens. They do the best they can if they can catch the package at a hub, but nothing during transit.

 

[Nanci]

Susan,

My snake came by UPS- are you saying that they have a rule against snakes (like USPS) and that they just didn't know? It's pretty clear on the breeder's website that UPS is the only snake shipper they use, and that USPS is only for lizards. They don't even offer Fed Ex.

I even said something to the driver about it being my new baby snake, and he didn't say anything like snakes were prohibited.

Nanci

 

[The Nothing]

UPS:

(j) UPS provides service on a limited basis for packages containing some types of live animals. (The term "animal" as used herein refers to anything living, except plants.) UPS will only accept packages containing live animals for shipment within the United States and as set forth in the UPS Terms and Conditions of Service, available at UPS.com. Any package containing a live animal will be considered a perishable commodity and will be accepted for transportation solely at the shipper's risk for any damage or loss arising from the perishable nature of the item. UPS shall not be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/service/terms/service.html

FedEx

Live Animals
FedEx does not accept live-animal shipments as part of its regular-scheduled service. Live animals will be accepted when the shipment is coordinated and approved by the FedEx Live Animal Desk. Acceptable shipments include, but are not limited to, zoo animals (to and from zoo locations only) and horses (from gateway to gateway locations only). Household pets, such as domestic cats and dogs, are not accepted. For more information, please contact the FedEx Live Animal Desk at 1.800.405.9052.

People shipping FedEx should be FedEx Certified - which takes some work


USPS

USPS regulatations in regards to live animals, herps, and inverts
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub52_print.htm

8.2
Harmful Matter—General
Except as provided in this document, any article, composition, or material is nonmailable if it can kill or injure another or injure the mail or other property. Harmful matter includes, but is not limited to:

b. All poisonous animals except scorpions mailed for medical research purposes or for the manufacture of antivenom; all poisonous insects; all poisonous reptiles; and all types of snakes, turtles, and spiders.


-------


9.3.3 Small Cold-Blooded Animals
Small, harmless, cold-blooded animals (except snakes and turtles) that do not require food or water or attention during handling in the mail and that do not create sanitary problems or obnoxious odors are mailable (e.g., baby alligators and caimans not more than 20 inches long, bloodworms, earthworms, mealworms, salamanders, leeches, lizards, snails, and tadpoles).


9.3.9 Other Insects
[5-12-05] Other live, nonpoisonous, and nondisease-conveying insects, including flies of the family Drosophilidae, may be sent through the mail when properly prepared for mailing and when shipped under regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Such insects mailed to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia are also subject to the regulations of the destination country.


9.3.10 Live Scorpions
Live scorpions that are to be used for medical research or the manufacture of antivenin are accepted only in the continental surface mail when packaged in a double mailing container, both parts of which are closed or fastened to prevent escape of the scorpions. The inner container must be of material that cannot be punctured by the scorpions and must be plainly marked "Live Scorpions." Cushioning material must be used when necessary to prevent shifting of the inner container. The outer container must be strong enough to prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during normal handling in the mail. The outer container must be plainly marked "Live Scorpions." [C022.3.10]


The shipper is responsible for following these FEDERAL regulations.



Also
if you need to ship live animals that are mailable, find more info on how to do so here
http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_liveanimal.htm

 

[Nanci]

Well, I wanted to look at UPSs terms and conditions, but last time I tried to open an Acrobat file at work my computer wouldn't come back up till the next day...

The container Inez was shipped in was clearly and brightly labeled on all four sides: PERISHABLE CONTENTS Do not expose to direct sun, heat or cold. Keep at 70'. Handle with care.

I wonder if he's heard anything yet...

Nanci

 

[Lore]

Any word? :shrugs: Did you get your shipment?

 

[Joejr14]

Well, I wanted to look at UPSs terms and conditions, but last time I tried to open an Acrobat file at work my computer wouldn't come back up till the next day...

The container Inez was shipped in was clearly and brightly labeled on all four sides: PERISHABLE CONTENTS Do not expose to direct sun, heat or cold. Keep at 70'. Handle with care.

I wonder if he's heard anything yet...

Nanci

"Perishable contents" is not the same as "live harmless reptile" with the scientific name being printed on the box.

UPS does NOT knowingly ship snakes---that's their company policy. Apparently, certain UPS locations are fine with it, but if someone at a hub opens your box you can very well lose your shipment and have your snake confiscated.

 

[simple_minded]

Hey guys, thanks to everyone for the kind words!! Sorry I wasn't able to come online earlier, it's been a busy day.

Part of it could very well be from the holiday. This week would have been a bad idea to ship since Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

Ya, you're right. I didn't think that Thanksgiving would be a huge "gift giving" holiday, but if I ever get animals shipped again, I'm definitely going to make sure it's nowhere NEAR any holidays.

But the good news is, apart from being a bit thirsty, the boys have arrived safe and sound. They appear to be pretty happy hiding under some aspen. I'll get some pictures later this weekend after they're a bit more settled in.

This kinda stuff seems to be more common lately. A friend of mine had 2 packages of snakes in 1 day go where they weren't supposed to! 1 package the animals ended up dying, but the other he was able to get a hold of the hub manager and they opened the package up, looked after the animals, then repackaged and reshipped the next morning. Luckily, fedex was really helpful for him. He had recently sent a package (non snakes) that got sent to the wrong company in the wrong state, and NOBODY seemed to care, nor did they seem willing to do anything about it and it took him almost 2 days to get it all sorted out, and only because the people who got the package brought it to fedex!

I'm so sorry that your friend's snakes did not make it. I really hope that's just an isolated case. But unfortunately I'm afraid as more and more people get into this hobby and the number of snakes being shipped increases, so will the number of incidents like ones we have experienced.

Again, thanks to everyone and your prayers, you've all been too kind!