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Getting FedEx Certified...

Awesome, If more people did this then maybe FedEx would realize how much business we are providing them with.
Definitely keep all of your paperwork.
You also might want to contact the local FedEx shipper you plan on using before your first shipment. I didn't and then shipped and got home to a voice message that they "don't ship reptiles" ( I had labeled the box, very small and inconspicuously as per the Lacy Act) and that they were now closed. My BP had to sit overnight while I called and emailed various people within FedEx to prove I was certified. It worked out in the end, but it was quite a headache. I am known as the "snake-guy" there and they all now know that they do in fact ship reptiles...
PS) The girl that initially noticed what I had written as the contents now wants to buy a BP from me...


Lacy Act? I'm not familiar with this...
 
Hooboy, I'll try this again, 3rd time's a charm after all! XD

(first time I got the run-around with the live animal desk and second time with folks who didn't return my calls!)

As I understand it, I need the account rep for two things; an account number to bill for shipping the test package, and a reptile shipping waver for when the package gets approved; is that correct?

Once you get a reptile shipping waver, are you done?
 
If I remember correctly the next step is to wait...heh heh
Then your rep should contact you witht their approval. did you ge and sign the "contract" with them yet?
 
did you ge and sign the "contract" with them yet?

Is that the reptile waver? I really haven't done much yet besides open an account (actually did that a while ago), have the shipping supplies TO ship reptiles, and I just left a message on my rep's voicemail tonight XD Hopefully they'll get back to me soon this time; then I get to send out the test package with the package testing form filled out, no?
 
did you ge and sign the "contract" with them yet?

Is that the reptile waver? I really haven't done much yet besides open an account (actually did that a while ago), have the shipping supplies TO ship reptiles, and I just left a message on my rep's voicemail tonight XD Hopefully they'll get back to me soon this time; then I get to send out the test package with the package testing form filled out, no?
It's the one that basically gives you no rights and absolves them of everything.
 
I just paid for the package shipping myself, they didn't offer an account to charge it to. I have heard of that happening tho..

Basically you will send them a package, it will get checked out, then you will get a letter saying it passed (or not). Then your rep will send you a waiver to sign. Once you get that back to them you are done.

Silvergrin I sent you a PM. :D
 
I sent my package off for testing Friday... at first a packaging guy I reached on the phone said I could "bill to sender" since it was a required test but then they told me I had to pay for shipping out (but they will pay to ship it back). Oh well, I'm just so pleased it looks like things will happen this time! :D

Things seem to be going remarkably smoothly this time. Maybe people are more informed, and/or hard economic times has made FedEx more attentive to us herpers? I think the trick is to avoid the Live Animal Desk like the plague (maybe they're different now) and just ask for an account exec without mentioning animal shipping. Then the magic buzzwords are "live harmless reptile shipping certification"... or else tips on the right people to contact :)

I'm curious, for those who are certified and have shipped FedEx; do you have to send the package out from special hubs? When I sent the test package out and chatted with the staff (forewarning them what I might be up to in a few weeks/months >:) ) they said they couldn't ship reptiles (or any perishables) from there locations, but I could from a (slightly further away) hub location. Anyone else heard this?
 
I'm curious, for those who are certified and have shipped FedEx; do you have to send the package out from special hubs? When I sent the test package out and chatted with the staff (forewarning them what I might be up to in a few weeks/months >:) ) they said they couldn't ship reptiles (or any perishables) from there locations, but I could from a (slightly further away) hub location. Anyone else heard this?

I ship from Kinko's 1/2 mile from my home, but it took a little doing. Even though I was certified my name wasn't showing on the approved reptile shippers list until I got my rep involved again. Just to be safe, I carry a copy of my 3 page "passed" form, my e-mails back and forth from Rod and the FedEx generated sheet that show proper way to pack a shipment for those who say, "FedEx doesn't ship reptiles".
 
I ship from Kinko's 1/2 mile from my home, but it took a little doing. Even though I was certified my name wasn't showing on the approved reptile shippers list until I got my rep involved again. Just to be safe, I carry a copy of my 3 page "passed" form, my e-mails back and forth from Rod and the FedEx generated sheet that show proper way to pack a shipment for those who say, "FedEx doesn't ship reptiles".
Wow, they let you ship from a Kinkos? Now I know that they have the right to refuse to do it. good for you!
 
Hmmm... it would be nice if I could convince them to ship from the fedex/kinkos, save me an extra 5 miles (one way)!
I was under the impression it wasn't just a reptiles thing, but for any perishable item (even food). I thought maybe it had something to do with faster pickups from the hub, but I don't know. First I heard of it.
 
I plan to ship from one of these EZ Pack type places right by my house. I was under the assumption that I could. I may have to ask my rep. Never even thought about it to be honest! When I print a label for priority overnight it says my closest drop off is the place I am talking about...

PS> I just sent an email to Rod, I'll see what he says. :D
 
I plan to ship from one of these EZ Pack type places right by my house. I was under the assumption that I could. I may have to ask my rep. Never even thought about it to be honest! When I print a label for priority overnight it says my closest drop off is the place I am talking about...

PS> I just sent an email to Rod, I'll see what he says. :D

My local rep even said the Kinko's doesn't ship reptiles. Rod said there's no reason why they shouldn't and suggested I bring all my paperwork, once I showed them and more importantly the driver, everyone was ok with it. Even if the Kinko's refuses, the driver will most likely take the package so show up just before the driver leaves.
 
Hahaha, that thread has some great info but it's not for the faint of heart! Or, rather, the faint of reading...
 
Yeah, that thread is a mess! That's where I began the learning process though.

I exchanged some emails with Rod (my FedEx rep). He personally called and spoke to the manager at the drop location I plan to use. No problem! Rod also gave me an email that I can bring if I decide to drop off a package somewhere else, basically detailing that I am ok to ship animals, and gives his contact info if the drop off location needs to call him.

Very cool guy. :D
 
I'm planning to start this process over the Christmas vacation. I hope I'll have a smooth success story to share rather than a horror story soon....
 
Test package requirements!

Well here's an excellent resource I hadn't been able to locate before! A pdf of the exact packaging specs for live harmless reptile shipping!

The package testing people sent it to me because of a slight violation of their policy, but I think it'll be okay as I can just promise to do it in the future. I hadn't known I should extra-secure snap-on deli cup lids with tape, rubber bands, etc. I can't say I've ever seen a baby escape from a deli cup, but it's not a good idea.

Copypaste of the PDF:


PACKAGING SYSTEM
The following components are required when accepting a packaging system for live reptiles.
• Live reptile inside a primary container. If primary container is a plastic dish with a lid, the lid must be secured by the appropriate amount of additional closure (tape, rubber bands, staples, etc.) to prevent the lid from separating. “Snap-on-lids” alone are not sufficient and require additional closure. If primary container is a cloth bag, bag must be sealed (tight knot, plastic cable-tie, folded over and taped, etc.) for proper containment.
• Cloth bags used to contain reptile may not have holes, cutouts or tears.
• Void fill (foam peanuts, newspaper, shredded paper, etc.) placed on all sides of the primary container to cushion and secure the container from shifting inside of the package while in transit.
• Sturdy outer box (recommend a minimum burst strength rating of 200 lbs.) sealed with a minimum 2” wide pressure sensitive tape. Duct or electrical tape is not permitted.

Optional Additions:
• Heat/cold pack for thermal protection from outside temperature and humidity changes.
• Foam panels placed inside all six faces of box to enhance overall structural integrity of package and for additional insulation of contents. Appropriate thickness of foam should be used for different box sizes.

LABELING AND TAPING
• “(upwards arrows)” or “THIS SIDE UP” labels are recommended.
• “LIVEHARMLESSREPTILE” on two sides of the box.
• Place Airbill or POWERSHIP label on top of largest side.
• Recommend using the “H-taping method” on the top and bottom of the package as illustrated at upper left.

RESTRICTIONS
• FedEx boxes should not be used as the outer container.
• Shipments are restricted to Domestic U.S. locations via FedEx Express service only. Live animal shipments via FedEx Ground
are strictly prohibited.
 

Attachments

  • Live-Reptile-Pkg-Guidelines.pdf
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I hadn't known I should extra-secure snap-on deli cup lids with tape, rubber bands, etc. I can't say I've ever seen a baby escape from a deli cup, but it's not a good idea.

arrrg that should be "but it's a good idea" or "not a bad idea"
 
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