The Expert Guide to Shipping Reptiles with FedEx in 2024
As a reptile lover, you may need to ship your slithery companion at some point. While major carriers like USPS prohibit it, FedEx does allow reptile shipping – but with very specific requirements.
This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about FedEx reptile shipping in 2024 – from certification to proper packaging and costs.
Overview: FedEx Reptile Shipping Process
Here is the flight plan for shipping live reptiles with FedEx:
- Obtain Live Animal Certification
- Create FedEx account
- Construct approved sample box
- Pass FedEx live animal tests
- Submit paperwork
- Wait 3+ weeks for approval
- Prepare specialized packaging
- Insulated box with ventilation
- Water bowls, heating packs
- Tape, labels
- Carefully load live reptile
- Only healthy animals
- Prevent movement/injury
- Drop package off at FedEx Ship Center
- FedEx transports to destination
Next, let‘s break down exactly what‘s involved at each step…
Step 1: Earning FedEx Reptile Certification
FedEx has an intensive certification process to ensure customers can safely transport live animals. Here‘s what‘s required:
Create a FedEx Account
Like any FedEx shipper, you‘ll first need a FedEx account number to manage shipping and access special services. Opening one is free and easy through FedEx Account Registration.
Build a Prototype Box
You must construct a box meeting FedEx‘s packaging standards for live animals. It must be:
- Corrugated cardboard
- At least 275-pound rating
- Insulated walls and lid
- Ventilation holes
Then submit dimensions, materials, images and other details to FedEx. This reptile forum thread has tips.
By The Numbers: FedEx Animal Shipments
How big is the FedEx live animal business? In 2021, FedEx Express alone:
- Handled 317,000+ live animal shipments
- Transported over 1 million live animals!
From tiny crickets to massive zoo animals headed overseas, FedEx has major capabilities when shipping live cargo.
Take FedEx‘s Tests
FedEx administers written tests demonstrating you understand how to safely handle live animals during transport:
- Live Animal Behavior and Characteristics
- Acceptance Procedures
- Packing and Marking
- Loading and Unloading
You must pass each section with a minimum score before advancing. These ensure you have the training to properly administer reptile shipments.
Submit Paperwork
Finally, complete FedEx‘s Live Animal Acceptance Checklist documenting your:
- Packaging specifications
- Emergency procedures
- Acclimation, feeding, watering plans
- Shipping preparation process
Compile any other evidence of expertise in safely transporting live reptiles.
Then submit this paperwork to FedEx for review.
Receive Approval
Within 3 weeks or longer, FedEx will review your package prototype, test scores, paperwork, and account credentials and issue a determination.
If approved, you‘ll receive Live Animal Certification permitting you to coordinate FedEx reptile shipments. Then it‘s time to prepare your package…
Step 2: Prepare Safe and Secure Reptile Packaging
With certification in hand, now you must assemble a reptile shipping kit meeting FedEx standards.
Key components include:
| Material | Purpose | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated Box | Holds environment | $15 |
| Heating Packs | Maintains temperature | $5 |
| Water Bowl | Hydration | $2 |
| Total | $22+ |
You‘ll also need tape, deli containers, zip ties, labels, packing materials, and other incidentals.
All together you‘re looking around $30-40 for a proper DIY reptile shipping setup.
Alternatively, purchasing a professional reptile shipping kit hits all packaging requirements while simplifying the process.
Top 6 Tips for Safe Reptile Packaging
Here are pro tips from veteran herpetological shippers on securing sensitive cargo:
- Line walls with crumpled newsprint – Cushions animal and absorbs moisture
- Eliminate interior movement – Restrict to 1/3 box space
- Affix heating pack outside – Don‘t risk direct contact burns
- Confirm pack temperature – IDEAL: 85-90 Fahrenheit
- Ventilate adequately – Punch 25+ evenly spaced holes
- Label prominently – Mark handling precautions in large font
With rock-solid packaging, you‘re ready to carefully load your reptile…
Step 3: Inspect and Load Live Animal
The health of your animal heavily impacts shipping success.
Follow these best practices when loading reptiles for transport:
- Examine closely – Reject lethargic, ill, or injured animals
- Fast 5-7 days pre-shipment – Prevents in-transit waste
- Hydrate prior – Offer fresh water until departure
- Protect against sharp edges – Wrap safely for handling
- Minimize movement – Restrict container space
Carefully transferring your reptile into secure packaging minimizes stress and injury risks during shipment.
Step 4: Drop Off at FedEx Ship Center
Unlike standard packages, FedEx prohibits dropping off live shipments at retail FedEx Office or FedEx Drop-Off locations.
Instead, you must bring containers directly to an approved FedEx Ship Center cleared for dangerous goods. Use FedEx‘s Locator Tool and select "Dangerous Goods Allowed" to find one.
After inspection, FedEx handles prompt delivery to the destination. Live reptiles rides in climate-controlled trailers alongside other animals bound for zoos, breeders or collectors.
How Much Does FedEx Reptile Shipping Cost?
FedEx bills reptile shipping as with any other package, charging rates based on:
- Weight
- Distance
- Express vs. ground transport
Use FedEx‘s rate calculator to estimate your unique cost.
For context, here is an overview of 2023 FedEx reptile shipping rates:
| Transit Time | 1 LB Shipment | 150 Miles | 600 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | $25+ | $45+ | |
| Ground | $15+ | $25+ |
Keeping your package under 2 pounds helps minimize charges. Expect to spend $15 for short distance ground up to $45+ for overnight express shipments.
Plus you‘ll pay $20-40 to purchase all required packaging.
Alternative: Reptile Specialist Shipping
While FedEx permits customers to directly ship reptiles after certification, the process is extremely onerous.
Instead, most opt to ship reptiles through a specialized animal courier like:
These companies hold existing FedEx certifications and can package and transport reptiles on your behalf much more easily.
For example, simply package your pet in one of their prepaid shipping kits. Then drop off at any FedEx and let the experts handle the sensitive live animal paperwork and logistics.
Expect to pay a premium for such specialty services – but it saves endless headaches getting certified yourself!
| Service | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Reptiles2You | $28+ |
| Ship Your Reptiles | $35+ |
| Reptile Express | $30+ |
No matter which shipping method you choose, exercising extreme care when transporting live animals is a must.
Key Takeaways: FedEx Reptile Shipping 2023
While permitting reptile transport, FedEx‘s certification test and inspection requirements create hurdles for the average pet owner. Still, thousands trust FedEx with safely shipping reptiles nationwide each year.
To recap key details for shipping reptiles with FedEx in 2024:
- Certification is challenging – specialized shippers easier
- Proper packaging is crucial – insulation, temp regulation
- Inspect animals closely pre-ship – reject risky ones
- Live shipments have restricted dropoff – deliver to Ship Centers
- Cost varies by distance and speed – estimate $15-$45
With the right precautions, FedEx reptile shipping allows fellow herpetology enthusiasts to safely trade and transport reptiles nationwide.
Hope this guide gives you everything needed to successfully coordinate your next live reptile delivery! Let me know if any other questions come up.
