First time shipper...Questions!

[sushikam]

Ok...I read through a bunch of old posts about shipping with UPS (as that is who I choose as my carrier) and found some information that made it sound like they don't require you to send a test package and sign a waiver and whatnot before shipping live animals. Well I went onto the UPS site and found this about shipping live animals:

http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/animals.html

Now it says that you must send a test package to the International Safe Transit Association and then once they approve it, they send you a waiver to sign. Has anyone had to do this with UPS? I can't find a location near me either to bring the package too, and am not sure how I go about the process of shipping a test package out to get approved.

I am just getting confused!

And by the way, I have an account with UPS already that I opened up either earlier this year or last year, can't remember.

 

[Kristi23]

I'd like to know this, too, since I only have an account with UPS.

 

[Lena]

I'm also interested in learning about this. I thought you could just ship it overnight with the proper markings.

 

[sushikam]

Well we all need a little help then don't we . I hope someone has an answer...I guess I could always just call UPS, but I've never had luck talking with them on the phone, they always have to forward you to 20 different people before you can talk to who you need to. Or at least that's what I've experienced.

I mean I had read older posts and those that used UPS said they just had to mark the box properly and whatnot. I'm just curious if they have changed their policy, and that is really my main question.

 

[shadowx362]

you don't exacly need to send a *test* package. The only people you really need to deal with is the people you are going to see at the UPS store or drop off hub. Call the manager with confidence (like you know what your doing) were you plan to drop them off and kindly explain how you are a breeder and looked over the UPS website and it says you can ship geckos , but just letting them know if it was ok with them. I tried this at two stores and I got Rejected at one store but accepted at another. It really just depends on the manager. Make sure to let them know ahead of time because they might want to call the ups people and ask if geckos are ok to ship.Also if you actually go ahead and send a test package and get it cleared don't expect all UPS stores to still take it since they are independent and get a say on what they want at their store, drop off places is another story.Hope that helps

 

[sushikam]

Thanks! I emailed the store that I would be shipping out of and told them straight up what I planned to do and that I was a gecko breeder and would need to ship out periodically to customers. I also stated that I have an account with UPS and was just writing to ask if it was okay with them that I ship out of their location.

He emailed me back today and said that was fine since I have an account with UPS. And he gave me the time I would need to get the packages there so that they make it on the last truck for overnight delivery.

So I'm glad it was that easy !

 

[Kelentari]

I was so happy when I read your entry, Kristin! I'm looking into shipping, as well, but with FedEx. I e-mailed a Fedex Kinko's location close to my house in the same manner as you described your e-mailing a UPS store, but got a funny reply....

Thank you for your e-mail. The FedEx Office Project Manager will
confirm:

* Your order was received
* Pricing and payment method
* Expected delivery date for your order

So now I'm thinking, "What the heck?" I guess the e-mail address fedex.com has for that location is for tracking orders. It seems like I'll just have to call them, dangit! :main_rolleyes: