Shipping during the summer

[sunshinegeckos]

I am in the process of buying some leopard geckos from someone in Chicago and I live in Florida. I am worried with the heat that it will be too dangerous. Does anyone have any suggestions? experience?

 

[doublet74]

If there is a hub of the shipper near you.When they ship them tell them to tell the shipper to hold at that facility and you can go and get them yourself. Inconveinent yes. But better than having your lizards ride around in the back of a hot truck. Also alot of breeders wont guarantee LIVE arrival if the temps at their location and yours are above 90. Just something to check on. GOOD LUCK and CONGRATS.

 

[Tony C]

Extra insulation and packing with gel packs (Phase 22 are excellent, but gel cold packs at room temp are usually sufficient) should get them to you safely. If you're into overkill like me then double boxing is also a great option. When I ship frogs to a hot location I pack them into an 8x8x8 box with 1.5" insulation and phase 22 packs, then pack that box into a 12x12x12 box, also with 1.5" insulation, and cool gel packs surrounding it.

 

[M_surinamensis]

Just sort of posting in agreement with Tony here. Overnight shipping in the continental United States is possible from anywhere to anywhere in anything except the most extreme weather conditions with proper packaging. Conditions which prevent delivery vehicles from moving are the sorts of things that would mandate waiting. Improperly packaged is a whole different story... so it always ends up coming down to the experience and competence of the shipping party in knowing which materials are appropriate in what configuration.

If you're buying from an established dealer who ships often, you should have nothing to worry about. If you're buying from a dealer who is not as experienced, is just starting to ship animals, you will probably want to mention your concerns (and the local conditions) in order to ensure proper materials are used. If need be, I offer to pay them for the additional or higher quality shipping supplies, ten or fifteen dollars extra is a small price to pay to help guarantee live arrival.

 

[sunshinegeckos]

Thanks everyone! This will be my first time ordering from a breeder out of my area so I just want to make sure everything goes ok. I will talk to him about what you suggested and I would definitely pick up the extra costs. Sometimes living in Florida sucks lol