I always go with private shipping companies like DHL they do a lot better job PO is over paid workers that are lazy.
COMPLETE BS
- Thread starter Wailua Boy
- Start date
I have an electronic kitchen scale. Or for really heavy boxes, I just use an electric scale that you would use to weigh yourself. Just make sure it is on solid ground (no carpet).
I've been out of the shipping game for a number of years, but at one time shipping "water" was prohibited by most commercial carriers, including UPS, Purolator, etc - as well as the PO, both in Canada and the USA. Some clerks call you on it, some don't. Read the fine print, most don't want to be held liable if/when the water leaks out onto other customers items.
I stand corrected, looks like it's a green light with USPS as long as specific guidelines are followed.
http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub52/pub52c5_008.htm
Specific Requirements by Animal:
Goldfish
Tropical Fish
http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub52/pub52c5_008.htm
Specific Requirements by Animal:
Goldfish
Tropical Fish
- Fish must be held in a securely sealed primary receptacle.
- Primary receptacle must be cushioned with sufficient absorbent material to take up all liquid in case of leakage.
- Primary receptacle and absorbent cushioning material must be sealed within waterproof outer (shipping) packaging.
I had the same issues when I first started shipping from my hatchery. But, once the regular UPS, USPS, and FedEx delivery personnel got used to my live shipments coming in and going out, they began looking forward to coming out to my place to check out all the tanks and latest grow-outs. A few even became new customers.
I was more just temporarily annoyed by the situation, by nearly missing my deadline but It was a good learning experience. I think I will introduce myself to this clerk and let them know to expect packages of fish and please familiarize themselves with the procedure. I would never try to get this clerk in trouble, the thought of making anyone's life any harder than it needs to be, doesn't appeal to me but I would like to prevent this from happening again. On top of that, she had mentioned she's retiring in 2 weeks to have a double knee surgery, I'm sure she has bigger things to worry about than an irate customer who couldn't mail his fish......
Majority employees of these shipping carriers has no knowledge or didn't get a proper training while in their training school (if they even have one) about shipping live fish, when they saw you carry a box to the counter they will start asking all dumbest questions (or acting) your ever heard from time to time!
I think all postal agencies are out to get me because I just had a package delivered by UPS and as the driver picked up the package from the back, I could see it laying on its side. I didn't say anything thinking the package wasn't well marked keep upright. Sure enough, once I examined the packing, it was marked all over, keep upright. Makes me wonder how these packages are handled in transit.
