So my new ray is being shipped Jan. 5 and this is the first time I'm doing an airport to airport shipping so I'm a bit nervous (and clueless) about the whole thing. It's coming into Bradley International in Connecticut which is about a 2 hour drive from my home (although I think I can make it in 1.5). What do I do at the airport to make sure this ray makes it home alive with me? I know I need to open the box imediately to check for DOA and any possible water loss. I plan on bringing a 5 gallon bucket of tank water in case there was a leak, and a bottle of Amquel or similar product to shoot in the bag right away. Do I transport the ray home in the styrofoam shipping box? I was going to bring a battery powered air pump to throw in there as well since it's a little bit of hike back home. Any advice is much appreciated. I want to avoid the mishap I had last time so I'm asking in advance. I tried posting this in the general discussion area to no avail. Thanks!
What do I do at the airport?
- Thread starter wheresalbany
- Start date
The air pump/air stone idea is a good one, as is the bucket of tank water in case of a leak. I would leave the ray in the styrofoam container, as that will help insulate the water and keep the ray warmer. You might also want to take a couple of handwarmers, in case the water is getting cold and you need to stabilize the temp. These could be slipped between the plastic bag of water, and the walls of the styrofoam.
You might also bring a digital camera (unless your cell phone takes good pictures) so that if it is DOA, you can take pictures immediately.
Other than that, you should be ok. Just make sure you know where to pick up the box at the airport. I ran into the problem of noone at the airport knew where my package would be, and I ended up running back and forth between various offices/receiving locations.
You might also bring a digital camera (unless your cell phone takes good pictures) so that if it is DOA, you can take pictures immediately.
Other than that, you should be ok. Just make sure you know where to pick up the box at the airport. I ran into the problem of noone at the airport knew where my package would be, and I ended up running back and forth between various offices/receiving locations.
How long a trip will the ray be taking? It should be good for at LEAST 24 hours in the box, assuming the vendor is an experienced shipper and takes all proper steps to ship in the winter. I would leave the bag sealed, obviously, open the carton to see if the Ray has made it, but, a couple more hours in the box shouldn't be a problem, besides, the water was likely treated to help the ray travel better and oxygen put into the bag, if you open it, the oxygen is gone. Just my $0.02 For the record, I have landed fish that spent nearly 70 hours in the boxes and there were minimal losses. . .
also the person shipping the box will tell you what airlines they will be using and just call that airline before you leave and they will tell you where to go. the airstone and bucket is a good idea if the bag is broke but it should be fine for the way home still in the bag like bigpic said.
don't open the bag- new oxygen just messes up the water parameters just wait til you get home and already have the water ready for them
when going to the airport just got the the cargo terminal which is usually a total separate from the regular terminals people fly in and out of and find the airlines youre using and walk into the office and let em know youre there to pick up a box. they'll give you driections where to go next after you pay.
check with the airlines and their cargo times after the flight arrives as sometimes depending on the class of the shipment I would have to wait 2 hours after the flight arrives to be able to pick up my box etc... that also is in consideration
however that is only from my experience from O'HARE.
when going to the airport just got the the cargo terminal which is usually a total separate from the regular terminals people fly in and out of and find the airlines youre using and walk into the office and let em know youre there to pick up a box. they'll give you driections where to go next after you pay.
check with the airlines and their cargo times after the flight arrives as sometimes depending on the class of the shipment I would have to wait 2 hours after the flight arrives to be able to pick up my box etc... that also is in consideration
however that is only from my experience from O'HARE.
Alex does a nice job packing so... just make sure it is alive on arrival, bring camera in case.
If for some reason it is dead take pics still in the bag unopened.
What type of shipping did you choose. With this weather I would take the
guaranteed to ride type of shipping. (most expensive) I chose CMR (Cargo Must Ride) but it
isn't guaranteed and on of my packages got bumped and arrived on the next
flight 3.5 hrs late. But all was good.
You shouldn't have more than a couple hours flight. Get to the airport cargo
pickup for that particular flight. It usually takes 30-40 minutes to offload and bring
to pickup.
He does payment for shipping at pickup (so bring cash and your Air Bill #) Go home acclimate and enjoy
your new ray. Each airport might be a little different, so I would call the intended carriers cargo and check
on their policies.
And the last thing is to POST PICS
If for some reason it is dead take pics still in the bag unopened.
What type of shipping did you choose. With this weather I would take the
guaranteed to ride type of shipping. (most expensive) I chose CMR (Cargo Must Ride) but it
isn't guaranteed and on of my packages got bumped and arrived on the next
flight 3.5 hrs late. But all was good.
You shouldn't have more than a couple hours flight. Get to the airport cargo
pickup for that particular flight. It usually takes 30-40 minutes to offload and bring
to pickup.
He does payment for shipping at pickup (so bring cash and your Air Bill #) Go home acclimate and enjoy
your new ray. Each airport might be a little different, so I would call the intended carriers cargo and check
on their policies.
And the last thing is to POST PICS
I agree.If its alive leave it be. The heatpack should still be warm.Camera is good for proof of doa but lets stay positive........and a bucket could never hurt if its leaking but the styro would be a bucket in itself basically if that happens.Basically pick it up and take a peek if all is well......drive on home.BigPic;3719369; said: