***ON-TIME AND LIVE ARRIVAL INSURANCE UPDATE***Monday 5/13/2024- Check back by 8AM MST;  ** BEWARE of Weather- see Alerts below**

Regarding Insurance for Live animal shipping: We look at the weather and the FedEx system, after analyzing the information we decide if we will offer insurance and if it will be for HUB only and or HOME deliveries.

We will update this message by 8am MST today.

ALERTS: Winter weather can be very unpredictable, be aware that shipping between temperatures that vary by 20 degrees daytime highs can be dangerous!

NOTE: Always check the destination before shipping. With varied temperatures across the U.S. consider using Phase24 packs. Phase packs make it possible to ship from and to areas with straddling temperatures. Check out the Shipping Supplies tab on our website.

REMEMBER: FedEx has ZERO liability on live shipments, and they will not issue any refunds on live packages that are late, lost, damaged, or DOA. Our On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance is the only way to protect yourself in the event of a late, lost, or DOA shipment. 

Insurance Eligibility Requirements

If you ship without purchasing insurance, you do so entirely at your own risk and financial liability! Ship according to SYR, SYI and SYA Shipping Standards, Packaging Guidelines, and Temperature Guidelines. See our Shipping Standards section:

FAQ- Shipping Standards

FedEx Service Alerts

ATTN: All Reptiles and Amphibians, and most Aquatics MUST BE SHIPPED PRIORITY OVERNIGHT!

Temperature Guidelines for Safe Shipping- Reptiles and Amphibians

These guidelines are according to daytime HIGH temperatures. If either the ORIGIN or DESTINATION temperature is 70 degrees farenheit or higher, DO NOT use a heat pack.

Shipping outside of these temperature guidelines nullifies any SYR Insurance. If your daytime high temperatures straddle two categories, please contact us for instructions that remain within insurance parameters, qualifications, and guidelines.

REPTILES

Below 38°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for warmer weather.

38-69°F: Use a heat pack per our directions.

70-91°F: DO NOT use heat pack.

92-100°F: Ship to a "FedEx Ship Center" facility (NOT a FedEx Office, Pak Mail, Mail Boxes Etc. or other satellite/franchise location). Your shipment will arrive early in the morning and be kept inside until the recipient picks it up. Search for a FedEx staffed facility near you. Read the IMPORTANT NOTE below.*

Over 100°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for cooler weather.

 

AMPHIBIANS and other species from cooler moist climates.

Below 38°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for warmer weather.

38-60°F: Use a heat pack per our directions.

60-80°F: DO NOT use a heat pack. No cold pack required.

80-92°F: Use a cold pack per our directions.

Over 92°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for cooler weather.

NOTE: When the daytime high temperature at your destination is between 92 and 100 degrees farenheit, you should not ship to typical residential or business locations and you should not ship amphibians at all. Any time spent on a delivery truck during the heat of the day can be detrimental to the health of your animal. However, you can ship to a "FedEx Ship Center" facility (NOT a FedEx Office, Pak Mail, Mail Boxes Etc. or other satellite/franchise location). Your shipment will arrive early in the morning and be kept inside until the recepient picks it up. 

Ship Like A Pro!

View current FedEx Service Disruptions.

1. Avoid shipping anything live on Mondays and Thursdays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays remain the safest shipping days FedEx-wise. 

2. Do not call FedEx! Call or email us directly with any issues. FedEx has ZERO liability on live shipments, no matter what FedEx customer service might tell you!

3. Our On Time and Live Arrival Insurance is the only way to protect yourself when shipping live animals through FedEx. Only certain shipments are eligible for insurance coverage. Any uninsured shipments are at the shipper's own risk. 

3. No handwarmers, ever. Handwarmers and heat packs with durations less than 40 hours kill animals. 

4. Using any heat pack in a box smaller than ~12x9x6 can easily kill animals.

5. Using any heat pack when temps at either the origin or destination are 70F or above can easily kill animals.

If you are dealing with straddling temps or have any concerns whatsoever, contact us for recommendations!

Thank you!

Priority vs. Standard Overnight

Recently we have begun offering Standard Overnight as an option when shipping to a hub. While Priority and Standard generally arrive at the hub at the same time in the mornings please be aware that because Standard Overnight is a step down it does get sorted second, and could be delayed until closer to the 5PM commitment time listed on the label. You may need to make your receipient aware of this to avoid confusion, or appear that you have been missleading.