Spring has Sprung!
Warmer temperatures are finally becoming the norm across most of the country.
It’s time to put those heat packs away. Please don’t assume that just because you are shipping reptiles that they must have supplemental heat at all times. Almost all reptiles will do perfectly fine in controlled room temperatures anywhere from 65-85 degrees. Obviously, for long term care, that may not be ideal for a lot of animals, but a few hours spent in transit (or a couple of days spent on display at a reptile expo) will not hurt them at all.
What will hurt them is being exposed to temperatures that soar above 90 degrees. Even animals that enjoy a really hot hot-spot in their enclosure may suffer if they are trapped in a small box for hours and hours at a high temperature they cannot escape.
Tips for Safe Shipping as the Weather Warms:
1.) Check temperatures! There are still cool spots in the country, so if you live in one of those spots, and are shipping to another one, you may still need to use a heat pack. If the HIGH temperatures at both locations are below 69°, then you should use one. If both high temperatures are above 70°, then NO HEAT PACK. If your temperatures straddle that line, with one higher and one lower, contact our Customer Service for precise advice on what to do.
2.) Make sure your box is well insulated. At least 3/4” foam insulation on all six sides of the box.
3.) Ventilate! Two small holes (1/4” in diameter) at each end of the box, for a total of four holes. More than that may degrade the structural integrity of the box and negate the benefits of the insulation. A phillips head screwdriver works great for making these simple holes. Be sure to punch through the box and the insulation.
4.) Consider including a Cold Pack or a Phase 22 Pack, especially if delivering during warmer than ideal weather, or working with an animal particularly sensitive to warm temperatures. Cold Packs are inexpensive and can work great to help keep the temperature in the box from getting too warm. Phase 22 Packs offer a more consistent method of temperature control and are favored by frog and gecko shippers.
5.) Drop off your package at the latest possible hour. If at all possible, arrange to drop your package off at the FedEx Ship Center (local hub) during the last hour of the day that they are accepting Express deliveries. This gets your package moving quickly through the system without a lot of sitting around and waiting to be picked up.
6.) If your Guaranteed Delivery Time is 10:30am, in most parts of the country, that is early enough to not worry too much about heat building up on the delivery truck. But if shipping to Arizona or Texas (for instance)…or if your GDT is later than 10:30…talk with your recipient and consider having the package held for Pick-Up at their local FedEx Ship Center (hub). If the high temperature at your receiving end is between 92°-100° F, you must have the shipment held for Pick-Up.
7.) Don’t ship if the high temperatures at either end are going to be over 100°. Wait for cooler weather.
8.) Regularly refer to our guidelines on regulating the temperature of your shipments.
If ever in doubt about whether or not it’s safe to ship, or if you have any questions about heat packs, cold packs, or Phase 22 packs, give us a call and we’ll help you make sure you’re doing the absolute best thing for your animals.
Please remember, our top priority is the safety of your animals!
Customer Service Desk
Monday - Friday 7am-6pm MST
303-730-2125
info@ShipYourReptiles.com
info@ShipYourAquatics.com
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