Livestock Shipping How-To w/ Pics!

[banditpowdercoat]

What if one doesn't have O2?

[Lance]

Well Done, Myka.

[Atomikk]

Sometimes those styro discs don't have to be that big. It all depends on the size of the coral/frag. Otherwise, a very good ilustration on how to ship livestock.

[banditpowdercoat]

Ya, Styro disks great Idea. My Xenia was upside down at the bottom of the bag when I got it from Greyhound. Didnt survive

[gqlmao]

Very informative!

5 stars!

Thanks

Stanley,

[Doug]

Good thread with the pics Myka.

Now if we only had air service.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Doug

Good thread with the pics Myka.

Now if we only had air service.

Could try UPS...they're a bit risky, but usually do ok.

[wickedfrags]

I guess you would really just want to make sure it gets there ASAP. This is done as best practice to ensure a minimum 95% survival rate. A drop of slime coat protectant and/or water conditioner is also a good idea to prevent ammonia burns during transport.

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

What if one doesn't have O2?

Agreed. While I do not use this method personally, it is a great shipping technique.

Originally Posted by Atomikk

Sometimes those styro discs don't have to be that big. It all depends on the size of the coral/frag. Otherwise, a very good ilustration on how to ship livestock.

[fishoholic]

Great info. Why wasn't this made into a sticky? I think it should be. Christy, what's your thoughts?

The only thing I would add, is that for fish, you might want to lower the salinity a bit. It's supposed to be less stressful to fish in transport if the salinity is lowered.

[whatcaneyedo]

I like this old post and thought it could use a little more info that isnt common knowledge to everyone.

UPS, Purolator and Fedex
UPS, Purolator and Fedex do not ship anything that is alive. If you want to send live coral/fish through them do not tell them what is in the box and do not write anything on the sides of the box. If you do send by one of these couriers be sure to get them to either hold at their depot for pickup or require a signature when they deliver. Otherwise they may just leave the package on the persons doorstep without even checking to see if anyones home. This is especially bad if they accidentally deliver it to the wrong house or if it is in the winter.
http://purolator.com/
http://www.ups.com/
http://fedex.com/

Westjet
Westjet requires that you book and pay for your shipment in advance (before you get to the airport) by calling the number on their website. http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/trav...rs/cargo.shtml There is no other information about their Cargo service on their website. When you call they will need to know the dimensions of the box and how much it weighs in addition to who is sending it and where it is going. You will need a credit card number to pay. Just tell them that you are shipping 'live tropical fish' as they dont like saltwater. They still seem to take it willingly but leaking saltwater is damaging to their planes so I'm sure they would prefer not handle it. They will give you a waybill number over the phone that you will need when you bring your package to the airport. Please pass this number onto the person you are sending the package too as well as they will need it to claim the package once it arrives.

When you get to the airport you will need government issued photo identification in order for them to accept the package just like if you yourself were getting on the plane. The package needs to be in their possession at least 1.5 hours before the plane that it is destined for takes off so arrive very early. They will have several forms for you to fill out and will inspect the exterior of your package to see that it is packed well. Be sure to have taped all around the flaps on the cardboard box.

Greyhound
Greyhound seems to work alright in the summer for relatively short distances. They also tend to be the least expensive option for most livestock shipments. However they are probably the most violent with their packages so take that into consideration when putting everything together. Be sure to check your receipts too... they're also the ones who are mostly likely to make a mistake and send your package to the wrong city. Also find out roughly what time the package should arrive at its final destination so that you can pass that information on the the receiver in case Greyhound does not call them when it arrives. In most communities they offer a right to the door delivery service. Personally I wouldnt trust it and recommend that you just have the receiver pick up the package upon arrival. Other than that it is pretty simple to send by greyhound. Just have the receivers name, number and city with you and a piece of ID when you go to drop off the package.
http://greyhound.ca/home/