shipping question

[discusone]

Hi everyone,

For those of you that ship apistos across the U.S.,how is the best way to recieve fish?USPS Express or FedEX?.Obviously FedEx Overnight would be the prefered method,but the cost could be excessive.

How well has the USPS done for everybody?.FWIW,i am looking at shipping in some wild caught apistos from the east coast to Den.CO.

Thanks for any input.
Bill.

[tjudy]

Most shippers will define the method of shipping. I would use whatever service the seller is experienced and comfortable with, and if the cost is prohibitive do not buy from the seller.

I use USPS Express Mail exclusively. FedEx carries 100% of the USPS Express packages as a subcontractor, so the quality of service is the same. However, if you are in a more rural area the box may take two days, and you cannot get next day AM. USPS will guarantee some cities by noon and others by 3:00. If fish are packed well there is no problem with them being in a box for two days.

Different people have different experiences with USPS. Some local post offices will not accept fish even though there is no USPS rule against shipping fish. I have no problems because I have a great relationship with my local post office.

Over the years I have used USPS, FedEx, UPS and DHL. No one service is significantly more reliable that another, IME. Therefore I use the inexpensive service.

[discusone]

Thanks,Ted.

I did not know that FedEx subcontracted for the USPS.Very good info!.In that case i will go with the USPS express.Just hoping for milder weather next week,so less risk to my new apistos.

Thanks again,Bill.

[Jholden]

How much does USPS express shipping usually cost to ship pair or 2 of fish lets say maybe a few states away?

[tjudy]

I think that the base rate for one pound to go one zone away (say OH to IN) is about $25. It then does up based upon weight, box size and distance. Most of my boxes are between 3-5 pounds and the rates run between $35 - $45.

[animalmgc]

the only time I've had problems was around holidays and with the extreme cold.Postal express next is is fine they guarentee it to most destinations next day.the one time I used it it did fine.You can also track your next day express online

[Jholden]

thanks much.

[discusone]

Well,i went with FedEX,as i trust them,having shipped many saltwater butterflys,when i had my salt tanks.The difference between FedEx,and USPS express was about 6 US dollars.IMHO,a nobrainer.

The total for shipping,from the US east coast,to Denver,Colorado,was about $64.00.This included 2 heat pacs.

Arrived on time,9.40AM,and fish were warm and ALL ALIVE!.Not one loss to this date.
Bill.

[HiImSean]

for shipping to me, i always use fedex. i work for them and get a great discount on priority over night. i've always had fish arrive on time and in good condition even after a truck crashed in the middle of the night. the delivery person was always the same to my apartment and i would be one of her first stops since she knew they were live fish :D

[tjudy]

Cool! Give us a code so we can all use the discount! :wink: