Shipping discussions

[ConcinusMan]

The whole point of dimensional weight is to get a higher rate for the packages that don't weigh much. Perhaps you are confusing dim charges with Oversize charges, which is a different fee that does indeed kick in after a package exceeds a set size on the large end.

But they do indeed charge according to dimensional weight for all air packages. Starting at 1 pound.

Who does? All snake packages I mail out charge by weight. "dimensional weight" ONLY comes into play if any one side is over 18" . Then they use the higher of the two (weight or dimensional). Oversize limits are much higher than 18" All I know is that there is a minimum 1lb charge on my 12X12X12 boxes and as long as they are under 18" on any one side, they only charge for each additional ounce, up to to a certain weight limit.

For example, that box is going to cost the same for shipping whether it weighs 8oz or 16 oz. If it goes over 16, they charge by weight rounded to nearest ounce. But if I were to use a 20" box that weighed 8oz, or even 16oz I get screwed on the rate. In other words, keep it under 18" unless you want to get screwed.

EDIT: oops. correction. Anything over 12" you get screwed.'

Actually, I dont' even know anymore. Cant count on the shipping calculator online. It's flat out wrong sometimes. I just know that size beyond a certain amount really screws you regardless of weight. I just keep them small to avoid that.

[MCwyo]

Guess it's lucky for me that I have a home business... I did not know that snakes could only be shipped to/from a business.

[Robyn@TRR]

Who does?

FedEx and UPS do. I have not forgotten so quickly that you are a US Postal customer, who prohibit snake shipping. I'm talking about proper carriers.

As for the rate, I was trying to explain that getting a quote for the same box, same service and fees can be difficult through their sites, but I know, for a fact, that the rates are at parity, to the penny. Again, this is just FedEx and UPS.

And when they raise their rates the first of the year, as they do each year, they will raise them by the exact same amount, and parity will remain. They both still publish a rate book, with printed rates, and they are the same.

You give me the package spec, size and weight, zip to zip, and I do know the subtle process differences that produce the same quote/booking result at both FedEx and UPS. It is challenging, but once you know their systems, you can find the answer.

All I know about garters is that they are small, and can be REALLY pretty. But I do know all about shipping, for real : )

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, ridiculous isn't it? What friggen difference does it make. Apparently, if you go with SYR, fedEx WILL deliver your reptile to a residence but not if you ship it yourself as a certified reptile shipper. WTF?

Whatever. They're both just ridiculous and I'm not asking anyone to pay $105 to ship. It's up to them if they want to do that and this is the first I've heard any complaints about my shipping. Nobody goes telling me "hey, I'd rather you ship using SYR at 3 times the rate". Yeah, not a lot of demand for that I noticed.

[Robyn@TRR]

Guess it's lucky for me that I have a home business... I did not know that snakes could only be shipped to/from a business.

The B2B requirement is a part of the FedEx Live Reptile Certification contract, yes. You can find the language in your own contract if you are already certified. But it is for addresses ZONED as a business. It specifically says that "home based businesses" do not count. So a home business does not meet the FedEx requirement.

Why the requirement? I don't know, doesn't make a lot of logical sense to reptile folks. But it is specific.

ShipYourReptiles has a FedEx issued exception for that clause, and using our service, you can ship to and from both Residential and Business addresses.

You also waive your right to any refunds or content coverage under the FedEx agreement. If a package is late, no refund. That is why we started the SYR On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance, which is self funded. FedEx doesn't pay us for late or damaged packages either, but if you select the coverage during booking, we DO PAY YOU!

We offer a number of great benefits. And we can customize the rate to meet a customer need. Contact me directly, I am happy to talk with you about it.

[Robyn@TRR]

Yeah, ridiculous isn't it? What friggen difference does it make. Apparently, if you go with SYR, fedEx WILL deliver your reptile to a residence but not if you ship it yourself as a certified reptile shipper. WTF?

Whatever. They're both just ridiculous and I'm not asking anyone to pay $105 to ship. It's up to them if they want to do that and this is the first I've heard any complaints about my shipping. Nobody goes asking telling me "hey, I'd rather you ship using SYR at 3 times the rate". Yeah, not a lot of demand for that I noticed.

We have never met, but I get the feeling that nothing will make you happy. That's a shame. It is also a shame that you thumb your nose at reptile shipping regulations because "you can". You put us all in jeopardy with that selfish approach. I guess your "getting out of the business" lasted less than 24 hours?

We have thousands of folks using our service and getting a terrific result, I'm sorry that you see no benefit to it. I would STRONGLY encourage you to do the RIGHT thing and get individually FedEx certified.

[MCwyo]

I don't ship, so no I am not certified/have never seen the contract. So... I cannot buy snakes since my business is in my home, even though it falls into proper business zoning regulations with my city? Crazy. Oh well. I wonder if I could arrange to have any future additions shipped to the local pet store... They might be willing to work with me I will check out the SYR and RE options as well though.

[ConcinusMan]

I guess your "getting out of the business" lasted less than 24 hours?

Who said I ever changed that decision? Not currently in business anyway.

We have thousands of folks using our service and getting a terrific result, I'm sorry that you see no benefit to it. I would STRONGLY encourage you to do the RIGHT thing and get individually FedEx certified.

Apparently, that won't work either. I'm not a business and shipping 8-10 packages a year hardly constitutes one. If I were to use SYR, I think they would be making far more money on the deal than I, you know, the person with the product, the one doing all the work and investment of time and money. Look, I'm not saying it's not a good service or anything like that. I'm saying the cost is ridiculous. $105 from me to NY. No on time insurance, not including packaging, etc. That's outrageous.

[twgrosmick]

I don't ship, so no I am not certified/have never seen the contract. So... I cannot buy snakes since my business is in my home, even though it falls into proper business zoning regulations with my city? Crazy. Oh well. I wonder if I could arrange to have any future additions shipped to the local pet store... They might be willing to work with me I will check out the SYR and RE options as well though.

Or you could have it shipped to the nearest FedEx hub and hold it there.

[MCwyo]

You know what. Nevermind. You go ahead and buy, trade and sell your pugets and concinnus' and all the while, you preach about following the rules. Nevermind how they got to be available in the first place. Everyone's jumping down my throat but it never occurred to people that there is no legal way, and never has been one, to get either of those species. That includes their captive descendants. They're all illegal if you want to get picky and follow the letter of the law, and I'm pretty sure that doesn't just apply to those two.

Sorry, don't want to get back off track, but I just saw this and am now kind of (VERY) worried... concinnus, illegal???!!!