1. I'd like to ship frozen feeders, but your website says I can't use dry ice. Why not?
Marjorie S.
If you ship dry ice (frozen CO2), you put not only our account in jeopardy, but our entire industry. Shipping dry ice is strictly prohibited on our account. FedEx looks at it as a hazardous material, and as such you would need to create your own account with FedEx that includes a hazardous materials qualification and certification.
Unapproved shipping with dry ice not only involves FedEx but the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and a threat of penalties and jail time. It is no joke. Dry ice is considered a class 9 hazardous material for the following reasons:
It's an Explosion hazard. Dry ice releases a large amount of carbon dioxide gas as it changes from a solid to a gas. If packaged in a tight container that does not allow for release of the gas, it may explode, causing personal injury and/or property damage, which would be catastrophic in an airplane.
It's a Suffocation hazard. A large volume of carbon dioxide gas emitted in a confined space, such as an airplane, may displace oxygen and create an oxygen deficient environment. This is not only dangerous for animals, but for the pilots and crew on the airplane.
It's a Contact hazard. Dry ice is a cryogenic material that causes severe frostbite upon contact with skin.
2. I don't have any clear packing tape. Can I use duck tape?
Nate V.
You do not want to use duct tape, scotch tape, or masking tape on your shipment. Only packing tape will be approved by FedEx.
Because of duct tape's material and thickness, the gummy edge peels up easily and can get caught in the automated system of conveyor belts, causing potential damage and delays, not to mention additional fees from FedEx, which will be charged automatically to your account.
Scotch tape and masking tape's low adhesive properties and narrow width make them unsafe to use for shipping.
You want to use shipping-specific tape to avoid any issues during transit. Packing tape can conveniently be found at most grocery stores in the school/office aisle.
If YOU have any questions you'd like us to answer, please let us know at Newsletter@ShipYourReptiles.com!