Warm weather shipping tips

seamus2050 · Jun 24, 2014

Estimated cost of shipping will be Fedex $9-$10. shipping supplies-$1.80. So total should be under $12. sorry for any rambling or typos...Ambien. Will be attempting a few softies, sps and lps, mostly common stuff, no since risking nicer stuff yet.

Pete polyp · Jun 24, 2014

I'm interested to see how this goes

prsnlty · Jun 24, 2014

Pete polyp said:
I'm interested to see how this goes

Me too

I have never shipped coral before and since I want to PIF I need to know the proper way to do it.

Pete polyp · Jun 24, 2014

prsnlty said:
Me too I have never shipped coral before and since I want to PIF I need to know the proper way to do it.

Keep in mind that seamus is conducting an experiment with an unusual shipping technique. It has been used by experts in the industry successfully, but isn't what we would usually see anywhere else.

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

I know this has nothing to do with weather temps but maybe... The best packaged corals I ever received was from Colin (cbrennan4). He used medical specimen cups. I wish I took a picture of them in the box.

The cups had the bottom of cut clear solo cup to fit frag plugs with slits cut out on the bottom edges for water passage. They were then placed in tge box wit Styrofoam, newspapper and a heat pad (it was winter). They didn't budge in the box nor did they lose any water. The temperature was perfect too. Of course this would work for small frags, zoas and such but I liked the idea.

Jackie

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

prsnlty said:
I know this has nothing to do with weather temps but maybe... The best packaged corals I ever received was from Colin (cbrennan4). He used medical specimen cups. I wish I took a picture of them in the box.

The cups had the bottom of cut clear solo cup to fit frag plugs with slits cut out on the bottom edges for water passage. They were then placed in tge box wit Styrofoam, newspapper and a heat pad (it was winter). They didn't budge in the box nor did they lose any water. The temperature was perfect too. Of course this would work for small frags, zoas and such but I liked the idea.

Jackie

I have seen this method before. I have also seen where the frag plug is stuck in a piece of styrofoam and placed upside down in the cup. This way it will always be submerged and it won't bounce on the sides of the cups.

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

I think I have also seen the frag plugs glued to the lids

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

I really liked it

I think it's a great idea. I can't tell you how many times I've received leaky bags. It had no leakage or condensation and the temp was perfect. I think this might be a good way to ship during hot weater especially. I don't know where peopke get their bags from but I am wondering if the cups could be more cost effective since they can be reused over and over.

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

prsnlty said:
I really liked it I think it's a great idea. I can't tell you how many times I've received leaky bags. It had no leakage or condensation and the temp was perfect. I think this might be a good way to ship during hot weater especially. I don't know where peopke get their bags from but I am wondering if the cups could be more cost effective since they can be reused over and over.

Cups are going to cost about 50 cents each. I just bought bags that were 17 cents each...

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

Yeah I just found them on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006GDBR2?pc_redir=1403561692&robot_redir=1 25 for 10.99. Even if double bagged the bags are cheaper. I personally might get some anyway. I have 5 now because I save almost everything lol but PIF people can do the same and reuse them onto the next PIF

Hyperion · Jun 25, 2014

In the past month, I've shipped about 2,3 boxes and have had them held at the nearest shipping facility to the buyer. Corals always look great and the buyer can pick up as soon as it arrives which is usually around 8:30am. I did ship one frag overnight next day but the delivery process killed it.
Has anyone else considered having the box held at a location and have the buyer pick up the package?

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

Hyperion said:
In the past month, I've shipped about 2,3 boxes and have had them held at the nearest shipping facility to the buyer. Corals always look great and the buyer can pick up as soon as it arrives which is usually around 8:30am. I did ship one frag overnight next day but the delivery process killed it.
Has anyone else considered having the box held at a location and have the buyer pick up the package?

I request this when I make purchases. I would much rather drive to the customer center at 8am rather than it have a bumpy ride in a hot truck until 6pm

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

I wish I could, it's about an hours drive or more to my nearest location at that hour of the morning plus $30 in gas for my truck.

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

However, I found that USPS delivers next and second day early where I live. They always come between 10 am and noon straight from the Post Office and not on the route truck

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

This is how I package for shipping

I start with putting a cold pack wrapped in paper towels in the bottom (or I tape them to the inside of the lid for bigger boxes).

I throw a few handfuls of packing peanuts on top of the ice pack.

I have 4"x20" bags for frags, and 6"x22" bags for larger pieces.

I then measure out 2/3 cup (150ml) of tank water.

I put the water in the bag with the frag, squeeze out as much air as possible and tie it into a tight knot.

prsnlty · Jun 25, 2014

How early fedex delivers in my rural area depends on the day of the week. If it's coming on Monday you can bet it'll be late in the day. Tuesday - Thursday come early and UPS is never earlier than 3pm but averages 5pm. (I shop online a lot....)

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

I then turn the top of the bag inside out and let the frag with the water fall to the bottom to double bag.

I tie another knot in the bag.

I place it in the box.

I then fill the box completely with packing peanuts

When I close the box I tape all 4 sides on the top and bottom. Then its ready for shipping.

Pete polyp · Jun 25, 2014

I live a good ways from local hubs too. Ups is 25 miles and FedEx is 47 miles. I would much rather burn 1/4 tank to go there and pick them up rather than losing an order.

I have only shipped with usps, and so far the experience has been ok. On 3 occasions they missed the delivery, 2 of them added an extra day. Not all areas have next day shipping with usps, but I have used 2 day express priority and the package was delivered on day 1.