SPS shipping dilema

[smontanus]

I live in SE alaska and getting live goods can be a problem. We have 1 LFS who is not really into saltwater or trying to track down what I'd like. The only way to get SPS frags or colonies shipped in under 24 hours is via air cargo. Specifically Alaska Airlines, which services most of the west coast. Most vendors seem to be unwilling to do this, even when I offer additional compensation (I know its a PITA). I can't really blame them, but my last attempt was a 200.00 failure, over 48hrs in transit. The 4 frags listed on my buildoff entry all arrived pretty much devoid of tissue and are on the way to becoming part of the substrate. I have talked extensively with Fedex and UPS and they simply won't work, nor will the USPS.

Sorry to ramble, so my question is does anyone know of an individual or vendor who would be willing to work with me on this? It can be done, but requires extra effort which I am fully willing to compensate for.

 

[Anonymous]

FedEx can't get to you in a day? Are you sure?

 

[smontanus]

Pretty sure. They will call it overnight express, they will charge it that way but its 2 days. The zip here is 99901, if anyone can correct me on this or this or show me a loophole I'd sure appreciate it.

 

[Unarce]

Just wondering if you've conversed with FedEx's customer service or someone at a store/facility.

The employees at the FedEx facility by my place is completely inept. Everything they tell me is completely different than the 800-number people.

 

[smontanus]

Honestly, I've only talked with the locals. They seem pretty knowledgeable. I work with them all the time at work, and they have had moments of ineptness. I'll try and talk with someone on the 800 line.

 

[FragMaster]

WHoopsy ! Please delet!

 

[FragMaster]

It is probably the area you live in. Not just Alaska.
I bet your area sets off the 2nd day air alarm every time and they freak out. Certain areas (even in the southern states) are 2nd day only no matter what option you chose. I know as an ebay junky that I have had a few complaints on delivery times Because of this. ( Youwould think the dumb shitz would know there area is 2nd day anyway from the east or midwest when you look at how much live crap they have bought onebay! LoL!)
do an estimated cost and delivery time with fed-ex and chose to pick it up at the airport. I bet if you chose to pick it up yourself it will be 24 hours-30 hours MAX.

 

[SeanF]

The problem with air freight is that you now have to go through a very involved application process to be able to ship on an airline. So most vendors aren't able to do this.

I personally sell on e-bay and ship sps corals all the time via priority mail and have only had one DOA. I sent a frag to someone who had used another seller before that 4 out of 6 frags were doa via Fed Ex overnight service so they freaked out when I said that I was going to send it via express mail but my frag arrived alive. Most people that are selling corals have no idea what the heck they are doing.

 

[WRASSER]

How about someone with a plane that can fly it to you the same day? Did you try and see if any local people fly to fro can pic it up somewhere and bring it to ya?

 

[Anonymous]

Have you tried DHL? I use them when I can't get Fedex to deliver to a location in under 24 hours.

It would take some working out, but if you orderred from a SF Bay Area online store, I personally could have it shipped via Alaskan Airlines for you (known shipper/freight forwarder). In our area, we have www.ultimatefrags.com www.atlantisaquarium.net www.newalemeda.com and a few others that escape my mind right now. I'm friends with all three, so connecting up with them to have it shipped would be easy for me It's gonna cost me though, every time I go to any of those places, I buy something :lol: