Packages can be REFUSED BY FEDEX or delayed in transit if not labeled properly.

We have recently recieved reports of packages being held by FedEx employees due to the lack of a phone number being written on the outside of the reptile box. We STRONGLY recommend that you write your phone number on the outside of the box near the shipping label to avoid any issues and ensure that your reptile ships out without delay.

Both the Lacey Act and IATA (International Air Transport Association) require that all packages containing live animals be properly identified and labeled, and FEDEX REQUIRES THIS AS WELL.

Requirements in some states may differ slightly (we suggest checking with individual state FWS offices for complete info), but generally speaking requirements are:

• Common name of species in package
• Scientific name of species in package
• Quantity of animals in package

Florida and California are known to be especially vigilant about inspections/citations, and lately we have heard reports of other states tightening up as well.

On ourFAQ pagewe provide afillable PDF form(you can fill it out on your computer and print it out). Be sure the label is securely attached to your package, that it does not cover any part of the FedEx label (placing it on one SIDE works well), and taped over completely with clear tape for protection. (Our label also reminds FedEx employees that Reptiles2You is officially approved to ship live animals to businesses and residences (helps prevent over-zealous FX employees from refusing to accept your pkg)). Be sure to also include the same information INSIDE the box (under top flaps on top of foam insulation).

The VAST majority of FX locations provide excellent service and great results for our customers. However, occasionally there are locations that are problematic and we recommend avoiding. We will maintain a list of such stations here, organized by state.

LOUISVILLE, KY (2/2022) - FedEx Ship Center, 4901 Crittenden Dr, 2037 Callahan Rd, Louisville, KY, 40209 - this facility is at an airport. It does accept HAL (Hold at Location) shipments, but it does not open until later in the day (4:30p).

PORTLAND, OR (2/2022) - FedEx Ship Center, 5159 NE Cornfoot Dr, Portland, OR 97218 - this facility is near an airport. It does accept HAL (Hold at Location) shipments, but they will have a later commitment time at this location than at other locations. There is another FX staffed location 6 miles away at 4344 N Port Center Way, Portland, OR 92717 which typically has earlier commitment times (so your recipient can pick up sooner).

LOUSIVILLE, TN (5/2021) - FedEx Ship Center, 2037 Callahan Rd, Louisville, TN 37777 - the FedEx HAL (Hold at Location) lookup function returns this as a valid location for HAL, but this facility is actually at an AIRPORT, and FX typically doesn't like us using airport locations to ship to (security issues). PLEASE DO NOT SHIP TO THIS LOCATION.

NEVER SHIP LIVE ITEMS ON A FRIDAY! We currently do not provide Saturday delivery service via our website.  Items shipped on a Friday will not be delivered until MONDAY, which could easily result in a DOA animals.

Monday is the busiest day of the week for FedEx (delays are more likely), and shipping live items on Thursdays is a little more risky as a delay could mean your shipment is not delivered until the following MONDAY.

Also, since delays are often due to heavy volume at the destination areas, we recommend shipping "HAL" ("Hold at Location") to a FedEx facility and allow your recipient pick up there to avoid "last mile" delays. HAL can be selected on the Shipping Labels page when purchasing your label.

FedEx is in the process of upgrading their labeling infrastructure (label barcode format, software, etc). Labels you get from our site are in their new format, but if the label is for a HAL (Hold at Location) shipment, some FedEx stations are unable to scan the new barcode properly (yes - the labels we provide to you are actually created by FedEx, in their designated format, and some of their own scanners cannot read them properly).

FedEx had said they would have their entire system updated by Christmas 2020, but apparently that did not happen - we are hearing reports that some FX stations are still printing the additional small barcode label to apply to HAL shipments. YOU DON'T NEED TO DO ANYTHING - the FX agent will know when they scan your package if the additional label is required. (Just be advised that if you are dropping off more than one package, only give the FX clerk ONE AT A TIME to ensure that additional labels they may print are not applied to the wrong package.)

Reptiles2You can help facilitate shipping into Canada via our partnership with Canadian import specialist Reptile Express - DETAILS HERE. (Note: this is the ORIGINAL "Reptile Express" in CANADA - NOT the American company that goes by by a similar name.)