Shipping livestock during winter...too risky?

[scubadude]

I have decided to stop sales of corals and livestock, during the winter! and am thinking of only selling LR during the winter months I just dont think the stress levels on the animals is worth it. You guys thoughts?

[kevinpo]

I agree 100% for those of us that live up here in the north. In the southern tier states it might be OK but here it warms to 35-37F during the day and is 20-25F at night.

Regards,
Kevin

[Barry N.]

scubadude and Kevin,

I use more heat packs and some small orders I use a shipping container that is 2.5" thick all around and newspaper and a lot of my shipments go to the east coast. Had one go out the other day to CT and the customer told me that the water temp was 77 and it was 28 degrees outside. Another one went to VA and again no problems with temp. I think the secret is having the shipments held at FedEx for pick-up. Bad things is that these shipping boxes are not cheap but if it protect the animals then it worth the few extra dollars it cost.

Just my experence the last 2 weeks.

Barry

[zhenya]

I agree with the temp problems in shipping but what Barry said is make sence to me as I just recieved a shippment from him this morning and the temp outside was 20 degrees.Water temp in the bag was near 78 degrees and my shippment was delivered to my door.Granted it was a first stop as I have a good relationship with this driver,but nevertheless,it worked well in this extra thick box.I realy don't mind paying few extra bucks for this if it works well.One drawback is that the opening in the box is rather small,but for shipping frags and small clams it's perfect I think.I did recieve another shippment from someone else with two acros in separate bags and water was rather cold,one colony had partial bleaching at the base and one branch and the other bag,closer to heat pack had no problem at all.I think what Rocky and Kevin said is definately something for shippers to consider but having an option that Barry had used,for extra charge ofcource,could be a big help.

[Palmetto]

I use 40-hr. heat packs in all my winter shipments with no problems at all.

I think it is usually safer than shipping in the summer. Of course, I live in S.C.- but I ship all over the U.S.