Shipping guide

Ship live animals safely

A practical checklist for choosing a service, preparing the box, labeling wildlife correctly, and avoiding preventable delays.

This guide is adapted from Redline Shipping Standards. Redline's current terms always control its services.

Choose the right service

Reptiles: Use Priority Overnight. Standard Overnight may be acceptable when the package is held for pickup at an approved carrier hub.
Other eligible live shipments: Redline permits certain slower services for invertebrates, aquatics, and hardy plants. Confirm the current rule before buying a label.
Best shipping days: Ship Monday through Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday reduce the chance of a weekend delay; never send a live shipment on Friday.

Strong outer box: Use a purpose-built shipping box rated to at least 275-pound burst strength. Ordinary postal, retail, or carrier-branded boxes are not suitable for live animals.
Full insulation: Fit 3/4-inch foam tightly on all six sides. Use four 1/4-inch ventilation holes—two at each end—through both the box and foam.
Seal correctly: Use packing tape on the center seams at the top and bottom. Pack the animal securely and use temperature-control materials only when conditions require them.

Mark it as wildlife: The outside must clearly identify the shipment as wildlife or live harmless animals.
Identify the contents: List the quantity plus each animal’s common and scientific name, and attach the appropriate live-animal label.
Include paperwork: Place a receipt or packing list inside the box above the foam so it is easy to find without disturbing the animal.

Check legality: Confirm the species can legally be possessed and shipped at both ends. Venomous animals and other prohibited contents cannot be sent through this program.
Check weather: Review origin, hub, and destination conditions. Delay the shipment when heat, cold, storms, or service disruptions could put the animal at risk.
Use an approved location: Drop off at an official FedEx Ship Center—not a retail FedEx Office—or arrange an approved driver pickup.