Shipping eggs in winter

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TimG

TimG

Songster
11 Years
Jul 23, 2008
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Maine
This topic came up in another forum and hasn't been answered. I figure it will get more attention here.

How do shipped eggs do in winter months? I live in New England and expect any eggs shipped to me this time of year would be exposed to sub-freezing temperatures even if they would not actually freeze. I suppose the same can be said of any eggs that travel in an unheated cargo hold of a plane at any time of year, but perhaps not for the same duration as eggs shipped in winter and transported locally by truck.

Tim
 
I have been shipping in winter to Alaska and have not had eggs freeze but one time maybe, when the mail truck had to turn back after waiting several hours after a semi truck jack knifed in the highway and closed it for a day.
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Some of those eggs looked to have freeze damage but 3 of them started anyway. ( it's been pretty cold a few times, like 10 degrees) I've had far more trouble with handling issues. I swear the USPS uses my egg boxes for an impromptu soccer match on occasion. Someone told me Express mail is hand transferred, and I am going to try that and see if it's worth it. 3 of the folks who have shipped did so in styrofoam cartons and it worked beautifully. They are really light but are super insulators. I think handlers might be more cautious with them as they feel more fragile?
 
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I agree handling is always my biggest concern and causes the most damage to eggs, whether they get cracked or not (internal egg scrambling is very common). I would imagine eggs could freeze if left out on the tarmac for hours on end, but doubtful in all that packing and insulation that they would freeze during normal mail movement.
 
When shipping through USPS why not use Special Handling it is an extra fee but most likely worth it. this was taken from the USPS site:



Special Handling Fees are 10 lbs. and under $7.40, over 10 lbs $10.40

Special mail requires special care.

Choose Special Handling when you are sending unusual mail and packages that require extra care.

Special Handling Service is for unusual items that need to be handled specially through the mail – like live poultry and bees. For these items, Special Handling is required. Your package will receive preferential handling to the extent that it’s practical in dispatch and transportation.
 
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I didn't know such a thing existed. I didn't see it on the USPS web page. I'll need to look at that. IS it the same for Express? Or does it apply only to Priority?
 
I had eggs shipped in Dec. they go into lockdown tommorrow, so I can let you know first hand this weekend how they do. I had 9 out of 12 eggs survive shipping and at last candling they all looked good.
 
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Handwarmer thingies don't last long enough to be very effective, I believe most only last 7-8 hours. I've heard of warmers that last longer, I'm not sure which those are or how much they cost.
MyPetChicken puts warmers in if I'm not mistaken, and when they do they charge $20 or so for it. (with small orders of chicks)
 

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