Not happy with USPS right now.

[Cindiloohoo]

UGH! This is why I have always been leery of shipping live birds! My local PO folks are pretty good, but theirs aren't the only hands they must pass through to get to safe destination. i just can't ever bring myself to do it!! Sorry you had such a horrible turn out!!

 

[giffy]

First, sorry to hear about the original posters situation.

I will say that for the most part I have had good experience with USPS in shipping adult birds. It wasn't that many years ago that we went without being able to ship birds at all.

USPS Express shipping of lives use to be based on next day or second day delivery. As far as I know, they have contracted FedEx for some parts of delivery of lives since 2006 so when you ship out a pair of adult ducks FedEx may be involved. I believe as of Oct 1, 2009 (I may be wrong on that date) USPS no longer guarantees the overnight or second day delivery of lives............it is now 3 days from the mailing date.

I always tried to let folks I was sending birds to know that what I expected of USPS was getting the birds to them in the shape they left me and in a timely manner. I did not request a refund if the birds were not delivered exactly when expected. Now I know there are those who would say that is not right but to me the important thing was getting the birds to their destination in good shape. Without the services of USPS we cannot ship birds and poultry/waterfowl enthusiasts cannot get adult birds sent to them. There is alot that goes into shipping live animals. Some airports do not accept live shipments so USPS must reroute shipments to alternative flights.

A few things to make the whole process easier, first make sure you have the proper approved shipping container. Last I checked Horizon and Boxesforbirds.com were the only containers approved. Second, make sure the main airport you are sending to accepts live shipments........this can be confirmed by your local postmaster. Three, find out what time the departure flight is and try to deliver them as close as possible to that time so that the birds don't set at your local post office for an extended period before going out.

Again, sorry to hear about cawoodducks situation.

giffy
------------------

 

[cawooduck]

Thanks for everyones thoughts.

I did everything on my end right, i used horizon boxes, called to confirm that the birds could be shipped, and i got to the P.O as soon as it opened so the birds could get out on the first truck to the main hub then to the airport. I am not saying everyone in the USPS are less than sufficient at their jobs, i know that there are bad eggs in every bunch and unfortunately my P.O has bad eggs in the whole bunch!! The ladies i delt with to get confirmation to send the birds had some of the BEST customer service i have experienced. They were helpful and friendly, which is nothing like the new people on duty at my local P.O.

I do wish Federal Express or UPS would accept birds directly, i know Federal Express is the flight that is used by USPS to get the birds to the receiving airports, or so was explained to me, which is kind of wierd and i wonder why they dont directly accept live shipments!!

I am going to experiment with a few things in boxes to keep the hydrated in case something like this happens again. My biggest concern is water, stress is also a concern, but that will happen regardless, but i feel if the birds are as comfortable as possible it will reduce the stress, which means having some sort of liquid to be able to consume.

I know that i am talking with reps at the main hub and i am going to get the best way to ship birds as far as location of the drop off. Every hour i can save should ensure safe delivery.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
~gd

 

[bird]

Wow Jason!
Sorry to hear for your horror story with USPS, which caused the death

of poor ringed teal ducks...

 

[Mrs MIA]

Oh Jason... I'm so sorry...

Poor babies!!! I hope it doesn't keep you from shipping more in the future. Otherwise you'll have to try just shipping eggs.

 

[duckluck]

I also had the postmaster here check on my duck the same afternoon she was shipped...I called them with the tracking number as soon as I heard from the seller that she was sent, and they helped me keep an eye on that shipment with their computer while she was in transit. I don't think there was anyone at this office here that didn't know we were watching for a duck to land.