Question about shipping hatching eggs

[deerman]

Link to state laws on shipping and receiving.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml

 

[asher]

Hmmm...I was going to suggest if some cracked and the box got wet/leaking, they'd automatically go in to our hazmat section for sure. BUT since none were leaking, I'm stumped. People at work know that I ship eggs and have never said a word other than they'd stamp fragile all over it for me (in addition to me writing it) and are amazed that you can ship and receive eggs in the mail in tact. I normally write LIVE EMBRYOS on mine rather than hatching eggs, but I don't know why it would make a difference. Maybe some overzealous newbie was working that day. *sigh* I'd call the postmaster where they were held over and get some answers. If nothing else, so you can figure out how to ship them without them doing that since it sounds like they might possibly keep an eye on those in the future.

 

[thkosan]

I know what the state laws are... my point is that eggs are not HAZMAT.

If there is no paperwork they should not be mailed, just returned. Designating them HAZMAT and importing them into the state is still breaking the law. Someone at the Post Office is clueless.

 

[shortcake1806]

What type of postage was applied? Was it click n ship or stamps only?

Also were these postal supplied boxes or were you recycling some retail boxes?

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi! That was my first thought --- an over zealous employee.
Were they able to tell you WHERE the boxes were opened and deemed hazardous?
I hope you get it figured out.

Good luck!
Lisa

 

[deerman]

Would think someone thought they were a heath risk to label them hazmat.
Let us know what you find out.

Not saying they were a heath risk, but dont see any other reason why someone would tag them hazmat.

 

[thkosan]

Well, that's a good question. Interestingly, I usually use Priority Mail boxes supplied by the PO, but I ran out and had to use unmarked brown boxes. I added "Priority Mail" labels to them.

I always print my labels with postage from the internet. I never put stamps on. I weight them on a postal scale.

We'll see.

 

[shortcake1806]

I'm guessing a new person saw the boxes and all the labeling and thought it was suspicious. If a box strikes a postal worker as being overly labeled that could cause an alert. Reguardless of the contents.

Just think that box could just have easily contained something harmful. If you were going to mail such a package wouldn't you mark it do not x-ray, handle with care, etc...

 

[thkosan]

Same four labels I always use.

I don't see how one label on each of the four sides (not top or bottom) can be construed as suspicious. My labels are about 4" x 4" (so not large) and say: "Hatching Eggs Priority Mail" on the lower part and "Do not Drop or Jar" on the top part and have an arrow showing which way is up. I've used these same labels for hundreds of shipments and have never had a problem. I never put "Do Not X-Ray" or any additional information on them.

Can't wait to hear what they have to say tomorrow...

 

[kbbeale]

Quote:
In TX, it is illegal to transport eggs, birds, etc without the proper paperwork. You could be fined up to $250 per occurrence if you cannot provide documentation that your flock is clean.

If you want the name of the TX inspector (not sure where in TX you are located, but the man that tests my flock has a pretty large territory to cover)

I dont know if that is why your eggs weren't delivered and labeled HAZMAT, but if you arent certified clean, you might as well go ahead and do it - it's easy and very cheap.