Shipping Livestock During The Holidays

[Katalyst]

On Monday I shipped out four parcels of varied livestock, all packed well with heatpacks etc. Because of the weather/holidays I assume its the reason all 4 people I shipped to chose the Priority Courier overnight shipping option. Well its now Wednesday and none of them have recieved their items and the shipping company who I'm sure we all use isn't being particularly helpful in tracing the packages. Yes I'll get the shipping refunded but I'm still worried about the poor creatures freezing to death and in the meantime 4 people are very unhappy with me even though I have nothing to do with the fact that the pacakges are lost. Personally I planned on ordering some fish and shrimp but because of this I'm thinking about holding off until January.

Because of the laizez faire attitude I recieved on the phone about tracking the packages, I'm thinking I'm going suspend all auctions/shipping until after January. Shipping througout Canada I find to be pretty expensive & I guess I expected a little more bang for my buck because of it. I'm curious about others & their shipping/recieving experiences during the holiday season.

Thanks!

[PPulcher]

Kate, sorry to hear about your troubles.

I had three boxes shipped to me a few weeks ago (still the Holiday season I guess). The first made here faster than expected. The second did not arrive in the 2 day expresspost window (was 5 days late) and was DOA. The third was a generous re-ship by priority courier (shoudl have been overnight) and it was 5 days late and DOA. I found the tracking to be second rate and next to useless when it wasn't updated until the package had been delivered. I certainly wasn't angry with the shipper, as the fish were packaged as well as I've seen and with heat packs and all that. The dreaded CP was to blame, both times.

I for one won't be looking at ordering or selling anything live by mail until the Spring.

[Wiedertäufer]

It's expensive, but if you're going to go with overnight or 2nd day service, a courier like UPS or FedEx is the way to go within Canada. You'll pay quite a price for the service, but they don't screw up domestic shipping anywhere close to as much as Canada Post does.

2 kg overnight delivered by noon the next day is about $40 if you don't have a business account discount. But hey, that's less than 24 hrs in transit.

[Shelley]

Ive had nothing but bad experiances with ALL the carriers no matter what time of year.
I had some corals shipped to me a while back using overnight. They didnt come and I got the same run around you did on the phone. Long story short I got a call the next morning saying we have a package for you, but its kinda wet :chatterbox: When he delivered it was crushed and soaking. I made him stay while I opened it.. all that was inside was the little cement pucks the corals had once been glued to.. and these were in a big garbage bag and knotted loosly. Well I called the man I ordered them from.. i was pretty ****ed.. took pics for him and such. It turns out they werent even in the same box he shipped them in and looking closer I could see that the label had been cut off another box and glued onto this one. So somewhere along the line my box got damaged.. OOPs threw the corals in a garbage bag and put them in another box and tried to send it on its merry way....

Another time I ordered stuff gaurenteed delivery by 10am next day.. it didnt come. The seller called me at 11am and was ****ed at ME cause he had been tracking it and it said delivery was attempted but I wasnt home !! DAMN LIE.. I called the co back and just layed into them.. they tried to say they were here.. ( I hadnt left my home all morning waiting for the package.. ummm turns out he wasnt here.. ( they just didnt want to have to cop to a screw up)
I hate em all!:yes:

[CACAdmin]

I had not encountered any problems until a few weeks ago (see PPulcher's post above). I do have one shipment to go out yet but after that I don't intend to ship anything live until after the New Year. The sheer volume of packages over the Christmas Season increases the odds of delays & DOAs ::(: .

[Pamelajo]

I guess I have been lucky so far. I shipped a parcel to Mel last week and it made it on time. Hopefully the one she sent does not get held up. But I think I will hold off til after Christmas to send anything else.

[blainep]

I can say I have seen both the best and worst service I have ever seen from Canada Post.

I can say without a doubt, their tracking is terrible. It looks great on the website, in fact it is not at all accurate.

I've had one package sent to me by Melody, tracking said there were at least 2 delivery attempts and a door knocker card left. Ummm no ! I sat waiting for that package to arrive all day, no one attempted delivery, no door knocker card !

Next day, about 1pm, a knock at the door and there was my package and the card and a CP employee dashing back to their truck and driving away . :mad:

I sent a complaint to CP, but there was no response ( other than the automated response).

Next one was a package from the US. Sent priority, 3 day delivery.
I've come to expect a week from 3 day delivery, it's just the way it is.
This one took over a week to get to Calgary, USPS had it on a plane within 24 hours, Canada Post took a week to get it from Montreal to Calgary. Once in Calgary, the package was sent back due to an 'Incorrect Address' and was eventually returned to the sender. That took about a month.
Funny though, tracking thru the USPS website said there was 2 or 3 delivery attempts yet Canada Post tracking said there was no delivery attempt because the address was incorrect.
I get the sneaking hunch that some Canada Post employees have no problem with making up the story as they go.

I'm still in the process of complaining about that package. I have screen captures of the Canada Post and USPS tracking as well as a digital picture of the supposed 'wrong address', FYI the address is fine, clearly visible, same address I've had for 20 years.

On the other side of that, I sent Andrew (PPulcher) a few fish and they arrived in less than 18 hours ! I couldn't have gotten them there faster using any courier ! They were at the Post office late, I figured 3 days at least.:rolleyes:

Some of the very best and very worst service I've ever seen.

[Melody]

I've had two disappear into thin air. Other than that they've done ok. I won't be shipping until after the new year unless its locally.

Sure hope yours arrives tomorrow Pam!

[Katalyst]

So two of my packages are still lost, yeah I know big surprise. So I call CP yet again. The rep. I spoke with yesterday assured me someone would call me when the package was delivered, glad I'm not holding my breath over here. This morning I call yet again, the smug customer service representative on the phone had the nerve to say 'if you look on the computer instead of calling us you'd be able to see one of your packages was delivered yesterday' I made her stay on the phone refreshed the computer and nope it says the same thing that it has for the past 2 days item accepted into sortation plant. Then she stated someone will call me within 5 business days. Its never the same information so I think you are def right Blaine they are making it up as they go.

I sure hope I haven't whammied your package Pam. And let us know what ya get! :)

[Pamelajo]

Not whammied it arrived early this morning. Everybody is alive and doing well.

[Katalyst]

Early this morning she says, yet there are no pictures. :Think: :Dunno: :rofl:

[traco1]

Okay, we shall ask you. What did Pam get, Kat?:laugh:

[Katalyst]

I dunno all I gave her was some rotten snails lol....This is a Melody box. Melody box=drool/envy:laugh:

[Pamelajo]

Oh Kat,
I was at work when I received the box, so could not very well take pics of them in the bags now could I. I just got them settled in and they are scrounging for food after I fed them.
But I am on my way out shortly, but promise to take pics at some point tomorrow. The box came from Melody yes and there was a package in it from Jay too.
You only gave me snails!!! You gave some beautiful big breeders and some little ones and food and cultures. And what about all the clutches you have given me. So you never gave me only snails. Your such a BRAT! I just wished I could have sent more stuff home with you, next time. Besides you got boxes from Mel too!!!

I got Limia Tridens from both Mel and Jay
some Ameca Splendens, some Gambusa females, food and plants.

[Katalyst]

Oh Kat,
I was at work when I received the box, so could not very well take pics of them in the bags now could I. I just got them settled in and they are scrounging for food after I fed them.
But I am on my way out shortly, but promise to take pics at some point tomorrow. The box came from Melody yes and there was a package in it from Jay too.
You only gave me snails!!! You gave some beautiful big breeders and some little ones and food and cultures. And what about all the clutches you have given me. So you never gave me only snails. Your such a BRAT! I just wished I could have sent more stuff home with you, next time. Besides you got boxes from Mel too!!!

I got Limia Tridens from both Mel and Jay
some Ameca Splendens, some Gambusa females, food and plants.

Moi a brat? Surely you jest! I'm just glad your package arrived safely. And no rush on the pictures I'm the biggest offender pic posting wise. :)

As far as being 'Canada Posted' -coin phrase courtesy of PPulcher

Canada Post called me today to say they 'think' the package was delivered so I shouldn't worry. Think I say? I then ask who signed for the parcel, 'signed for it?' the rep says, dead silence. Good thing I chose signature required only eh? Then alot of mumbling and of course they'll call me back with the signuature which wasn't clear yeahhhh right. That's why they have us spell our last names when we recieve signature required packages as well as sign for it, more mumbling was her response. Clearly they weren't used to dealing with a experienced shipped lots of shuffling of papers and mumbling. It was entertaining at one point when I started to correct the rep. on their shipping policies. Tommorrow I'm going for the jugular for sure.

[Melody]

Hope it all works out Kat, that royally sux.

Very relieved to hear that Pam got her box of fishies though! And that's Melanistic/Dalmation Gambusia Pam! People will yawn if you just say Gambusia. :SLEEP: :laugh:

Tridens originated with Jay, the Splendens originated with Blaine, the plants were shared because Ed shared with me & the Melanistic Gambusia came in from the States. Does this place rock or what? :wink:

And just wait until you see what was in the box I got from Pam!

[PPulcher]

Hey Pam, I'm glad you were able to get the L. tridens into Ontario. Jay and I tried twice but CP messed up the packages both times, even once with priority (overnight) shipping.

[Katalyst]

Hey Pam, I'm glad you were able to get the L. tridens into Ontario. Jay and I tried twice but CP messed up the packages both times, even once with priority (overnight) shipping.
I may have a surprise for you or two in the next few weeks not to worry. Not limia's but some good stuff :)

[Pamelajo]

I got some from both Mel and Jay so I would have lots. So hopefully I will have lots of fry someday soon to share.
Kat sorry you're still having problems with Canada Post.
Andrew that is a shame the two parcels from Jay.
Mel, so I got everyone's fish in one box kind of. When I was posting for the life of me I could not remember the full name of Melanistic Gambusias. My memory is good but extremely short these days.

[Melody]

Your head is just full of learning. Time to purge the useless stuff to make room.

No, that doesn't mean you can purge ME. :twitcy:

[Katalyst]

I got some from both Mel and Jay so I would have lots. So hopefully I will have lots of fry someday soon to share.
Kat sorry you're still having problems with Canada Post.
Andrew that is a shame the two parcels from Jay.
Mel, so I got everyone's fish in one box kind of. When I was posting for the life of me I could not remember the full name of Melanistic Gambusias. My memory is good but extremely short these days.

Melanistic gambusias! Gah! Waiting list me please!

[Melody]

There's gonna be some furious trading going on down there...lol.

I sent her two prehit females, she'll have a zillion in no time.:yes:

[Katalyst]

Yep I bet there will be I'm waiting on Gambusia Rhyzophorae & can only pray the shipping gods are with me.

[Melody]

They are a pretty little fish. Going to try your hand at a brackish tank? There's some tres cool brackish fish out there. Hope they arrive ok!

[Katalyst]

They are a pretty little fish. Going to try your hand at a brackish tank? There's some tres cool brackish fish out there. Hope they arrive ok!

Try being the operative word here, tere's a few brakish shrimp I really want to try my hand at so I figured I'd give it a shot. In my head I call them snowflake mollies because that's what their colouring reminds me of. I just found a whole wackload of orange & black mottled mollie fry. I have no idea who they belong to! :wideeyed:

In other news the recipient of my missing package finally gets back to me, apparently the package was not delivered. A card was delivered to the mailbox on Wednesday and he's going to pick them up tommorrow. TOMMORROW?

I explained in vein. Good god I give up.

*head desk*

[grumpystiltskin]

In other news the recipient of my missing package finally gets back to me, apparently the package was not delivered. A card was delivered to the mailbox on Wednesday and he's going to pick them up tommorrow. TOMMORROW?


Hmmm i think he,ll be disposing them tommorrow::(:
What a laid back attitude

[PPulcher]

I explained in vein. Good god I give up.

*head desk*

Here, print this out and try it!

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/Ppulcher/bangheadhere.gif

[Katalyst]

ROFL I had that on my desk last year. That's where I got *head desk* from.

Apparently I'd get this look and the kids would say 'Miss G is it head desk time yet?' :twitcy: I miss those brats so! I had so much fun with them lol. It is sick that I miss teaching high school?

[Pamelajo]

Thanks Andrew for posting that I am going to copy and hang it at work.

Kat, yes you are on the waiting list as always. I know better than to let anything out of this house with out checking with you first.:spinny:

[Melody]

Try being the operative word here, tere's a few brakish shrimp I really want to try my hand at so I figured I'd give it a shot. In my head I call them snowflake mollies because that's what their colouring reminds me of. I just found a whole wackload of orange & black mottled mollie fry. I have no idea who they belong to! :wideeyed:

In other news the recipient of my missing package finally gets back to me, apparently the package was not delivered. A card was delivered to the mailbox on Wednesday and he's going to pick them up tommorrow. TOMMORROW?

I explained in vein. Good god I give up.

*head desk*

Oh dear...

As for brackish, I'm sure you'll do great with it. If they're anything like other Gambusia, they'll be tough. You should ask the breeder (Adrian?) for his tank parameters, if you haven't already. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what is brackish but if its Adrian I'm betting its very close to their natural environment.

[Katalyst]

Oh dear...

As for brackish, I'm sure you'll do great with it. If they're anything like other Gambusia, they'll be tough. You should ask the breeder (Adrian?) for his tank parameters, if you haven't already. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what is brackish but if its Adrian I'm betting its very close to their natural environment.

Great idea Mel thanks...Guess that's why they pay you the big bucks around here! Yes it is Adrian, I've been talking about ordering from him now for how long now lol. $12 shipping, no heat packs god I love Florida! Now to find a good pleco breeder!

[Melody]

Sounds like a deal to me! He certainly knows his stuff, I'm sure the fish will be exceptional. I suspect our Blaine has been shopping there recently as well :wink: .

Don't forget to pack heatpacks though, you have to bring them back to the great white north! :Holiday-2:

[Katalyst]

Sounds like a deal to me! He certainly knows his stuff, I'm sure the fish will be exceptional. I suspect our Blaine has been shopping there recently as well :wink: .

Don't forget to pack heatpacks though, you have to bring them back to the great white north! :Holiday-2:
Have heatpacks and styro cooler ready. :)

[blainep]

I suspect our Blaine has been shopping there recently as well :wink: .



If you mean Adrian over at SwampRiverAquatics.com, I've chatted with him a couple of times, but nothing more than window shopping so far.

[Melody]

You have a few different species that he has, hence the assumption. Only so many of them will ship here so it was a reasonable guess ::D: .

[blainep]

I would venture a guess that some of my fish may have spent time with him.
So far I have been lucky enough to get some really good looking specimens.
I suppose that really means nothing, but some people work hard to build a good reputation and it usually shows in their fish.

[Melody]

Rep is everything, that's for sure, or the story that tells the tale anyway. Looks are a part of it of course, but as you say, it doesn't necessarily mean superior fish. Certainly an unknown can produce beautiful fish too, but when ordering we have to rely on rep as much as possible. The ultimate, I have found, is that unique combination of someone who knows what they're doing and loves doing it. That's the most important key of all.

I found out that my Vittata are actually a 'dwarf' form of sorts, they stay quite small. We couldn't figure that out when I first brought them in and thought it might be something we were/weren't doing. Then I saw the breeder mention it a few weeks ago. I wondered if there was a cross in their history, but most Limia crosses would make them larger, not smaller.

I don't know why I consider them all to be mine, I moved all of mine to other people's tanks a long time ago...lol...I guess because I know I can get their babies back if I want them. My last ones went to Mr. SBB so we'll have to see how they're doing.:smile: