Cultivating Live Rock and collecting specimens is only half of the complex process of delivering prime, live product to our customers. Equally important is the transport of these specimens from our place to yours. In most cases there is a lot of distance between our business in Tampa, Florida and your tank. Therefore, in order for our product to reach it’s destination in perfect shape, some coordinating must take place between you and us.
OUR PART
Once the paperwork
is has been completed we will reach an agreement, during
our phone conversation, on the best possible method
of transportation. Then before we start packaging, we
factor in such things as transportation time, weather
(both here and at the destination) and the type of handling
we can expect from the carriers. While unusual packaging
requirements may effect your shipping cost, it
is important to get it right. Once the freight
is placed in the carriers hands we can no longer be
responsible for its safe delivery to your tank.
BEST SHIPPING METHOD
Most major cities are served by the airlines which will make Air Freight available. We prefer this method because it provides the best compromise between value and speed. Other cities having no airlines are then best sent via DHL. DHL is expensive but a necessary evil. One advantage with FedEx is that they do deliver to your door. When using Air Freight, you will be picking up the shipment at the air freight terminal. Other forms of shipment that provide less than overnight shipping are unacceptable
THE COSTS INVOLVED
Shipping costs when using Air Freight will set you back from $40.00 to $80.00 for up to a 100 Lb. box to an East Coast Location. The same package will run from $50.00 to $90.00 when it goes to the West Coast, depending on where you live. Packages that weigh less than 100 Lbs. are still charged the minimum 100 Lb. rate. Packages over 100 lbs. are charged the 100 lb. rate plus a per pound rate for each pound over the minimum.
When shipping DHL you can expect a minimum charge here also. DHL has a 20 Lb. minimum which will cost you $70.00 for a box up to 20 Lbs.Due to our box sizes, After that it’s $2.70 per Pound. So while they may not be the best value for shipping rocks and wet sand they do have an advantage when shipping plants and animals. These are light weight and they will be brought right to your door.
YOUR PART
When shipping day arrives we will provide you with an airbill or tracking number. If your package is being shipped Air freight, you simply call the Air Freight office and give them the airbill number. They will tell you when the package is scheduled to arrive, when you can pick it up and the charges. Not all airlines accept the same method of paymen. tYour required to pay shipping cost at time of pick up unless arrangements are made prior .Ask them before you leave what type of payment they will accept It is also important that you call the carrier with your airbill number before you go to the airport to pick up your shipment so you can make sure that the package is there and ready for pick up. Occasionally the airlines will “bump” a shipment to a later flight and you may be making a wasted trip.
PICKING UP YOUR SHIPMENT
When you pick up your shipment you may find the boxes wet or even leaking. This is normal due to handling. We multi-pack our sand and rock with seven mil plastic and occasionally even this is not enough. This leakage will not effect the quality of the product. If you will be transporting your shipment in your family car it may be a good idea to bring a leakproof container or some plastic to lay in the trunk. |
