As you are aware, we recently made an announcement with updated FedEx box requirements. You can see the original information on our Shipping Alerts page.
We wanted to provide additional clarity, and answer some FAQ regarding these policies. As a reminder, these are FedEx policies, not MorphMarket’s.
Policy 1- Box Branding
As per FedEx requirements, you may NOT use packaging with another reptile shipping company’s name or logo if you are creating the shipping label through MorphMarket shipping.
Why is this a rule, and where does FedEx state it?
FedEx requires all live animal shippers to send in the packaging that will be used under their account for approval. Only these packages are able to be used under that specific account. Initially we were under the impression that any boxes already approved for live animal shipping could be used for MorphMarket Shipping. We were recently informed that this is not the case, and that FedEx will not approve boxes with a different company’s branding for our account. Although this policy is not technically “new,” it is new to us. We are enforcing it as requested by FedEx.
This policy IS on the FedEx site; it just doesn’t specifically mention logos. You can see the requirements about package approval here.
Can you use generic boxes?
YES! The use of new boxes that are approved by FedEx for live animal shipping with generic packaging are permitted if purchased from TSK or Reptile Basics.
What boxes are not permitted?
If a box has a specific shipping company’s branding, then the shipping label needs to be created through that company. So for example, if you have a MM branded box, you should only ship that box through MM shipping. The same applies for boxes with other company’s branding (I.e. Reptiles2You or Reptiles Express).
All boxes must be new, and certified by FedEx for live animal shipments. Boxes from USPS, Amazon, FedEx-branded boxes, etc. are strictly prohibited for live shipments.
Can the box have info on it for my business or show something like TSK’s information?
Yes. The requirement is only for boxes specifically branded for live animal shipping companies.
Can I cover a logo with a sticker?
We have not received an answer regarding this, and will provide this information when available.
This is just a money grab.
As we have mentioned, this is a FedEx policy. We do not benefit from it in the slightest.
We are offering FREE trade-ins as a way to help our customers. We encourage you to create the shipping label through the company on the box. We donate 100% of box profits to conservation. We do not make a single dollar off of box sales.
Will FedEx decline my package if it is in the wrong box?
FedEx may refuse to accept the box, but they may also accept it. Instead, improperly packaged boxes are reported to us as a violation on our account. Using these boxes may put our account at risk so we must be strict on this policy. If an improperly packaged box is reported to us, we may take corrective action against your account.
Policy 2 - New Boxes
You may NOT reuse boxes.
FedEx has always required the use of new, undamaged boxes for live animal shipping. We know this policy is not new, but we were asked by FedEx to reiterate its importance. There is some confusion since we mentioned this with the box branding policy. To be clear, using reused or damaged boxes is a safety risk and is not permitted under any circumstances.
This FedEx Policy can be found under “Shipping Guidelines” here.
Additional Reminders
In addition to the policies noted above, we wanted to remind all sellers to please be sure to advise your customer NOT to open up their shipment and remove the animal from its containment packaging within the UPS or FedEx location.
- This MUST be done in a safe, secure area (preferably when they arrive home).
- This is for the safety of the customer, the animal, and the facility’s employees.
- Any user who is found to open the package in unsafe conditions may have corrective action taken against their account.
Please carefully review all other shipping guidelines and standards here.
If you have any questions please email shipping@morphmarket.com.
