Yes this is correct. Styrofoam is super sturdy. Reptile specific boxes come equipped with styrofoam custom fitted to the particular boxes. Considering the blue jillions of boxes loaded into FedEx planes on a daily basis, sturdy is the word! 
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You’ve received great advice so far. I’ll only add that I’ve priced multiple reptile shippers and MorphMarket has everyone beat by a considerable amount, so I would definitely recommend going through them.
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There seems to be some confusion about shipping, so I hope this helps.
Shipping live reptiles requires both approved packaging and the use of a certified live animal shipping account. You can obtain both a certification and get approval for your own packaging independently, but it’s just more convenient to use existing platforms and services.
MorphMarket users benefit from access to both approved generic or branded packaging materials and shipping labels generated through MorphMarket’s certified live animal shipper account. It’s important to note that this certification is tied to the account used to generate the label, not the “shipper/from” information that appears on the printed label.
If you purchase a shipping label through MorphMarket but use branded packaging from a different certified reptile shipping company, this creates a mismatch that could lead to problems during shipping.
Although the MorphMarket label does not visibly display the certified live animal shipper account information, FedEx’s internal systems identify the account that generated the label when it is scanned. Inconsistencies between the label and the packaging may result in shipment delays, rejection, or other complications, especially if an issue arises during transit.
To ensure full compliance and minimize risk, always use packaging and labels from the same certified provider, or pair generic approved live animal packaging with a label from a certified live animal shipper.
Similarly, do not use Priority Overnight labels purchased from a FedEx account that is not certified to ship live animals, even if you follow all packaging guidelines. At best, your package is rejected at the counter, but at worst it may cause issues or delays that could compromise the animal’s safety.
Here is a helpful flowchart:
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This is extremely helpful. I had no idea you needed both the approved packaging and the approved certified live animal shipping account. (Learning curve happening now) - So do you need to get certified to ship live animals by BOTH Fedex and separately here on MorphMarket, or are you saying that the shipping labels printed through MorphMarket are already tied to a certified live animal shipper account?
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I believe this is the case because I do not have a certified live shipper account but I purchase my labels from a company that does have an account. I use Redline to buy my labels but there are others as stated in above posts, which are all certified live shippers.
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and of course, I’m assuming if you get it from MorphMarket (the label) you are good to go?
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Oh, and one more question on the sizes of the boxes, I see a lot of boxes that are 7x7x7, as the smallest. I have juvenile crested geckos, like 5-7 grams each and I have the deli cups with pre-punched holes in them, some are 5 inches in diameter (which I would assume would be ideal sizes for the juveniles) but also some that are like 7.5 inches in diameter for the adult sized geckos (when i’m ready to sell them, but the babies are first) so I assume for the adults I would need at least a 10 inch diameter box, since you would need to factor in the styrofoam padding and extra padding and the cool packs stuffed in around them. How do you best punch holes in the boxes? Is there a regulation or proper way to do that too, for the ventilation? I wish they came ventilated and not just insulated? I have the little tool that is like a knife point that uses heat, but I just use that for the plastic bins to add insulation. Thoughts?
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Yes perfect
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I have my husband use a long screw driver to punch the holes through the box and styrofoam. Others may be more professional about it but that’s the way I (or he) do/does it.
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MM does not list inner box dimensions, however some of the other shippers like Redline and ShipYourReptiles do. You can use these as a guide, since MM’s boxes use the same 3/4" thick foam as everyone else. Measure your larger delis to be sure they’re 7.5" as if they’re smaller, they’d fit into something like a 12"x9"x6" which can run a bit cheaper than something like a 10"x10"x10". Do keep in mind that if you plan to ship during colder weather where heat packs are required, the minimum box size is 12"x9"x6". Also, things like heat or cold packs should never be in direct contact with the deli. Every shipper has packing instructions (usually found on their FAQ pages) that can help with where you should put things.
As for ventilation, I do mine the same way as Caron, and this is also the way many of the shipping providers advise to do it. Screwdriver to punch four holes (two each on opposite sides of the box) from the outside in. Do this before anything else.
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MorphMarket acts as the certified live animal shipper through which we purchase the labels for shipping, so you don’t need to become certified yourself. Same with other reptile shipping companies you might purchase a label from to use for shipping.
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All of these were so helpful! Thank you, grateful to have such a supportive community here on MM! So many details I have never thought about in the breeding of my geckos, but as I get ready to send my babies out into the world, I’m getting all the details so it all goes right! thanks!
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You will always find a ton of support here.
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We are happy to help, and enjoy having a community here to do so!
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