Quick, what’s your favourite seafood? It’s lobster, isn’t it? Ha, nailed it. A lot of people choose it, but we often forget what it takes to get all that tasty shellfish. It takes a lot of work and planning to know how to ship lobsters, whether they’re being sent all at once, in a group, or even one at a time. Let’s look at the complexities and proper practices for shipping just a few of these delicious delicacies.
Lobster is one of the most delicious and luxurious seafood treats. The sweet, succulent meat is perfect for everything from lobster rolls to surf and turf However, high-quality lobster can be difficult to find, especially if you don’t live near the coast. This leads many lobster lovers to ask – can you send lobster in the mail?
The short answer is yes you can send live lobster through the mail under certain conditions. However mailing lobster does come with some restrictions and regulations. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to shipping live lobsters so you can enjoy these tasty crustaceans no matter where you live.
Overview of Sending Lobster by Mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) allows you to ship live lobsters by mail within the United States Lobsters are considered a “restricted” item, meaning they are mailable but have special regulations As long as you follow USPS guidelines, you can have fresh lobster delivered right to your door.
Some key things to know about mailing lobster:
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Lobsters can only be shipped domestically within the USA. International shipments are prohibited.
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Only live lobsters can be shipped. Cooked lobster meat cannot be mailed.
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Lobsters must be shipped via expedited services like Priority Mail Express to ensure prompt delivery.
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There are restrictions on the type of container used and labeling requirements.
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Shipments must comply with all state laws, including those related to selling and transporting live seafood.
As long as these guidelines are followed, lobsters can successfully be mailed to seafood lovers nationwide. Reputable companies exist that specialize in shipping live lobsters packed and labeled appropriately.
USPS Regulations for Mailing Live Lobsters
The United States Postal Service outlines specific requirements for mailing live lobsters in the Domestic Mail Manual. Key regulations include:
Container: The lobsters must be shipped in a leak-proof container that is clearly labeled “Live Lobsters.” Acceptable containers include cardboard boxes lined with polyethylene bags. Styrofoam coolers are also allowable. The container must have vent holes and packing materials like refrigerant gel packs to keep the lobsters cool.
Markings: The outer packaging must be clearly marked “Live Lobsters” and “Perishable.” A “Special Handling” sticker is also required. All old labels and markings must be removed.
Service Type: Only 1-2 day expedited services like Priority Mail Express are permitted. Slower ground transportation is not allowed. This ensures the lobsters arrive alive.
Documents: A copy of the receipt or invoice must be included inside and outside the package. Live lobsters cannot be mailed anonymously.
Weight Limits: A single package is limited to 30 lbs. Heavier shipments must be divided into multiple packages.
Following these USPS rules allows for safe transport of live lobsters within the domestic United States. Failure to comply can result in rejection of your shipment.
State Laws on Shipping Lobsters
In addition to USPS guidelines, individual state laws may regulate the sale and transportation of live lobsters. Some key state restrictions include:
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Maine: A lobster dealer license is required to ship lobsters out of state. Packages must be labeled with the shipper’s license number. Sales to ultimate consumers require a buyer’s certificate number.
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Massachusetts: Only licensed wholesale dealers can ship lobsters out of state. Retail sellers need a transport permit. Lobsters cannot be mailed to private homes.
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California: Special California Endorsement required to import live lobsters. Shipping to private homes is prohibited.
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Nevada: Permit required to ship lobsters to anyone other than a licensed wholesale dealer.
Check regulations for the origination state, destination state, and any states the shipment will pass through. Failure to comply can lead to confiscation of the package.
Finding a Lobster Delivery Company
Rather than trying to ship lobsters yourself, the easiest option is to use a reputable lobster delivery company. These companies source lobsters direct from fishermen, package them appropriately, and ship overnight right to your door. Here are some of the top services:
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LobsterAnywhere – Our #1 pick; ships live lobsters nationwide.
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The Lobster Guy – Low prices; captain-caught lobsters.
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Luke’s Lobster – Emphasis on sustainability.
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Lobster Gram – Great gifts & prepared meals.
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Get Maine Lobster – Monthly lobster subscription.
The cost for live 1.25 lb lobsters starts around $40 and up depending on the company. Order by the cutoff time and your fresh lobsters are delivered the next day!
Preparing to Cook Your Mailed Lobsters
Once your lobsters arrive, proper storage and cooking is important. Here are some tips:
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Store in the fridge until ready to cook. Place on a tray atop ice packs and cover with damp newspaper or paper towels.
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Do not freeze live lobsters! Cook them within 2 days of delivery.
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To cook, steam or boil the lobsters for 8-12 minutes until the shell turns bright red.
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Serve with drawn lemon butter, or use the meat in your favorite lobster recipes.
With proper handling, live lobsters can be successfully shipped to seafood fans across the country. Just follow USPS rules and consider using a reputable delivery service for the easiest experience. Now you can enjoy fresh-caught lobster no matter where you live!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mailing Lobster
Can you mail lobster internationally or to Alaska/Hawaii?
No, live lobsters can only be mailed within the contiguous 48 states. International shipments are prohibited by USPS regulations and laws preventing transfer of live seafood.
What are the consequences for improperly shipping lobsters?
If USPS guidelines and state laws are not followed, your shipment may be rejected, confiscated, or destroyed. In some cases, significant fines up to $100,000 could apply.
Does liquid need to be added to the shipping container?
No, liquid should not be added as it could leak. Refrigerant gel packs are used to keep temperatures cool. The lobster’s metabolism slows during transit, reducing need for water.
Can cooked lobster meat be shipped?
No, only live lobsters are permitted. Cooked lobster meat is considered a perishable food item that cannot be mailed.
What happens if some lobsters die during transit?
Contact the shipper immediately if any lobsters arrive dead. Reputable companies will replace them free of charge. Proper packaging minimizes risk, but some casualties can occur.
How late in the day can I order for overnight delivery?
Order cutoffs vary, but are typically between 12pm-3pm local time for overnight service. Orders after the cutoff go out the following day.
Should I ship lobsters on my own or use a lobster delivery service?
Lobster delivery services handle all packaging, shipping, and documentation for you. While you can do it yourself, the easiest route is letting the experts handle it.
Shipping delicious lobsters is possible with proper handling. Follow our guide and order from reputable companies to enjoy fresh seafood anywhere in the continental US.
Keep Them Safe byUsing Insulated Packaging
Insulated shipping kits are the ideal shipping carton for lobsters. They come with a protective foam container that keeps lobsters protected from their surroundings. These boxes come pre-printed with ‘Perishable’, ‘Rush’, and ‘This Side Up’ arrows. Insulated packaging kits also provide natural cushioning, necessary for shipping all forms of lobsters.
The use of corrugated dividers is common for companies that want to ship lobster in bulk, especially over short distances. It keeps lobsters upright, organized and separated from each other. This prevents packaging damage and stops lobsters from colliding with their neighbor (and getting into fights). This requires a custom packaging solution, as you must know the dimensions and spacing your shipping container needs.
Know Their Shipping Requirements
There are different ways to ship and deliver lobsters, whether they are alive or dead, frozen or chilled, whole or in pieces. The main thing that sets them apart is whether they’re alive or dead. Alive lobsters need oxygen, are sensitive to changes in temperature, and must be properly secured.
First, avoid feeding them for 2-3 days before shipping. By not feeding them, they’re more likely to be relaxed during transit and will use less oxygen.
Then, rubber band their claws. This prevents them from damaging the packaging and potentially harming themselves. Banding their claws also prevents them from snapping at their new owner. This, of course, is an essential part of keeping a customer happy.
Finally, and this is one of the most important things to remember: you must keep them cool. While being shipped, a rise in temperature (or a drop in moisture) can kill live lobsters and make dead lobsters go bad. No one wants all that work and money to be for nothing.
Take note that many areas have their own rules about live-animal shipping. Be sure you especially pay attention to local shipping laws. Some need a special permit, animals must be shipped in a certain way, or the animals must be killed before they can be shipped.