Posting Fish. Legally

[Shaddex]

After doing a lot of research into sending Fish in the post legally, I thought I would report my findings,
 
The Only national courier I have found that have a License to carry "Live" fish are APC.
 
You have to use their pre 12pm next day service, which costs £15.25 upto 5kg.
 
Fish have to be double bagged, and in a poly box with a heat pad (36h would be best)
 
When your package is collected the driver will put it into a security bag. (Not sure why)
 
Heat pads are reasonably cheap (£0.50 - £1.00)
 
Still to find a good source for poly boxes, so if anyone can help, then please post here.
 
So looking at £15.25 + £0.50 + polybox = Approx £18 - £20 posted,

 

[leighton_87]

Interestingly I did a bit of research into the above and came across this article - http/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2123495/Pet-shop-owner-admits-animal-cruelty-sending-live-fish-post.html

 

[Shaddex]

I think that was because they put a bag in a cardboard box.   No insulation etc.

 

[mishmash]

As far as I am aware, Royal Mail special delivery by 1pm next day is a perfectly acceptable way to send them as long as they are packaged correctly and each fish measures no more than 5cm in length.  I have used them several times and know breeders who do.  Having sent over 50 fish myself and never had any loss of life, I feel happy with them.  Of course larger fish may well be able to be carried by a licensed carrier and this is where APC could be very useful.
 
A reliable source of polyboxes ?  LOL.... I get all of mine free of charge from any of the LFS's near me.  They are only too happy to give them away.  But if you get really stuck you can make your own from polystyrene cut to size and made as a liner inside a cardboard box

 

[Shaddex]

When I spoke to royal mail, they said that there is no way they will carry live fish unless they are "Fry".
The line between Fry and Fish is very blurred, as Ive read posts here where royal mail have said "no".

 

[mishmash]

When I spoke to royal mail, they said that there is no way they will carry live fish unless they are "Fry".
The line between Fry and Fish is very blurred, as Ive read posts here where royal mail have said "no".

 
It seems that Royal Mail staff have individual interpretations of what constitutes fry.  I am simply saying my Post Office takes the box, delivers them, and the fish arrive safe and sound