Shipping live
Shipping has become a hassle at the post office. Not because they don't want to ship live animals but because of problems they encounter with airlines.
An example of this is Delta Airlines, They will accept birds at one airport and deliver them to the next airport (Non stop) But they refuse to transfer any live animals from one aircraft to the next.
This has created a problem not only for us the shipper but also for the managers at the post office.
I myself had a shipment I wanted to send to El Cerrito, CA. But sending pigeons out of RDU International Airport is not an easy task because there are no Airlines that can move them from here to the west coast. Many of the aircraft just cannot move live animals and or carriers that have heated and pressurized belly's just don't have the hub and spoke system in place.
I was able to get my package to Chicago O'Hare International Airport but because Delta would not transfer the shipment to another aircraft and the USPS is not set up to handle Airline transfers. There seemed to be no way to move the pigeons.
What I had to do was Ship them twice. Yes I could send the package to Chicago IL, I had a friend feed and water the pigeons. He then could take the package back to the post office and forward them to California.
Not fun, Not easy but with some effort I was able to move the package.
AU update
Please share this update. Thanks.
1. AA is back to about 60% of their network volume and the results are very encouraging. They’re ramping up their transfer operation through DFW this week and will be fully ramped up in another 3 weeks – this will provide additional opportunities for the transport of lives.
2. I’ve received a proposal from a cargo carrier for the transport of lives throughout the country – rates are lane specific. I’m evaluating where they can best be utilized.
3. Northwest signed with Airborne. They will begin transporting mail out of their 5 hubs beginning May 14th.
4. US Air is in the first week of their test – results are encouraging as well. As they bring up more markets the options for the transport of lives will increase.
5. Airborne doesn’t accept lives today, however, they are reconsidering their position. I’m cautiously optimistic.
Hopefully the combination of the above will go a long way towards mitigating the loss of Delta.
John”
The AU continues to communicate daily with representatives from the USPS and relate shipping needs of pigeon flyers to them. We will provide updates as they are received.
As in the past, we encourage members to contact us with shipping problems. We are able to intervene in many instances to assist.
Thank you
