How to ship meat out of state?

[snapcrackpop]

I have a friend flying up from Florida to hunt deer this year and he is concerned about how to get his meat home. I told him to move back to MN so he wouldn't have this problem.

How do you ship meat back?

How do you package it?

Which company do you prefer?

How much?

[Shack]

Dry ice and good shipping box's. Check with fedx or ups for correct info.

[Flatlander]

How many deer does he want to take back with him? I'd have to believe it would be similar to bringing fish back from Alaska. The planes don't let you bring on dry ice, but if everything is frozen and put in a cooler with a couple ice/gel packs, he will be fine heading to Florida. Even if he has to pay for an extra bag on the plane, it will be significantly cheaper than UPS or FedEx. If you have one or have access to one, I would definitly vaccuum pack the meat. That would make me feel better than wrapping in freezer paper. Hope that helps.

[DonBo]

I agree with Flatliner. Vacuum pack everything and freeze it. Put in a cooler. I believe the airlines will let you bring it with if under 70 lbs for no charge, or minimal extra charge.

Otherwise FedEx will ship overnight express for about (I'm trying to remember) $70 or so.

[snapcrackpop]

Thanks guys.

I don't think we will have time to cut it up before he leaves. So either we take it to a meat locker or our family will do the butchering and then ship it to him.

Keep the info coming...

[Gus]

We usually ship in a cooler. Line it with extra paperbags on all sides/top/bottom for increased insulation. Make sure meat is frozen well and tape the hell out of the cooler so it stays shut. Ship via UPS. One of our party members has been having his share shiped to Atlanta for 4 years this way. Never a problem.

[yellowlabnd]

Gus and Flatlander both put have good idea, from working in the airline industry for the last 6 years I can tell you I have seen the right way and diffently the wrong way to ship game. First thing if you have a quantity over 55lbs ship it via UPS OR FEDEX it will be cheaper and it will also be a safer bet.

Dont use dry ice because airlines are regulated on how they can carry it and how it is handled to big of a problem. But you should vacum seal your stuff and then freeze it so its rock solid. I would then wrap it in garbage bags. Pick a cooler thats not your favorite either but will withstand people tossing it around. Then tape the living HELL out of it because accidents to happen and the last thing you want it your meat to fall on the ramp and for them to put it right back in the cooler like nothing happened.

But again if I was you I would ship it VIA UPS or FED EX less hassle and should be cheaper. You also dont have to worry about your package sitting out on the ramp and melting or worrying that your flt might cancle and then what. BEcause usually the cooler will sit out over nite instead of going to the deap freeze like its supposed to.

Hope this stuff helps

[snapcrackpop]

Thanks for the help guys.

I'll pass it along.