Last updated: July 11, 2026

PodDrop LLC (“PodDrop,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to delivering high-quality live copepods and phytoplankton with maximum survival and full transparency. This Shipping Policy explains how orders are processed, packaged, shipped, and delivered.

SECTION 1 — SHIPPING REGIONS

We ship to all 50 U.S. states (excluding Hawaii) and the District of Columbia.
International shipping is available to select regions, with eligible destinations displayed at checkout.

SECTION 2 — ORDER PROCESSING & SHIPPING DAYS

To protect live cultures and avoid transit delays, all orders ship Monday through Wednesday only.

Orders placed on Wednesday after 10:00 AM MST, or anytime Thursday through Sunday, will ship the following Monday to avoid weekend and holiday carrier delays.
Shipping schedules may shift due to U.S. holidays or extreme weather conditions, and such changes may occur without prior notice.

You will receive:

• An order confirmation immediately after purchase
• A shipping confirmation with tracking once your order is in transit

SECTION 3 — SHIPPING METHODS & CARRIERS

All live products are shipped via 2-Day services, such as FedEx 2-Day and UPS 2-Day, to support faster delivery and better live-arrival outcomes. Carrier selection is based on speed, reliability, and destination.

Overnight shipping may be available at checkout for an additional fee. For maximum stability and survival, overnight shipping is strongly recommended for all live phytoplankton cultures.

SECTION 4 — PACKAGING & HANDLING

Every order is:

• Bottled fresh from active cultures
• Packed in insulated containers (foam box optional at checkout)
• Temperature-buffered with cold packs when needed
• Labeled as containing live goods with handling instructions

This packaging is designed to help maintain stable transit conditions.

SECTION 5 — SHIPPING RATES

• $30 flat-rate shipping within the United States.
• Free shipping on orders $75+ within the contiguous U.S.
• Additional expedited options, including overnight, may be available at checkout.

SECTION 6 — DELIVERY TIMEFRAMES

Most shipments arrive within 2 business days after leaving our facility.

Delivery windows are estimates only and may vary due to:

• Weather
• Carrier delays

SECTION 7 — ADDRESS ACCURACY & DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY

Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct.

PodDrop is not responsible for delays, losses, failed deliveries, or delivery issues caused by:

• Incorrect or incomplete addresses
• Packages left outside or exposed to extreme temperatures
• Failure to retrieve packages promptly
• Carrier delays or service interruptions

It is strongly recommended to ship to an address where someone can receive the package immediately.

SECTION 8 — TRACKING & NOTIFICATIONS

Shipping labels are purchased on the day your order is processed, and tracking information is automatically emailed when the label is created.

Please note:

• A created shipping label does not mean your order has shipped
• It only indicates that your shipment has been prepared in our system
• Your order is considered shipped once it has been picked up and scanned by the carrier

Tracking updates begin once the carrier has the package in hand. Please monitor your tracking and be available to receive your shipment on the expected delivery day.

SECTION 9 — DELIVERY ISSUES & REFUND LIMITATIONS

PodDrop does not offer refunds or replacements for delays caused by the carrier, damaged packages, missed delivery windows, or extreme weather conditions outside our control.

No refunds will be issued for orders affected by:

• Carrier delays
• Damaged packages
• Weather-related transit disruptions
• Delivery exceptions outside our control
• Packages not retrieved promptly after delivery

Extreme hot or cold weather is not covered under PodDrop’s DOA policy. No refunds or replacements will be issued for losses related to extreme temperature exposure during transit or after delivery.

Any additional claim procedures, if applicable, are governed solely by the store’s Refund Policy.

SECTION 10 — WEATHER & SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS

During periods of extreme heat or cold, PodDrop may adjust shipping days or delay shipment to help protect live cultures in transit.
These adjustments may be made without prior notice when necessary for live-goods safety.

SECTION 11 — HOLIDAYS & PEAK SEASONS

Orders placed during holidays or peak carrier periods may experience extended processing or transit times.
Ordering early is recommended when delivery timing is important.

SECTION 12 — LIVE ANIMAL SHIPPING & COMPLIANCE

PodDrop operates under Arizona Aquaculture License AQ#91 and complies with applicable U.S. regulations for transporting live aquatic organisms.

• All species are aquacultured, non-invasive, and non-protected
• No wild harvesting
• Humane handling and temperature-controlled packaging
• Express shipping methods are used for live organisms

For compliance questions: sales@GetPodDrop.com

SECTION 13 — CUSTOMER SUPPORT

For questions about shipping, tracking, or subscriptions:
Email: sales@GetPodDrop.com
Phone: +1 (855) 447-6337

PodDrop works to ensure live cultures arrive in the best possible condition, but transit conditions and carrier performance cannot be guaranteed once a shipment is in the carrier’s possession.