Last updated: April 10, 2026

PodDrop LLC (“PodDrop,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to delivering the highest‑quality live copepods and phytoplankton with maximum survival and transparency. This Shipping Policy explains how we process, package, and deliver live cultures, including special considerations for bulk and subscription orders.

SECTION 1 — SHIPPING REGIONS

• We ship to all 50 U.S. states (except HI) and the District of Columbia.
• International shipping is available for approved wholesale accounts.

SECTION 2 — ORDER PROCESSING & SHIPPING DAYS

To ensure the highest live‑arrival success, all live cultures ship Monday–Wednesday only.

• Orders placed before 12:00 PM EST Monday–Wednesday ship the same day.
• Orders placed after 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday ship the following Monday.
• Orders placed Thursday–Sunday ship the following Monday.
• U.S. holidays may shift shipping days.

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 expedited 2‑Day services (such as FedEx 2‑Day and UPS 2‑Day) to ensure the fastest possible delivery and the highest live‑arrival success.

Carrier selection is based on speed, reliability, and your location.

Overnight shipping is available for an additional fee at checkout.

SECTION 4 — PACKAGING & HANDLING

Every order is:

• Bottled fresh from active cultures
• Packed in insulated containers
• Temperature‑buffered with cold packs when needed
• Labeled as containing live goods with handling instructions

This ensures stable conditions throughout transit.

SECTION 5 — SHIPPING RATES

• $24.99 flat‑rate shipping within the United States (contiguous + non‑contiguous, excluding HI).
• Free insulated shipping on orders $55+ within the contiguous U.S.
• Additional expedited options (including overnight) are available at checkout.

SECTION 6 — DELIVERY TIMEFRAMES

Most shipments arrive within 2 business days after leaving our facility.
Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to:

• Weather
• Carrier delays
• Seasonal volume
• Remote delivery zones

SECTION 7 — ADDRESS ACCURACY & DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY

Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct.
PodDrop is not responsible for delays or losses caused by:

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

We strongly recommend shipping 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 to you at that time.

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 will 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 & LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE

If your order arrives late, damaged, or in poor condition, please refer to our Refund Policy for Live Goods.

For live‑arrival claims:

• Contact us within 12 hours of delivery (based on carrier timestamp)
• Provide clear photos of the unopened package and contents

PodDrop is not liable for:

• Carrier errors
• Weather delays
• Packages not retrieved promptly

SECTION 10 — WEATHER & SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS

During extreme heat or cold, we may:

• Add additional insulation
• Adjust shipping days
• Delay shipment to protect your cultures

If a delay is necessary, we will notify you.

SECTION 11 — HOLIDAYS & PEAK SEASONS

Orders placed during holidays or peak carrier periods may experience extended processing or transit times.
We recommend ordering early if you need delivery by a specific date.

SECTION 12 — BULK ORDERS

Definition: Large‑volume orders for aquarium clubs, stores, events, or research programs.

• Bulk orders may require additional lead time
• All bulk shipments use expedited 2‑Day services
• Enhanced insulation and temperature control are included
• Contact us before placing a bulk order to coordinate timing

Email: sales@GetPodDrop.com
Phone: +1 (855) 447‑6337

SECTION 13 — LIVE ANIMAL SHIPPING & COMPLIANCE

PodDrop operates under Arizona Aquaculture License AQ#91 and complies with all 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 2‑Day shipping for all live organisms

For compliance questions: sales@GetPodDrop.com

SECTION 14 — INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY

International shipping is available for select wholesale accounts and approved destinations.

Available Regions

• Canada
• Most EU countries, UK, Switzerland
• Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea
• Australia & New Zealand (case‑by‑case; permits may be required)

Customer Responsibilities

By placing an international order, you acknowledge responsibility for:

• Verifying import legality
• Obtaining required permits
• Paying customs duties, VAT, taxes, brokerage, or quarantine fees

Customs may delay, inspect, or deny live shipments.
PodDrop cannot influence customs decisions.

Transit Times

• Typically 3–4 business days, excluding customs delays
• Tracking may vary once the package enters a foreign postal network

Live Arrival Guarantee (International)

Due to customs variables, international orders are not covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
However, all shipments are packaged for maximum survival.

Restrictions

We cannot ship to countries with prohibitions on importing live marine organisms.
Orders placed to restricted destinations will be canceled and refunded.

Cancellations

International orders become non‑refundable once shipped.
To cancel, contact us before the package is handed to UPS.

SECTION 15 — CUSTOMER SUPPORT

For questions about shipping, tracking, bulk orders, or subscriptions:
sales@GetPodDrop.com
+1 (855) 447‑6337

We’re here to ensure your live reef nutrition arrives healthy, thriving, and ready for your aquarium.