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SHIPPING POLICY - PODDROP LLC

Last updated: November 23, 2025

 

OVERVIEW

 

PodDrop LLC (“PodDrop,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is dedicated to delivering the highest quality live aquatic nutrition to reef aquarium enthusiasts across the United States. This Shipping Policy explains how we process, package, and deliver your live copepods and phytoplankton, including special considerations for bulk and recurring subscription orders.

 

SECTION 1 - SHIPPING REGIONS

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  • We ship to all 50 U.S. states (except HI) and the District of Columbia.

  • We ship internationally for wholesale accounts.

 

SECTION 2 - ORDER PROCESSING TIMES

  • Orders are processed Monday through Thursday (excluding U.S. holidays). Orders placed after our daily cutoff time or on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be processed on the next processing day.

  • Orders placed after 12:00 PM MST on Monday are processed the next business day.

  • You will receive an order confirmation email immediately after purchase and a shipping confirmation with tracking details once your order ships.

 

SECTION 3 - SHIPPING METHODS & CARRIERS

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  • All live products are shipped via expedited services (SUCH AS FEDEX 2-DAY AND UPS 2-DAY) to ensure the fastest possible delivery.

  • Carrier selection depends on speed, reliability, and your location to maximize live arrival success.

 

SECTION 4 - PACKAGING & HANDLING

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  • Live copepods and phytoplankton are bottled fresh on demand and packed in insulated, sealed containers with cold packs (when necessary) to maintain stable temperatures during transit.

  • Each shipment is clearly labeled as containing live goods and includes handling instructions for the carrier and recipient.

 

SECTION 5 - SHIPPING RATES

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  • Free Shipping: Orders over $55 qualify for free shipping within the contiguous U.S.

  • Shipping rates are calculated based on order total and destination.

 

SECTION 6 - DELIVERY TIMEFRAMES

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  • Most orders arrive within 2-3 business days after shipment, depending on your location and carrier performance.

  • Delivery timelines are estimates and not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to weather, carrier issues, or other factors beyond our control.

 

SECTION 7 - ADDRESS ACCURACY & DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY

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  • Please ensure your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete at checkout. PodDrop is not responsible for delays or losses due to incorrect addresses.

  • We strongly recommend shipping to an address where someone will be present to receive the package immediately upon delivery, especially for live goods.

  • PodDrop is not responsible for packages left outside, exposed to temperature extremes, or not promptly retrieved.

 

SECTION 8 - TRACKING & NOTIFICATIONS

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  • You will receive an email with tracking information as soon as your order ships.

  • Please monitor your tracking and be available to receive your shipment on the expected delivery date.

 

SECTION 9 - DELIVERY ISSUES & LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE

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

  • For live arrival guarantee claims, you must contact us within 2 hours of delivery (based on carrier timestamp) and provide clear photos of the unopened package and contents.

  • PodDrop is not liable for delays or losses caused by carrier errors, weather disruptions, or failure to retrieve packages promptly.

 

SECTION 10 - WEATHER & SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS

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  • During periods of extreme heat or cold, we may adjust shipping schedules or use additional insulation/cold packs to protect your order.

  • In rare cases, we may delay shipment to ensure the best chance of live arrival. If this occurs, we will notify you by email.

 

SCETION 11 - HOLIDAYS & PEAK SHIPPING TIMES

 

Orders placed during holidays or peak shipping seasons may experience longer processing and transit times.

  • We recommend ordering in advance if you need your products by a specific date.

 

SECTION 12 - BULK ORDERS

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  • Definition: Bulk orders are defined as single orders containing a significantly larger quantity of product (e.g., for aquarium clubs, stores, or events).

  • Processing Time: Bulk orders may require additional lead time to ensure sufficient stock and optimal freshness. We will communicate estimated processing and delivery times at the time of order.

  • Shipping Method: All bulk shipments are sent via expedited carrier (SUCH AS FEDEX 2-DAY AND UPS 2-DAY) with enhanced insulation and temperature control as needed.

  • Coordination: We recommend contacting us before placing a bulk order to discuss timing, special requirements, and to ensure the best possible delivery experience.

  • Contact: For bulk order inquiries, email sales@GetPodDrop.com or call +1 602.529-4583.

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SECTION 13 - LIVE ANIMAL SHIPPING & COMPLIANCE POLICY

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PodDrop operates under an Arizona aquaculture license and complies with all U.S. state and federal regulations for the transport of live aquatic organisms.
All species sold are non-invasive, non-protected, and aquacultured specifically for marine aquarium use.
We ensure humane handling and transport using temperature-controlled packaging, express 2-Day shipping, and our Live Arrival Guarantee.
No wild collection or harvesting — all organisms are 100% aquacultured and sustainable.
We do not ship live animals intended for consumption or outside approved regions.

For questions regarding live animal handling or shipping compliance, please contact sales@getpoddrop.com.

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SECTION 14 - INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY

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PodDrop now offers international shipping for select live aquaculture products, including copepods and phytoplankton. Because these are live marine organisms, international orders must follow stricter rules, longer transit times, and destination-country import regulations.

 

Available Destinations

We currently ship international orders to regions where live marine microfauna and microalgae are commonly permitted, including:

  • Canada

  • Europe (most EU countries, UK, Switzerland)

  • Asia (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea)

  • Australia & New Zealand (case-by-case; permits may be required)

 

Import availability varies by country. PodDrop reserves the right to decline shipments to destinations with known restrictions on importing live aquatic organisms.

 

Customs, Import Permits & Compliance

International shipments containing live organisms are subject to your country’s customs inspection, agriculture inspection, and import laws.

By placing an international order, the customer acknowledges:

  • They are responsible for verifying that live copepods and/or phytoplankton are legal to import into their region.

  • They are responsible for any import permits, if required by their country.

  • They are responsible for all customs duties, VAT, taxes, brokerage fees, or quarantine fees.

  • Customs may delay, inspect, quarantine, deny, or destroy live shipments at their discretion.

PodDrop cannot influence or bypass customs decisions.

 

Carrier & Transit Times

All international orders are shipped via UPS Worldwide Expedited or UPS Worldwide Saver, which are approved services for transporting live biological materials when properly packaged.

Typical transit time: 3–7 business days, not including customs delays.

Tracking updates may vary once the package enters a foreign postal network.

 

Live Arrival Guarantee (International Orders)

Due to factors outside our control (customs inspections, agricultural reviews, extended transit times, or delays), our Live Arrival Guarantee does not apply to international shipments.

However, we package all orders with:

  • Dense, fresh cultures

  • Oxygen exchange for transit

  • Proper insulation

  • Temperature buffers when needed to maximize survival during international travel.

 

Address Accuracy & Delivery Risks

PodDrop cannot refund or replace orders that fail due to:

  • Incorrect or incomplete shipping address

  • Lack of required import permits

  • Customs refusal, quarantine, or destruction

  • Extended delays caused by government inspection

  • Local delivery carrier issues after customs release

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Once the package leaves the United States, its handling is managed by the destination country’s customs and postal authorities.

 

Countries We Cannot Ship To

Due to strict biosecurity and invasive species regulations, we currently cannot ship live copepods or phytoplankton to:

  • Countries with prohibitions on importing live marine organisms

  • Nations requiring pre-approval that we are not yet registered with

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If an order is placed to a restricted country, we will cancel and refund it.

 

Cancellations

International orders become non-refundable once shipped.
To cancel, you must contact us before we hand the package to UPS.

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SECTION 15 - CUSTOMER SUPPORT

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  • For questions about your shipment, tracking, delivery, bulk orders, or subscriptions, contact us at sales@GetPodDrop.com or +1 602.529-4583

  • We are here to help ensure your live reef nutrition arrives healthy and ready for your aquarium.

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