In the fascinating world of beekeeping, there’s a fundamental duty to attend to. Transporting queen bees is a complex, incredibly delicate process.
The right packaging materials can be the key to keeping queen bees stress-free as you look to move them. Best practices can also simplify the process, as can a few necessary steps. We have several tips and steps to share for achieving this, so read on for our guide on those key steps and recommended packaging solutions.
3 Factors to Consider When Shipping Bees
Keeping bees secure and using specific shipping boxes are factors to consider when shipping them. This is crucial because keeping the bees protected will ensure they reach their destination safely, without experiencing stress, and the right shipping boxes will provide this protection.
One of the easiest ways to choose the right shipping box is to select one that matches the size of either the nucleus (nuc) box or the queen bee cages. After measuring the nuc or the cages, you can select the cardboard box that matches the size. Selecting address labels for the package is also a must, ensuring the package features the correct destination. Here’s what we also recommend when you send the buzzing little insects on their way.
Ensure Queen Bees Remain Securely in the Shipping Box
In addition to protecting the bees, you’ll need to ensure they remain safe in the shipping box. Using shipping boxes that cannot be crushed is a must, since a crushed box can lead to harmed queen bees.
Designed to hold plastic queen cages, some durable shipping boxes such as die-cut cardboard boxes and double-wall boxes, are robust and long-lasting, which you may want to consider. For instance, a double-wall box features two layers of fluted cardboard, making it difficult to bend or warp and suitable for protecting the bees.
In addition to its durability, a die-cut cardboard queen shipper is also ideal since the queen bee cages that contain your bees can fit safely inside it, and it is crush-resistant. To use these boxes, slotting each queen cage into the cut sections of the die-cut priority box should be the first step.
Grasp each queen bee cage and push them into the die-cut sections. You’ll find that each die-cut section is arranged in rows, which means you can place several queen bee cages in a single cardboard queen shipping box.
Alternatively, you might want to use double-wall boxes if you are shipping a nucleus box that contains your queen bees. To complete the packaging process, you can gently place the nuc into a cardboard shipping box with the correct dimensions, ensuring the correct-sized shipping box is well-ventilated.
Select and Use Custom Labels and Label Stickers
A ‘handle with care’ or ‘fragile’ label, for instance, is ideal, as it will ensure couriers take extra care when moving the shipping box.
You may, on the other hand, design the custom label yourself to display specific information such as ‘live bees’. With this additional information, you can ensure the courier is aware that the package needs extra care and understands what the package contains. Place the custom label on the shipping box after preparing the package and completing the design process.
Shipping Supply Options for Transporting Queen Bees
The right shipping boxes, such as priority boxes, are key shipping supply options for transporting queen bees. Priority boxes are ideal for indicating that the shipment needs to happen quickly to shorten the duration period.
You also shouldn’t forget the essential address labels, and as you choose them, it’s worth knowing that a few labels are important. One of the labels will be for the handler. Another will be for the post office, and the final label should be for the recipient beekeeper. For instance, on the label for the beekeeper, you can leave a note to indicate that getting the bees to the hive quickly is important.
Packing tape is another crucial shipping supply option. For instance, while your queen bee cages can slot into the die-cut sections, the tape serves the purpose of sticking them more securely in place in the die-cut priority box. Alternatively, in terms of your queen bee’s nuc, once you place it inside the ventilated shipping box, you can seal the box with the tape.
Why Fast Courier Services Are Key When Shipping Live Bees
Let’s consider one important factor: Timing is important when shipping live bees. Transit needs to take less than seven days because if it’s any longer, your bees may not last. So, you’re going to need a fast shipping process, and that’s why fast courier services are key.
You’ll want affordable rates when shipping the bees. This is possible with a few shipping companies. For example, you may consider Canada Post and a few other couriers.
Select your courier, and then check/complete the following steps:
- Ensure the bees are disease-free
- Make sure the container does not contain honey, (however, it may contain a sugar source to feed the bees)
- Give the post office service or courier the records for each shipment
- Make sure you call the post office to ensure your carrier knows the bees are to be transported
- Make sure the container has adequate amounts of air
Insuring Bee Shipments
Insuring bee shipments is a fundamental step; after all, your bees are delicate, sensitive insects. The insurance will protect the bees in case they are harmed and top couriers can insure the shipment for you. If you also want to have extra coverage, you have got the option to declare the shipment’s value.
Note that your courier may limit claims to specific circumstances. Valid claims are available in the following situations:
- Damage to the package that causes the bees to die
- Lost content due to damage when handling the package
- Losing the package during transit
Ship Queen Bees with Packaging Solutions from The Packaging Company
It’s a delicate process but getting your buzzing queen bees to their destination can be easier with high-grade packaging solutions. The right packaging will keep the bees stress-free and secure, and we can help with this.
Complete the shipping process with confidence. Ship queen bees with packaging solutions from The Packaging Company.
