The Proper Way To Have Live Lobster Shipped

By John Meyer


If you own a seafood shop or simply like incorporating seafood into your meals, then you might regularly need to have the supplies shipped to you. When dealing with food, it is better to use fresh ingredients, and this is why getting live lobster shipped to you, is the best option. To ensure that these animals get to you in good form, there are some things which need to be observed during the shipping process.

Lobsters are marine animals, meaning that they need to stay moist. This does not necessary mean packing them in containers filled with water, because there are risks associated with using both seawater as well as fresh water. If you use very little sea water, the animals will use up all the dissolved oxygen and die. On the other hand, placing them in fresh water will cause them to burst.

The containers you pack the animals in should be covered, but they should also have some spaces for aeration. You also have to ensure that the primary container is aerated, to prevent carbon dioxide from accumulating in this space. Keep in mind that crustaceans breathe through their gills, but still use oxygen.

When ordering live lobster, the animals need to be not only alive, but also intact. This means that the people in charge of the shipping will have to take some measures, to make sure that the lobsters do not arrive with broken shells. This will include carefully packing the right number of animal, to ensure they are not too cramped, but also not too few. Cushioning can also be provided by using seaweed.

Shipping containers typically have regulated temperatures, to prevent the spoilage of cargo. With lobsters, these temperatures should relatively low, but not below freezing point. This will reduce the activity of the animals, so they use less energy and also less oxygen. Using dry ice is not recommended, as it will increase the carbon dioxide levels in the small space.

There are many shipping companies available, but only settle for ones that you can trust. This decision can be made after making some inquiries about their credibility, punctuality, and general efficiency. Quick deliveries and good shipping practices will give a company a good reputation. Although you do not get warranties for transporting live animals, some companies will take responsibility for the delivery of dead or damaged crustaceans.

Shipping costs will vary depending on the amount of things you want to be delivered, and the distance covered. Things like special request and delivery to your doorstep might also inflate the price. You should visit different companies to inquire about how they go about the process and to see the rates. This way you will settle for a company you can trust and are comfortable with.

Once your lobsters are delivered, start the inspection by looking at the containers they came in. These should still be sealed, to prove that they have not been tampered with. The animals should be alert, although some of them may seem groggy and sluggish. If some of the animals seem dead, inquire how long they have been dead to determine whether it is still safe to cook them.




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