What Needs To Be Observed When Getting 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 presence of contaminants in the air is one of the reasons why people prefer to use airtight packaging. However, with live animals, you need a continuous flow of fresh air, and therefore, all the containers need to be well aerated.

While shipping these animals, a lot of bumping and moving could lead to the breakage of the shells. Therefore, it is advisable not to stuff too many in one container. Seaweed is also sometimes used to act as cushioning, and also to prevent these crustaceans from dying up. Before packing the lobsters, the person in charge should ensure that they are all healthy and have intact shells.

Most crustaceans are accustomed to low temperatures and therefore, require to be shipped in cool containers. The specific temperatures required might differ depending on the origin of the lobsters, but it should not be lower than thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Although dry ice is sometimes used when shipping, because it does not melt, it releases carbon dioxide. This could asphyxiate the lobsters.

The reputation of an establishment is based on the quality of services they offer. You can ascertain this by talking to other people who have used this company, or even checking online for reviews that mention them. This way, you will know whether they are regularly punctual, their reliability, and even whether they will accept special requests.

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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