Shipping vs. Pickup – Part 6

Let’s look at package bees. A package is simply a screened plywood box with about 16 oz. of sugar water, which typically lasts about 7 days. It is natural for some bees to perish during transit, just as they would in nature.

The shipping method is critical. I have found USPS to be the most reliable. We ship all our packages via Priority Mail with full insurance to ensure the bees are handled better and delivered quicker. Major USPS facilities even have “bee rooms” kept at approximately 65 degrees to maintain health.

The Reality of Nuc Shipments

Shipping a nuc is a different story. USPS typically requires nucs to be shipped via ground, which can take up to 2 weeks. Semi-trucks lack air conditioning, leading to significant stress and higher loss rates. This is why most wholesalers and retailers, including ourselves, are very cautious about shipping nucs.

If you live in the 10% of states where you can pick up your bees by day two of the “shake” day, that is always the best way to go. There are no significant temperature changes and minimum bee loss.