If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.
Lobster is one of the most prized and delicious seafood delicacies. The sweet, succulent meat makes lobster tail, lobster rolls, and other lobster dishes extremely popular. However, high-quality live lobster can be hard to find if you don’t live near the coast. This leads many seafood lovers to wonder – can you mail live lobster?
The short answer is yes, you can mail live lobster through the United States Postal Service (USPS) if you follow specific guidelines. While mailing live animals does have restrictions and regulations, it is possible to have fresh live lobster delivered right to your door.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about mailing live lobster. We will outline the regulations, proper packaging techniques, finding a reputable lobster delivery service, and what to do once your lobster arrives Let’s dive in!
Overview of Mailing Live Lobster
Here are some key things to understand about shipping live lobster by mail within the United States
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Only live lobsters can be mailed, not cooked lobster meat.
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Lobsters must be shipped via expedited services like Priority Mail Express.
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Special leak-proof containers with ventilation are required.
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Gel packs help maintain cool temperatures during transit.
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Shipments must comply with USPS regulations and state laws on transporting live seafood.
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Delivery typically takes 1-2 days within the contiguous 48 states.
As long as you use proper packaging and follow the rules, live lobster can successfully be mailed to seafood fans across the country.
USPS Regulations for Shipping Live Lobster
The United States Postal Service outlines specific requirements and restrictions for mailing live lobsters domestically. Here are the key regulations:
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Container: Must be leak-proof with ventilation holes and coolant packs. Styrofoam coolers or cardboard boxes lined with plastic bags are acceptable.
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Labeling: Must be clearly marked as “Live Lobsters” and “Perishable.”
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Mail Class: Only 1-2 day expedited services like Priority Mail Express permitted.
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Documents: Copy of receipt or invoice must be included inside and attached to the outside.
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Weight Limits: Max of 30 lbs per package. Heavier shipments must be split.
Following all USPS rules allows for safe transit of live lobsters to customers nationwide.
State Laws on Shipping Live Lobsters
In addition to federal USPS regulations, some states have their own laws governing the transportation of live lobsters. For example:
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Maine requires a state-issued lobster dealer license for shipments.
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California requires a special permit to import live lobsters.
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Nevada restricts mailing lobsters to licensed wholesale dealers only.
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Massachusetts limits retail sellers to those with a transport permit.
Be sure to research the regulations in the origination state, destination state, and any states the package will pass through during transit. Failure to comply with state laws could lead to confiscation of your shipment.
How to Package Live Lobsters for Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial to keep lobsters healthy and ensure they arrive alive. Here are some best practices:
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Use an insulated shipping container designed for live seafood. Include frozen gel packs.
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Line interior with damp newspaper or paper towels to maintain humidity.
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Individually wrap lobsters in damp paper and secure claws with rubber bands.
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Place cardboard dividers between lobsters and pack tails down to prevent movement.
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Label container as “Live Lobsters” and “Perishable.” Include handling instructions.
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Attach documents like receipt, invoice, and license numbers as required.
Careful packaging provides the best chance of live delivery.
Finding a Reputable Lobster Delivery Company
For most people, the easiest way to get live lobsters is to use a specialized delivery service. These companies handle:
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Sourcing live lobsters direct from the docks
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Properly packaging and labeling shipments
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Arranging overnight express delivery
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Providing tracking info and customer service
Some top rated lobster delivery companies include LobsterAnywhere, The Lobster Guy, Luke’s Lobster, and Get Maine Lobster. Expect to pay around $40 or more for an overnight shipped 1.25 lb live lobster.
Receiving and Cooking Your Mailed Lobster
Once the lobster arrives, proper storage and cooking is important:
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Refrigerate immediately until ready to cook. Place atop ice packs.
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Cook within 2 days of delivery for best freshness. Do not freeze live lobsters.
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Boil or steam 8-12 minutes until shell turns bright red. Serve with lemon and butter.
With proper handling, live lobster can be successfully shipped to seafood lovers nationwide. Just follow USPS guidelines and consider a delivery service for the easiest experience. Now you can enjoy fresh lobster no matter where you are!
Fillet and Crab Cakes
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes come packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection. This means you can rely on crab cakes for an easy yet impressive surf offering. Pair them with tender fillet for a well-balanced meal that comes together in minutes.
Before you start cooking, make sure your crab cakes are thawed in the refrigerator. This way, they’ll cook in 10 minutes or less.
Use a large heavy cast-iron skillet for both the steak and the crab cakes.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
- Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest while you cook the crab cakes.
- Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the empty skillet.
- When the butter is melted, place the crab cakes in the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
What is Surf and Turf?
Surf and turf is a style of menu that offers the best of both the land and the sea. This means customers don’t have to choose between the steak and the lobster and just get them both. This is a classic offering at steakhouses and seafood restaurants.
Surf and turf plates are often show-stopping displays of vibrant, fresh seafood and juicy seared steak. Alongside the main course, you’ll often find vegetable side dishes like crisp green asparagus, creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, or other sides to balance out all the protein.
Ultimately, surf and turf is a delightful culinary experience of texture, flavor, and aroma in one unique meal.
How to Store Live Maine Lobsters
FAQ
Can you ship live lobsters?
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Insulated Containers:Lobsters are typically packed in insulated containers like Styrofoam coolers to maintain a stable temperature.
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Gel Packs:Insulated boxes are equipped with gel packs to keep the temperature within the optimal range for lobsters (around 32-40°F or 0-4°C).
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Moisture:Lobsters need a humid environment, so they are often packed with damp newspaper or seaweed to prevent them from drying out.
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Ventilation:Adequate ventilation is crucial for oxygen, but the container should still be tightly sealed to prevent water loss, according to ShopLobster.
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Corrugated Boxes:The insulated cooler is then placed inside a corrugated shipping box for extra protection against bumps and shocks.
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Overnight Delivery:To minimize the time lobsters are out of their natural environment, overnight shipping is generally recommended.
How to pack live lobster for a flight?
- Use a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.
- Ensure the container is large enough for the lobsters to move around, but not too large that they can be injured.
- Consider using a container with vents to allow for some airflow.
Can you mail live fish?
Overall, while shipping live fish can be safe, it’s important to consider the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the health and well-being of the …Apr 20, 2023
Can I keep a live lobster?
You can keep a live lobster alive for around 36-48 hours, although I’d recommend where possible using them on the same day — unless you’ve got a tank at home, it’s more humane. Store them on the bottom shelf of a fridge (to stop it contaminating other food), wrapped up in their damp paper and they’ll be fine.
Does lobsterguy ship to Maine?
Lobsterguy.com ships and delivers Fresh Live Maine Lobsters, Lobster Clambakes, Seafood Dinners, Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, Order your Fresh Seafood shipped direct and overnight to your door! Easter Treats Await! Use code Easter10 to save an add’l 10% off today’s sale prices! Gift Certificates!
Where can I buy live Maine lobster?
The Best Priced Live Maine Lobsters Direct From The Lobstermen! We specialize in online, mail-order Fresh Live Maine Lobsters, Live Lobster Clambakes, Live Lobster Dinners, and both retail and corporate accounts.
How to ship a live lobster?
The following tips on how to ship a live lobster can ensure that it arrives in great shape to be enjoyed by the receiver. Pick a healthy lobster that has been kept cool, ideally at a temperature of no higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a sturdy Styrofoam or insulated box that is just large enough to hold the lobster.
How long can a lobster live in a container?
Choose a shipping company that can deliver your lobster quickly, preferably overnight. A lobster can survive in a properly packed container only for two or three days. Lobsters make delicious meals especially when cooked fresh. It is thus imperative to properly pack a live lobster before shipping.
Where can I get fresh lobster delivery?
LobsterAnywhere wins the top spot for fresh lobster delivery. When you place an order before the daily cutoff time, live lobsters are taken fresh off the boats of local lobstermen, hand-selected, graded for their hard-shell quality, and shipped the same day.
Where can I buy live lobster online?
When you visit the site, live lobsters—caught by Captain Tim Handrigan himself and his team—are offered in sizes of up to six-plus pounds and quantities of up to 24. With plenty of options to choose from, it’s no wonder The Lobster Guy is the best place to order live lobster online.