Can You Have Lobster Shipped From Maine? The Ultimate Guide

Maine is famous for its delicious, fresh lobster. The cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic provide the perfect environment for raising these tasty crustaceans. For seafood lovers not living near the coast, a common question arises Can you have lobster shipped from Maine? The answer is a resounding yes!

Advancements in packaging and shipping technology now allow fresh lobster to be delivered from Maine to locations across the United States. Read on to learn everything you need to know about having lobster shipped directly from the source.

Overview of Maine’s Lobster Industry

Maine lands more lobster than any other state by far, accounting for over 80% of total U.S. landings. The Maine lobster fishery dates back to the 1840s and remains an important part of the state’s economy and cultural heritage.

Lobster fishing in Maine occurs primarily along the coast, with lobster traps set in shallow waters. The peak season is late summer through autumn when lobsters are most active and growing quickly after molting. While lobster can be caught year-round late spring through fall is when landings are highest.

The Maine lobster fishery is notable for its sustainability practices. Strict regulations govern the harvesting of lobster including limits on size and number of traps. These measures help maintain a healthy lobster population. The fishery has received certification from the Marine Stewardship Council for its responsible management.

Benefits of Buying Directly from Maine Sources

Purchasing lobster directly from Maine-based companies provides several advantages:

• Freshness – Lobsters shipped overnight from Maine distributors arrive more rapidly than those sourced through secondary vendors. Quick shipping equals enhanced freshness and flavor.

• Quality – Reputable Maine seafood businesses meticulously handle and pack lobsters to ensure they arrive in peak condition. Top suppliers use proven shipping methods to maintain freshness.

• Supporting Sustainability – Buying from Maine fosters sustainability by supporting responsible local fishermen and businesses committed to maintaining lobster as a viable natural resource.

• Versatility – Maine seafood suppliers offer various lobster products like whole lobsters, tails, meat, claws, rolls, and dinners. This allows buyers to choose their ideal lobster items.

• Convenience – Live lobsters and frozen lobster products can be ordered online and shipped to your door. This is much easier than traveling to coastal Maine to buy direct.

How Lobsters Are Shipped from Maine

Transporting fresh lobster requires care to keep the product from spoiling en route. Maine lobster shippers have perfected time-tested methods to ensure live and fresh lobster arrives in premium quality. Here is an overview of standard shipping practices:

• Packaging – Each lobster is carefully packed in insulating material to avoid movement and protect the shell from damage. Packs often include cold packs to maintain cool temperatures.

• Live Lobster Tanks – For shipping live lobsters, special containers are used that allow for airflow while keeping lobsters damp. Tanks come in various sizes to meet order quantities.

• Overnight Shipping – Lobsters are sent overnight via express carriers like FedEx or UPS. This guarantees next-day delivery to most U.S. addresses. Shipping costs are reasonable when ordering multiple lobsters.

• Frozen Lobster – Lobster tails, meat, and other frozen products are packed with dry ice or freezer packs to keep frozen. Insulated boxes and express delivery ensure frozen lobster stays solid.

• Monitoring – Temperature trackers are often placed in shipping containers to monitor conditions during transit. This confirms lobsters arrived within the ideal temperature range.

Ordering Lobster Online from Maine Companies

Thanks to modern e-commerce, purchasing live lobster and lobster products online is easy and convenient. Many well-established Maine seafood businesses now offer online ordering and shipping. Here are some tips for buying lobster online:

• Stick with reputable Maine-based companies in business for many years. Check reviews and ratings.

• Evaluate shipping costs. Many offer free or discounted shipping rates on larger orders.

• For live lobster, choose your delivery date to ensure someone will be home to handle the package.

• Pick your lobster size and quantity. Prices often vary by size.

• Select any additional items like cooked lobster meat or premium sides to build a complete meal.

• Add special instructions for the shipper like scheduling delivery or including any necessary inserts like gift messages.

• Input accurate shipping details including recipient contact info and address. Double check for errors.

• Pay via secure credit card transaction. Receive order confirmation and tracking number for your shipment.

Top Maine Lobster Suppliers Who Ship Nationwide

Several premier seafood companies based in Maine ship live lobster and lobster products across the United States. Here are some of the top rated lobster suppliers:

Maine Lobster Now

Founded in 1987, Maine Lobster Now has over 30 years experience providing fresh lobster nationwide. They offer an extensive selection including live lobsters, tails, dinners, rolls, claws, and premium meat. Free overnight FedEx shipping is included on orders over $150. Maine Lobster Now

The Lobster Guy

Family owned since 1996, The Lobster Guy supplies live Maine lobster for holidays, events, and gifts. They ship live lobsters as well as lobster bake packages, meat, bisque, rolls, tails, and seafood gift baskets. Next day delivery available. The Lobster Guy

Lobster 207

Lobster 207 focuses exclusively on live and fresh lobster shipped direct from Maine. Product lines include whole live lobster, tails, lobster rolls, meat, claws, knuckles, and crab. Free 1-3 day shipping over $200. Lobster 207

Harbor Fish Market

In business since 1968, Harbor Fish Market is a seafood market and restaurant in Portland, ME also offering online shipping. Live lobsters, tails, and meat are available for delivery in the U.S. Harbor Fish Market

Cape Porpoise Lobster

Located in the fishing village of Cape Porpoise, ME, Cape Porpoise Lobster ships live lobsters and seafood meals nationwide. They feature free overnight shipping for live lobsters. Cape Porpoise Lobster

Maine Lobster Direct

Maine Lobster Direct provides live lobsters and seafood products shipped from their facility on Maine’s mid-coast region. They specialize in live lobster delivery packed to arrive lively and healthy. Maine Lobster Direct

Key Considerations When Ordering Lobsters Shipped Overnight

Keep these factors in mind when having live Maine lobster delivered to your home or business:

• Order size – Consider how many lobsters you need. Bigger orders typically have lower per-lobster shipping fees.

• Delivery date – Choose a date when someone will be available to handle the lobsters upon arrival. Live lobsters can’t sit unopened.

• Recipient instructions – Provide clear delivery instructions upfront, including preferred placement if no one is home.

• Lobster preparation – Have any needed tools and ingredients ready for cooking live lobsters as soon as possible after arrival.

• Allergies – Let recipients know of the upcoming delivery in case of shellfish allergies. Live seafood can trigger reactions.

Enjoy the Sweet Taste of Maine Lobster from Anywhere

Thanks to reliable overnight shipping methods, seafood fans across America can now indulge in fresh-from-the-ocean Maine lobster without leaving home. Ordering live lobsters or lobster products online and having them delivered directly to your address allows you to enjoy the full flavor and premium quality that makes Maine lobster so highly prized.