Shipping live lobster can be an expensive but worthwhile endeavor for diehard lobster lovers In this article, I’ll break down the key factors that determine live lobster shipping costs so you know what to budget for your order
Overview of Live Lobster Shipping Cost Drivers
The cost to ship live lobster depends primarily on:
- Weight of the lobster order
- Shipping distance
- Time of year
Lobster shippers charge based on order weight since it determines packaging needs. Farther distances and warmer weather mean more insulation and refrigeration, increasing costs.
Expect to pay $30 to $150+ to ship live lobster overnight. Minimum order amounts for free shipping also impact costs
Key Factors That Determine Live Lobster Shipping Rates
Lobster Order Weight
The total weight of your live lobster order is the biggest cost driver. Prices are shown as a per-lobster rate plus a per-pound overage rate. For example, the first 1.25 lb lobster may be $45, with additional lobsters at $35/lb. Heavier shipments need more gel packs and insulation.
Shipping Distance
It’s more expensive to ship live seafood to distant locations because of longer transit times. Overnight air shipping rates increase the farther the package must travel. West coast shipments can be roughly twice the cost of east coast orders.
Time of Year
Live lobster shipping is pricier in summer when temperatures are hotter and demand is higher. More insulation and refrigeration is required to keep lobsters cool in warm weather, inflating materials and air freight costs. Summer is peak season for lobster.
Minimum Order Amounts
Many vendors offer free overnight shipping on orders over a certain dollar value, usually around $150. Orders under that threshold get a shipping fee, typically $30-$50. Larger orders get free shipping since costs are covered by bigger purchases.
Cost Examples From Lobster Delivery Companies
Here are some real live lobster shipping rates from popular delivery companies:
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Maine Lobster Now
- 1.5 lb Lobster: $39.99
- Shipping under $150: $40
- Free shipping over $150
So a 1.5 lb lobster to the east coast is $39.99 + $40 shipping = $79.99 total. A 10 lb order gets free shipping, costing about $350.
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Luke’s Lobster
- 1.25-1.5 lb Lobster: $105
- Free shipping on all orders
Luke’s charges more per lobster but offers free year-round shipping. A 1.5 lb lobster ships free nationwide for $105 total.
Expect to pay $80-100 minimum to ship one live lobster overnight, up to $150+ for large orders or long distances.
Tips for Saving on Live Lobster Shipping
Here are some tips to reduce shipping costs when ordering live lobster delivery:
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Order in the fall – Avoid peak summer season when shipping rates are lower.
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Meet order minimums – Maximize free shipping thresholds if available.
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Compare companies – Rates can vary, so shop around for the best deals.
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Add on extras – Items like lobster crackers boost order value.
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Buy in bulk – Per-pound rates drop as order size increases.
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Split shipping – For group orders, combine shipments to share costs.
While not cheap, live lobster delivery is worth it for fresh, premium seafood. With proper packaging, live lobsters can be shipped overnight to your door no matter where you live. Follow these tips to keep your shipping costs in check.
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.
Best Surf and Turf Recipes
To get your planning process started, here are some of the best surf and turf pairings to try at home. These pairings are restaurant-quality and easier than you might think to pull together.
Steak and shrimp is a beloved surf and turf pairing. Shrimp are naturally sweet and light to balance the richness of the steak. Plus, perfectly cooked shrimp add a nice pop of pale pink to the plate for an effortless (and edible) decoration.
Filet mignon is the perfect accompaniment to large, juicy shrimp. This buttery-soft cut is tender and juicy when cooked on the grill. Use our tips to know the exact moment to pull your steaks from the flames.
And while you have the grill fired up, assemble your shrimp on skewers for a quick and easy preparation. If you choose large shrimp two or three per person should be sufficient with the steak.
And if you plan to serve the shrimp on the skewer, opt for short wooden skewers that will fit nicely on your dinner plates. Be sure to soak the wood for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring.
When you’re ready to cook:
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat.
- Pat your steaks and shrimp dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush with a thin coating of neutral oil.
- Place the steaks on the grill and cook according to the times in this chart, flipping once with tongs.
- After you’ve removed the steak to rest, place the shrimp skewers on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp when they are bright pink and curled into a “C” shape. Keep a close eye on the shrimp, as they cook quickly.
Or, If you like, you can add a boost of flavor by marinating the shrimp for 15 minutes in a simple mixture of:
- Citrus juice (lemon, orange or lime juice)
- A teaspoon of dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme or parsley)
- A minced garlic clove.
While you can technically use any size shrimp for surf and turf, you’ll get the most flavor and a stunning presentation with colossal shrimp. These are best for grilling as they can withstand direct heat without overcooking or turning rubbery. Plus, they won’t fall through the grates!
Also Read: Shrimp Sizing Guide: Large, Jumbo, Colossal, And Beyond
Unboxing Live Lobster Shipped From Maine
FAQ
Can live lobster be shipped?
Maine Lobster is shipped all over the world – raw, cooked, and live. Maine’s lobstermen, processors, and live lobster wholesalers are committed to ensuring that each lobster caught in the Gulf of Maine maintains the same sweet, fresh taste it has straight out of the ocean – even if consumers are many miles away.
How long will live lobsters keep in a cooler?
It’s best to cook your lobsters the day they arrive, but they can be stored up to two days if needed.Apr 6, 2024
How to pack live lobster for a flight?
A live lobster is allowed through security and must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill proof container.
How much is a 1 lb lobster?
How Much Does Lobster Really Cost? Live lobster prices vary depending on the time of year, market conditions, and supplier. In March 2023, the average price for live Maine lobster was around $13–$15 per pound, with lobster tails falling between $29.99 and $32.99.
How much does it cost to ship a lobster?
A small order (2.5lbs) of live lobster from The Lobster Guy costs about $40 to ship, while a larger order (15lbs) costs about $80. With their online shopping tool, it’s easy to calculate shipping costs for various orders before completing your purchase.
How to ship live lobsters?
Once the transport time increases Live lobsters can es be lined shipped with in fiberboard expanded box should be placed in the bottomned of with the box. moist Live lobsters shouldby be moist packed newspaper. in layers Some however , some algal species produce noxious gases Under the best shipping conditions, should the be humidity 70%.
What is my Lobster delivery rate?
Your lobster delivery rate is determined by the total cost ordered. Most of our lobster dinner gift packages include free delivery. All perishable products should be refrigerated or frozen (except live lobster) immediately upon delivery.
How much does a frozen lobster cost?
So, you might see prices from 30 dollars for a frozen tail to many hundred dollars for a live Canadian lobster. Of course, if you come to the place where catching lobsters is a usual thing, you will get fresh and delicious seafood for reasonable prices.
How do I get my live lobster and seafood delivered?
Due to the perishable nature of our live lobsters and seafood, all retail orders placed online are shipped via overnight to your home or place of business. Orders must be placed by 2:30 PM EST for next day delivery via UPS Next Day Air Service. What days can my live lobster and seafood order be delivered?
Where do lobsters ship?
Done right, lobsters should be delivered alive and in perfect condition, no matter how far they travel. LobsterAnywhere.com ships lobsters to just about Anywhere in the USA from Nantucket, Massachusetts to as far-away as North Pole, Alaska. Online orders need to be received by 12 noon EST, the day your order ships.