Lobster is one of the most prized and delicious seafood delicacies. With its sweet, tender meat and signature taste, it’s no wonder why lobster lovers are always looking for ways to enjoy it even from afar. This leads many people to ask – can you send lobster in the mail?
The short answer is yes, you can send live lobster through the mail. However, mailing live lobsters requires following strict guidelines and regulations to ensure they arrive safely at their destination.
In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about shipping lobsters via mail including
- Overview of mailing live seafood
- USPS regulations for shipping live lobsters
- Proper packaging and shipping methods
- State laws regarding live lobster transportation
- Finding a reputable lobster delivery service
- International shipping restrictions
- Health and safety concerns
- Cost of mailing lobsters
- Alternatives to mailing live lobsters
Overview of Mailing Live Lobsters
The United States Postal Service allows live lobsters to be shipped domestically within the USA. Lobsters are considered “restricted items” by USPS, meaning special rules and regulations must be followed.
Here are some key things to know about mailing live lobsters
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Only healthy, live lobsters can be shipped. Frozen or cooked lobster meat is prohibited.
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Lobsters must be shipped using expedited services like Priority Mail Express to ensure prompt delivery.
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Specific packaging, marking, and labeling regulations must be followed.
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Shipments must comply with federal guidelines as well as laws in the origin and destination states.
As long as these guidelines are adhered to, live lobsters can successfully be mailed to seafood fans across the country. Reputable seafood companies exist that specialize in properly packing and shipping live lobsters.
USPS Regulations for Shipping Live Lobsters
The United States Postal Service outlines specific requirements for mailing live lobsters in their Domestic Mail Manual:
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Containers: Lobsters must be shipped in leak-proof containers such as cardboard boxes lined with polyethylene bags. Styrofoam coolers are also acceptable. Ventilation holes are required.
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Markings: The outer packaging must be clearly labeled “Live Lobsters” and “Perishable.” A special handling sticker is also required.
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Service Type: Only 1-2 day expedited services like Priority Mail Express are allowed. Ground transportation is prohibited.
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Documents: A copy of the receipt or invoice must be included inside and outside the package. Lobsters cannot be shipped anonymously.
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Weight Limits: A single package cannot exceed 30 lbs. Heavier shipments must be divided into multiple packages.
Failure to follow these rules may result in rejection of your shipment by USPS.
Proper Packaging and Shipping Methods
In addition to USPS regulations, proper packaging and shipping methods are vital for keeping lobsters healthy in transit:
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Use an insulated shipping container with freezer packs to maintain ideal temperature.
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Pack lobsters in seaweed to keep them cool and moist. Do not add ice or liquid.
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Make sure there are small ventilation holes in the insulated container.
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Rubber band lobster claws to prevent damage and injuries.
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Ship overnight using expedited service to minimize transit time.
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Schedule delivery so the recipient is home to immediately care for the lobsters upon arrival.
Reputable vendors will handle packaging and shipping for you according to these best practices.
State Laws on Shipping Live Lobsters
In addition to federal guidelines, some states have their own regulations regarding sales and transportation of live lobsters:
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Maine: Shipper must have a valid lobster dealer license. Packages must be labeled with the license number.
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Massachusetts: Only licensed dealers can ship lobsters out-of-state. Retail sellers need a transport permit.
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California and Nevada: Permits required to ship lobsters to anyone besides a licensed dealer.
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Hawaii: Requires import permit to receive live lobsters from mainland US.
Always check state regulations before attempting to ship live lobsters. Violations could result in confiscation of the shipment or monetary fines.
Finding a Reputable Lobster Delivery Service
To simplify the process, it’s best to use an established lobster delivery company versus trying to ship lobsters yourself. Reputable services include:
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LobsterAnywhere – Highly recommended, ships live lobsters nationwide.
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Luke’s Lobster – Emphasis on sustainability and fair prices.
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The Lobster Guy – Low prices on captain-caught lobsters.
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Lobster Gram – Also offers lobster gifts and prepared meals.
These companies source live lobsters from docks, package them correctly, and handle all shipping and logistics. This takes the guesswork out of mailing lobsters yourself.
International Shipping Restrictions
Shipping live lobsters internationally comes with even more regulations:
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The USPS prohibits mailing live animals internationally.
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Many countries ban or heavily restrict the import of live seafood and shellfish.
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Permits, health certificates, and customs paperwork may be required.
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Penalties for violations can be severe, including confiscation and destruction of the shipment.
Due to the complexity, most companies do not ship live lobsters internationally. Be sure to thoroughly research all import and export rules before attempting this.
Health and Safety Concerns
When done properly, consuming shipped live lobsters is safe. However, there are some health risks to consider:
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Eating dead lobsters that perished during transit could cause food poisoning.
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Improperly packaged lobsters are at higher risk of bacteria growth.
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Allergies to shellfish could be triggered, especially for those with sensitivities.
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Foodborne illness is possible if the lobsters became contaminated.
To reduce risks, order from reputable shippers, follow safe handling practices, and cook lobsters thoroughly after delivery. Those with shellfish allergies should take extra precautions when consuming mailed lobsters.
Cost of Shipping Live Lobsters
Shipping live seafood is understandably more expensive than regular packages:
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Costs vary depending on weight, distance, and time of year.
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Overnight express shipping usually starts around $30 to $50 for a 1-1.25 lb lobster.
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Packaging materials, handling fees, and surcharges may add 15-30% more to the base shipping cost.
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Shipping multiple lobsters in bulk helps reduce per-lobster costs.
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Prices are often higher around peak demand times like Christmas and Mother’s Day.
While not cheap, the cost of shipping can be worth it to get fresh lobsters delivered from the coasts to your doorstep.
Alternatives to Mailing Live Lobsters
While mailing live lobsters is possible, some good alternatives exist:
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Order cooked lobster tails: Easier to ship, store, and serve. Almost as tasty!
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Send a lobster dinner gift certificate: Let them pick up or order a cooked lobster meal locally.
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Ship lobster oven-ready: Par-steamed lobsters ready for final preparation.
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Order canned lobster meat: Shelf-stable and able to be shipped affordably.
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Gift a lobster experience: Give them a lobster boat tour or cooking class instead of a live shipment.
The Verdict On Shipping Lobster via Mail
Mailing live lobsters is permitted by private shipping companies in the continental US when proper guidelines are followed. However, the process can be complex for first-timers. Working with an established seafood shipper is the easiest way for both sender and recipient to enjoy fresh-cooked lobsters delivered right to their doors. With the right knowledge and preparation, sending these tasty crustaceans through the mail can be done successfully.
Steak and Lobster Tails
If you’re really aiming to impress, serve up restaurant-quality steak and lobster for dinner. A brilliant red lobster tail makes a statement on the plate. Add a homemade oven-broiled steak and you have an all-around winning combination for every palate that’ll satisfy even the most pretentious New England seafood chef.
We make this show-stopping dinner easy to pull off with our ready-to-prepare Captain’s Tails and Turf package. This combo includes two buttery-soft fillets with the meatiest Atlantic cold water lobster tails and a zesty key lime pie to finish things off.
Here’s how to prepare steak and lobster tails for dinner:
First, prep and season your lobster.
- Make a deep lengthwise cut in the top of the lobster tails.
- Gently pry the shells apart and season the meat with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you like, you can add a dusting of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or any dried herb you love.
(For more tips on how to properly prepare lobster, Checkout our recipe How to cook Lobster Tails .)
Meanwhile, fire up your broiler to high and prepare the steaks.
- Place an oven rack two to three inches from the heat source.
- Place the steaks on a baking sheet and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
- Use this chart to determine the best cooking time for your steaks.
- Remove the steaks from the oven just before they reach your desired doneness, transfer to a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let the meat rest while you broil the lobster.
Cook the lobster.
- Place the prepared lobster tails on the same baking sheet.
- Place them under the broiler and cook until the meat is opaque, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Finally, plate everything up and dig in!
Steak and scallops might be a more unusual approach to surf and turf, but it still fits the bill. In fact, plump, fresh sea scallops have a soft and flaky texture that pairs well with steak.
Since scallops are so naturally buttery on their own, you can swap the more traditional fillet with a high-quality New York strip steak.
This surf and turf pairing calls for the stovetop. Use a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron pan or skillet to sear both your steaks and scallops.
Here’s how to cook it:
- First, pat the scallops and 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 a 2-tablespoon pat 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 rest while you sear the scallops.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, gently place the scallops into the skillet, leaving several inches of space between each scallop.
- Sear for 2 minutes undisturbed, then add 1 tablespoon of butter to and gently flip the scallops with tongs or a thin fish spatula to sear for another minute, until cooked through but still soft in the center.
Plate up your steaks and scallops and serve hot!
Let customers speak for us
Lobster bisque with a bit of lobster meat and white pepper added. Yum…5 Stars! Maine Lobster Bisque w/ Lobster Meat – 16 oz.
Awesome, fresh lobster meat! Definitely a do over. Frozen Lobster Meat
Just wanted to say that I’ve used Main Lobster Now. For several years for our March Seafood party that my friends and I throw every year. This year we bought 78 lobsters. They all show on time and all were alive. The price g was very competitive. We look forward working with Maine Lobster Now for many years to come. Thanks guys we all appyit. We’ve told many people that came to our seafood party where to go for lobster and seafood. FYI PARTY WAS OFF THE CHAIN. 200-250 people showed up. 1.25 lb Live Maine Lobster
A little bit pricey, but worth it if you wanna make her Happy. 2 lb Live Maine Lobster
This is the second time we have ordered from Maine Lobster Now and we will continue!!! The shipping costs are incredible, FREE if you order a certain amount! We vacationed in Maine late last year and am receiving email ads for yall and we are thrilled!! I usually HATE email ads!! Your pricing and shipping are out of this world, but the quality of your products is EXCEPTIONAL!! Thank You are keep sending us more info!!! Fresh Maine Damariscotta & Blue Point Oysters
This was a gift for my folks. They are hard to buy for. They said it was the best lobster they’ve ever had. Love the shipping updates. Good job Maine lobster! 20-24 oz. North Atlantic Lobster Tail
This was our first time buying from you. (We usually buy from another site online) Tried your 24oz Massive Tail for Christmas Dinner and I am impressed! Its bigger then the full size bottle of Champagne! The taste was so buttery and fresh. AND YOU ARE CHEAPER THAN THE OTHER ONLINE SITE! Maine Lobster Now
For Christmas, my sister gave us a gift card for Maine Lobster Now, and we finally redeemed it, ordering two 3 lb. lobsters. My wife and I both grew up in Bar Harbor, so we can’t go too long without lobster. The box arrived at our doorstep in Connecticut the next day, as scheduled. Inside were two male lobsters – alive and tails kicking! With shells a solid dark blue/green, they were among the healthiest lobsters I have ever seen. My only regret was that they did not come packed in seaweed as promised; I love to steam lobsters on a bed of seaweed. Finding MLN is a treasure – we will definitely do more business with them in the future. 3 lb Live Maine Lobster
Perfect for lobster rolls and very fresh Fantini Split Top Brioche Lobster Roll Buns – 6 Pack
This is some of the best lobster mac & cheese I’ve ever had! Lobster Mac & Cheese
I was really skeptical about purchasing something as ultra perishable as live lobster and having it shipped from New England to North Florida. Ever since the other folks with lobster in their name closed the three locations that were within driving distance to my house, there have been no lobster for me. The other seafood restaurants close by either do not have it or they are poorly run and give terrible service. I tried Main Lobster Now and am very satisfied with the result. Seemed a bit pricy at first … but the service, quality of the lobster and overall convenience more than offset that concern. Ill do this again in a month or two. Very Happy Customer! Thank You. 2 lb Live Maine Lobster
Our 1st time ordering. Invited friends over for a special dinner and what a treat! Arrived day of request, and was a hit! The lobsters were packaged fresh and cold. 1.25 lb Live Maine Lobster
Very happy with my purchase of these lobsters, best lobsters i have ever had. So much meat in them and so tasteful. I will use this company again. Also the staff was excellent in answering my questions. I have told several people about your company! 20-24 oz. North Atlantic Lobster Tail
We were in the mountains of Idaho and 3 ft of snow and the UPS driver still delivered our lobsters before the determined time alive and ready to be cooked for our Valentines weekend … We have had lobsters delivered to our home in the valley but to make it up the hill in the snow for Valentines was an amazing feat and we will definitely be ordering lobster from you again thank you very much for the great experience. 2 lb Live Maine Lobster
Dry hoog Maine Littleneck Clams – 12 Count
Discover the story behind our dedication to delivering the freshest, highest-quality seafood in our exclusive USA TODAY feature! Dive into how we bring the best of the coast straight to your table, and learn about the passionate team and sustainable practices that make it all possible.
WE GOT LOBSTER IN THE MAIL! – Maine Lobster Now Unboxing
FAQ
How do you send seafood in the mail?
Packaging Items That Can Melt, Thaw or Contain Liquid
In addition to the liner, enclose your items in a watertight plastic bag. If you’re shipping seafood, it’s a good idea to double bag it for extra protection. If you’re shipping live seafood like lobsters, oysters or crabs, leave the bags open so air can get in.
How long can lobsters survive during shipping?
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
What is the best way to transport lobster?
A styrofoam or insulated cooler works well for transportating live lobster as well as storing them and maintaining their freshness.
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 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.
What live animals can I mail?
The following live, day-old animals are acceptable for mailing when properly packaged: chickens, ducks, emus, geese, guinea birds, partridges, pheasants (only during April through August), quail, and turkeys. All other types of live, day-old poultry are nonmailable.
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.
Can beer be sent through the mail?
Beer, wine, and liquor may not be sent through the mail, except in limited circumstances. Please note, if you want to reuse a box that has alcoholic beverage labels on it, remove all logos and labels so your package will pass through the mail system.
Can you mail honeybees?
Honeybees are acceptable to mail only via surface transportation. Mailpieces must be plainly marked on the address side with “Live Bees” and “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only.” Queen honeybees may be shipped via air or surface transportation.
Does USPS ship to foreign countries?
The Postal employee will verify that an individual recipient is of legal age to receive the shipment. When shipping to APO/FPO/DPO locations in foreign countries, USPS treats the mail as domestic mail, but shipping is still subject to those foreign countries’ prohibitions and restrictions.