Ship your samples with confidence and compliance
This section offers information on safe shipping of biologicals, infectious substances, or diagnostic specimens. The contents are to be used as a guide to assist properly trained shippers. The information provided does not meet the training requirements as required in the Department of Transportation 49 C.F.R. (§172.700 – 172.704). The shipper assumes total responsibility for complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the shipment of dangerous goods.
Packing the Shipment | Labeling the Package | Shipping the Package
Need supplies?
TVMDL sells a variety of shipping and collection containers. If used as designed, shipping containers comply with all requirements for Category B biological substances.
Packing the Shipment
- Leak-proof primary receptacle (e.g., blood collection tube);
- Leak-proof secondary receptacle (e.g., zip-top bag);
- Absorbent material sufficient to absorb entire specimen.
- Additional means to maintain seal on formalin jars is preferred.
- Cold packs, if needed, may be placed around the secondary packaging with additional absorbent material to absorb condensation.
- Sufficient cushioning to protect individual specimens and fill head space within the package.
- Rigid outer container (e.g., hard cooler, cardboard shipper with a Styrofoam liner).
- Include a properly completed TVMDL Submission Form between the secondary and outer packaging.
Labeling the Package
- The name, address, and telephone number of a responsible person.
- Special Markings:
- For “Exempt Animal Specimen,” this statement must be present on the outer package in letters at least 6 mm high. See example label below:
- If shipping a “Biological Substance, Category B” specimen:
- Indicate “Biological Substance, Category B” and “UN 3373” on the waybill, and
- “Biological Substance, Category B” must be present in letters at least 6 mm high and must be marked on the outer package adjacent to a diamond-shaped UN3373 label.
- If shipping with dry ice:
- Indicate net weight of dry ice on the waybill, and
- Include a completed UN1845 Class 9 hazard label.
- Prohibited Marking – “Limited Quantities”
- Please remove or cover any of the below label(s) or select a different box for your shipping needs.
- Failure to remove or cover these labels may result in testing delays and a fee charged to your account.
Still have questions?
Download TVMDL’s packing and labeling guidance as a handout to ensure this information is easily accessible the next time you’re preparing a shipment to us.
Shipping the Package
Clients have the option of signing up for the Southeast Vocational Alliance (SVA) for discounted FedEx rates. Access the SVA Portal.
| Full Service Labs | Poultry Labs |
|---|---|
| College Station* 483 Agronomy Rd. College Station, TX 77843-4471 979.845.3414 888.646.5623 | Center 365 Malone Drive Center, TX 75935 936.598.4451 |
| Canyon 3209 Russell Long Blvd. Canyon, TX 79016806. 806.651.7478 888.646.5624 | Gonzales 1162 East Sarah DeWitt Drive Gonzales, TX 78629 830.672.2834 |
USPS Shipping Addresses
It is strongly recommended samples be shipped through FedEx or UPS. Due to the College Station and Canyon labs’ on-campus locations, samples shipped via USPS are sorted through university postal hubs. This process adds additional transit time.
| USPS College Station | USPS Canyon |
|---|---|
| College Station PO Drawer 3040 College Station, TX 77841-3040 | Canyon WT Box 60818 Canyon, TX 79016 |