8 day shipping from Canada?

C

Carlton's mom

Member Since 2021
Hello all.
I got the idea to order Lantus from Canada from this forum after trying, and failing, to find a local pharmacy that would accept the manufacturer's coupon. Thanks for the tip!

But I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with 7-8 day "ground shipping" from Marks Marine? I am in the Eastern time zone in the US, so it is a looong way from Vancouver.

I know the 4-5 day air shipping would be preferable, but there is no way I can manage a "signature required" delivery. Also, I intend to pay the extra $40 for the extra ice and insulation. Finally, I do plan to "stock up" in spring and fall, but that isn't an option right now as this is a brand new prescription issued in July.

So does anyone know whether ground transport is climate controlled, or am I just going to end up baking the insulin in a hot truck for 8 days at my loss? I called the company and asked, but they had no idea what to tell me.

Thanks for any advice!
 
I live in Florida and placed an order a month or so ago. I was worried about the same thing and of course the ice was melted and the package was warm. However, the little temperature strip inside read that it was fine. I still haven't needed to use it, so it's been sitting in my fridge unopened. Obviously, I can't help you a ton as I haven't tried it to see if it's still truly good.
 
Gonna follow this thread because I am about to need a refill and thought I'd order from Mark's Marine. On another note, I got an email from Amazon this week and they have a pharmacy now - they do sell single pens of Lantus for about $130. Not sure if you can use coupons or not, but I know sometimes it can be hard to find a single pen.
 
Thank you so much for responding! A personal experience is just what I was looking for. I'm really glad to hear the temperature strip read that it was still ok to use.

Just to clarify, did you have to do the 7-8 day shipping too, or were you able to use the 4-5 day air transport?



Heather82372 said:
I live in Florida and placed an order a month or so ago. I was worried about the same thing and of course the ice was melted and the package was warm. However, the little temperature strip inside read that it was fine. I still haven't needed to use it, so it's been sitting in my fridge unopened. Obviously, I can't help you a ton as I haven't tried it to see if it's still truly good.
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I live in NC and I always (two times) did the air shipping. Mine was final delivery by USPS and my postal worker never made me sign...not sure if that's just because we are friendly with him or not :cat:

Have you called Mark's and talked to them? They are the absolute friendliest people ever (truly!). They will answer all your questions about transport. BTW, a quick google search showed you can "sign" for a package before it arrives though I haven't tried this for any delivery personally (link)
 
ALL insulin shipments are done express air-mail (despite the way it looks on the order form). You can order up to $500 worth of insulin for the same $25 shipping cost (plus $15 if you go for the cooler and extra ice option)

I was the first person to order from Marks and it was the end of June, so my first order took 10 days to get to me (due to Canada Day and 4th of July, plus a weekend) and this was before they offered the cooler/extra ice option. I live in Mid-Missouri and it was 90+ the entire time. I was still able to use every drop of all 5 pens.

There is a temperature gauge included in each shipment that has 3 dots that turn red each time the temperature goes over 80 so you'll be able to check that too.
 
Hi. Thanks everyone for the replies!

JaxBenji- Thanks for the link! Unfortunately, USPS is the only one that doesn't give an option of signing in advance for "signature required" packages, and USPS is the only option of carrier on the US side. I did try to talk to a couple different people at Mark's about my concerns, and, you're right, they are super nice! But neither person I spoke to would give an opinion on whether they thought the insulin would survive the journey. (I kind of understand why they wouldn't- USPS can be unpredictable sometimes!)

Chris & China - Wow, that's really good to know it survived 10 days in 90+ heat. Also, thanks for being the first! You've saved lots of people a bundle, I'm sure!
I'm not sure what you mean about all shipments being air mail, though? Do you mean on the Canadian side? So then on the US side, is it USPS that adds the extra two days for "no signature required"?
Mark's has been very explicit about the difference in ship time for signature v. no signature both in their emails and over the phone. Also, if I choose to go the no signature route, I am required to reply to them by email that I affirmatively agree to a disclaimer from them that states in bold the difference in ship times due to "ground transport" and the fact that they are not responsible for losses due to temperature spoilage, etc. The additional disclaimer is really what made me nervous enough to post here asking for help, TBH.
 
Carlton's mom said:
I'm not sure what you mean about all shipments being air mail, though? Do you mean on the Canadian side? So then on the US side, is it USPS that adds the extra two days for "no signature required"?
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The requirement for a signature is newer. I've never been required to sign for it. It's all shipped together so I really wouldn't worry so much about the "fine print". Marks has shipped insulin to hundreds of others since I originally found them and I've never heard one complaint.

If a signature is required and you're not there, it will go back to your post office. You will get a tracking number so you can see it move through the postal system. If you know it's supposed to be delivered, you could call them and ask them to hold it for you (many post offices have a fridge...you could ask them to put your package in it if they do and pick it up when you can)

It's not airmail like we think of it....it's more like Priority Mail.
 
Carlton's mom said:
all shipments being air mail
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What she means is air mail vs ground, which is slower and more susceptible to overheating. All air mail = good
No signature required is likely a slower shipping speed, thus the disclaimer you are agreeing to the risk.
I ship for a living, let me know if you have any additional questions for peace of mind.
 
I ordered last October, usually a hot month in California. I opted for the extra $15.00 for the styrofoam box. It got here safe and sound from USPS. I don’t remember having to sign for it even though I chose that option. They are a great pharmacy. I was just reading an email they sent me and they recommend shipping in the spring, too late for that, and not summer or the colder months. Good luck. I would pay the extra $15.00.
 
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