Live Crickets Shipping & Fulfillment

At Carolina Crickets, we do things differently. We are a small, family-owned farm—not a giant fulfillment center. Every order is hand-packed by the same people who raise the crickets, ensuring they are healthy, properly ventilated, and well-fed for the journey.

To ensure your insects arrive in peak "Gold Standard" condition, we adhere to a strict shipping schedule to prevent packages from sitting in transit over the weekend:

  • Shipping Days: Monday – Wednesday
  • We ship 1-2 Days Ground with the BEST shipping rates with UPS, FEDEX and USPS; overnight shipping is available
  • Order Cut-off: Orders placed after 10:00 AM will process and ship the following business shipping day.
  • Orders placed after 10 AM Wednesday morning will ship the following week.
  • 24/7 Ordering: You can place your online order at any time.
  • Expedited Delivery: Available for larger or time-sensitive orders at checkout for an additional charge.

🏡 Local Pick-up & Support

Prefer to bypass shipping altogether? We welcome local pick-ups at our Dunn, NC facility!

  • Order Online or Give Us a Call:910-694-3025
  • Scheduled Pick-Up timeframe is on Mon-Wed at 3 PM
  • Questions? Whether you need help with sizing, custom volumes, or winter availability, we are here to help your business grow.

Contact Us:

❄️ Cold Weather Shipping: The "Cold-Stunned" Rule

We ship all winter long because we know your animals still need to eat! However, cold transit can cause crickets to arrive looking sluggish or completely motionless. This does not mean they are dead.

Before assuming the worst, please follow these steps:

  1. Bring them inside: Place the crickets in a warm indoor area immediately.
  2. Wait 1–2 hours: Allow them to warm up gradually.
  3. Check for movement: Many times, they are simply cold-stunned and will perk right back up once they thaw out.

🗺️ Ordering From Far Away?

Because we ship from North Carolina, long-distance travel during extreme weather can be tricky. If you live far away and are worried about transit conditions, contact us before placing your order.

We are happy to:

  • Check the weather forecast along your specific shipping route.
  • Discuss the best timing and carrier options for your location.
  • Give you an honest assessment of whether it’s better to wait a week.

⚠️ Weather & Carrier Delays: While we carefully monitor forecasts, delays caused by severe weather or carrier operations (UPS/USPS) are outside of our control. We appreciate your patience and will always work with you if an issue arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are live crickets shipped?

We ship all live crickets using USPS Priority Mail and UPS services to ensure fast, safe delivery. Each box is carefully packed with proper ventilation, feed, and moisture to keep your crickets healthy during transit.

Do you guarantee live delivery?

Yes! We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee when temperatures are safe for shipping (typically between 40°F and 85°F). If your order arrives with issues, simply send a clear photo within 24 hours of delivery so we can help make it right.

When will my order ship?

Orders are typically packed and shipped Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. Orders placed after Wednesday may ship the following week to protect live insects in transit.

How long does delivery take?

Most shipments arrive in 1–3 business days, depending on your location. You’ll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order ships.

Do you ship during extreme weather?

We monitor temperatures closely. If it’s too hot or cold in your area or along the shipping route, we may delay shipment a day or two to ensure your crickets arrive alive and healthy

Can I choose overnight or express shipping?

Yes — expedited options are available at checkout. If you need your crickets by a specific day, please add a note at checkout or email us so we can do our best to accommodate.

What should I do when my crickets arrive?

Open your box right away and transfer your crickets into a clean, ventilated container with food and water. Avoid leaving them in the shipping box for more than a few hours.

Do you ship to all states?

We currently ship within the continental United States. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico due to shipping time restrictions. 

More questions? See our full FAQ