FedEx Discounted Rate Program
Take advantage of UTCVM’s discounted FedEx rates today! If you’re shipping from within the Continental US, your packages can reach our lab by the next business morning. Rates vary by location. Refer to the FedEx Zone Chart by ZIP code below to identify your shipping zone. Discounted FedEx rates for clinics are as follows: Zone 2 – $16, Zone 3 – $22, and Zones 4–8 – $30.
For rates outside of the contiguous US, call or email the CoreOne helpline: 865-974-5771, utcoreone@utk.edu.
General Shipping Instructions
- To obtain discounted FedEx shipping labels log into your CoreOne account and click FedEx Labels at the top of the CoreOne tool bar.
- Submit samples through the CoreOne Portal and include the printed submission form with your specimen. If online submission is not possible, downloadable lab submission forms from the DLS Resource webpage.
- Refer to our package and shipping guidelines before sending samples.
- A package with UTCVM’s FedEx priority overnight label must weigh less than 3 pounds and be in a small box (recommended box size: 8”x 8” x 8” or smaller).
- For each package, FedEx calculates a “rated weight” based on the actual box weight and dimensions. If the “rated weight” exceeds 3 pounds, additional shipping charges will be assessed. Any shipping charges more than your clinic’s discounted FedEx rate will be added to your monthly invoice.
- To avoid additional shipping charges, we strongly recommend:
- Using only one small refrigerant pack
- Ensuring the box size is 8”x 8” x 8” or smaller
- Splitting the shipment into two or more packages
- Dry ice cannot be used in packages sent with the UTCVM FedEx labels
- Multiple specimens from multiple patients and destined for different labs can be included in a single box (< 3 pounds and in a box 8”x8”x8” or smaller)
- WARNING: Do not ship cytology (or blood) smears or bacteriology samples with formalin-fixed biopsies. Exposure to formalin fumes can alter and compromise these specimens
- Due to the potential health risk to UTCVM personnel, primate samples are only accepted with prior approval and instruction. Without prior approval or proper packaging, samples will be destroyed upon arrival.
Call the specific lab prior to submitting. The only labs currently accepting primate samples are Anatomic Pathology (biopsy and necropsy), Clinical Pathology, and Parasitology - Submission of specimens to the Veterinary Medical Center Diagnostic Laboratory Service signifies acceptance of a contract for test results and interpretation of results. Specimens submitted to the Service and isolates derived from them become the property of the University of Tennessee. The Service maintains the right to refer a portion of the specimen to an appropriate laboratory for additional testing. The University of Tennessee maintains the right to use the specimens for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to performing applied research and test development at the University or other collaborating institutes. Return of specimens to the submitter is determined on a case by case basis and will incur charges related to shipping and handling and materials cost.
- FedEx labels are for Monday through Thursday shipments only. Do not send samples on a Friday. UTCVM Diagnostic Laboratory Service will not be available to receive samples on Saturdays.
- FedEx labels will be charged to your UTCVM statement once FedEx picks up the package.
- Call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 for the nearest FedEx drop-off location if they do not offer service at your clinic.
International Shipping Instructions
The UTCVM Diagnostic Laboratory Service will accept companion animal specimens provided the material has not been inoculated with or exposed to any livestock* or poultry** foreign animal disease agent. A permit for these specimens is not required at the U.S. port of arrival. Primate specimens and necropsies are NOT accepted from outside the United States. For detailed information, review FedEx International Shipping Instructions.
Required documentation
1. Two copies of the written statement must be submitted on producer/shipper letterhead, with one copy placed in the plastic pouch on the outside of the package and one copy between the secondary and tertiary packaging layer. For information required in the statement refer to USDA’s Guideline 1102: Feline and Canine Material.
2. Three copies of the commercial invoice must be placed in the shipping pouch on the outside of the package to be reviewed at the U.S. port of arrival. A commercial invoice will be provided with your UTCVM FedEx shipping labels. *In the Description of Goods section of this invoice it is important detail what it is, what it is made of and where and how it will be used. Customs authorities require an accurate description of shipment contents in written words; a harmonized code number, by itself, is not sufficient.
3. For all Endocrinology specimens, complete and place the USDA Biological Specimen Shipment Form in the plastic pouch on the outside of the package and another copy between the secondary and tertiary packaging layers.
* Livestock is defined by USDA as both beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, mules, asses, buffalo, and camels.
** Poultry is defined by USDA as domestic fowls, including chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks, raised for the production of meat or eggs.
