You may need to use a heat pack or cold pack inside your package. This decision depends on the type of plant you’re shipping and the DAYTIME HIGH temperature at your origin and at the destination.

These are guidelines. Be aware of the temperature requirements and safe temperature range for the species you are shipping. Contact Greenline Shipping in-office staff for more detailed guidelines and parameters if you have questions about a specific species or weather condition.

It is the responsibility of the shipper to adequately package shipments for all temperature extremes and handling conditions. DO NOT OVERUSE HEAT PACKS!

5 Critical Points for Heat Pack Use

• Activate the heat pack at least an hour before use. Remove the outer wrapper, shake vigorously, then wrap it in a towel to allow proper heating.
• There should always be crumpled newspaper or other packaging material between the heat pack and the plant.
• Heat packs require oxygen to work. Airholes (two ¼” holes at each end of the box, four holes total) will allow enough oxygen to reach the heat pack.
• The heat pack should never be placed under or over a plant's foliage, as it will likely result in significant damage to foliage. Keep the heat pack by the root system/pot.
• The heat pack should be taped securely to the inside the box (near the roots) so that it cannot shift in transit, BUT DO NOT cover the red stripe with tape! Oxygen must be able to penetrate along the red stripe.

The following temperature guidelines are according to the daytime HIGH temps at BOTH the origin and destination. If your daytime high temps straddle two categories, please contact us directly for heat pack instructions that remain within our qualifications and guidelines. The misuse of heat packs can cause significant damage to a plant's foliage!

Temperature Guidelines and Standards: (This is based on the daytime highs for the day of delivery)

Ferns, Tropicals, Succulents:

Below 19℉: Don’t ship. Wait for warmer weather

19-32℉: Use a heat pack and bubble wrap.

33-40℉: Use a heat pack per our directions.

41-90℉: DO NOT use a heat pack or a cold pack.

Over 91℉: Don’t ship. Wait for cooler weather.

Aquatic Plants, Tissue Cultures:

Below 19℉: Don’t ship. Wait for warmer weather.

19-50℉: Use a heat pack and insulated box.

51-75℉: Use an insulated box.

75-90℉: Use a cold pack and insulated box.

Over 91℉: Don’t ship. Wait for cooler weather. 

Every location has a Last Pickup Time, which means the time in which the last truck is loaded up. Your package MUST arrive before that time in order to get on that truck. If you miss this time, then your package will likely be looking at a 24 hour delay for delivery. On the East Coast and in the Midwest, this cut-off time is often the same as the closing time for that location, but not always, so be sure to check your locations schedule.

For many in the WEST, the cut-off time can be hours ahead of when the location actually closes for the day. The location may be open until 9pm but the Last Pickup could be at 5:30pm, or even before 5:00pm. Every location will have its own schedule, so you can't assume what works for one will be true at another. Please check the schedules before you drop off your first package there. If in doubt, call us, and we'll help you find the specific details you need.

Click here for comprehensive instructions on the safe use of heat packs.

Click here for directions on using cold packs.

Click here for directions on using phase packs.