KEEP YOURSELF SAFE FROM SCAMS
Transporters have businesses-- business names and pages. If you are searching for a transporter and an individual reaches out ask for their business, if they do not have one then assume they are a scammer. Scammers also tend to ask for crazy high prices because they don't know that the average cost for small mammals is lower than that of traditional pets. While I'm on the subject: there are many pet scammers. Breeders (of any species) that want payment for shipping (sometimes this is just rehoming an animal and only asking for shipping costs) are scams. Ask for the transporter and talk to them directly if you want to be sure. Breeders will not contact you first.
When in doubt, reach out. Emotions can take over when a cute, too-good-to-be-true, potential pet is on the line. Run anything suspicious by an unbiased friend or family member, google it, or contact me (theopossumpeople@gmail.com or 7794005740 [text]) to get a second opinion.
Okay, now about using actual transporters:
It's not uncommon for people to struggle to find local breeders so many of our babies go to our new home via ground transporters. These are separate businesses that the customer arranges with. Transporters have preplanned routes where they pick up and drop off many animals. Choosing one is largely about finding someone going the right way at a good time.
Finding a transporter and reaching out: I will only find a transporter on someone's behalf if a deposit has been placed on a baby. I get dozens of inquiries each litter. It becomes a bit of a headache and admittedly a bit embarrassing bugging a transporter every few days when many end up backing out. If I really cannot find any available transporters making a route within ~2mo, I will refund the deposit. This can be daunting the first time, but it's more simple than it seems. Routes are usually planned several weeks ahead of time so its good to start looking about a month before you want your baby, but if you wait till last minute I'm happy to hold onto a baby a few extra weeks. There are many good transporters that can be found on facebook groups or google by searching pet transporters, but I'm happy to make suggestions. Once you've found one, reach out asking if they have an upcoming route that can go from DeKalb, IL to __your location__ for a short-tailed opossum. Its as simple as that one sentence. Some only do norm-y pets like cats and dogs, but ones that move rabbits, hedgehogs, sugar gliders etc. ship STOs. They will get back to you with further instructions which is usually a short form to fill out. Then, just like that, your on the list. Most common prices for moving an STO ranges from $150-$200, but I have seen quotes $40-500. Anything above $300 is unreasonable and is typically only asked by people with no experience with STOs or scammers so should be avoided even if you delight in burning money.
List of some trusted transporters:
Mel's neighborhood rodents (experienced with STOs and price can't be beat)
https://www.melsneighborhood.com/
Boston's pet transport (really friendly and did lots of updates)
https://www.facebook.com/bostonspettransport/
J&T exotic gliders and transport (easy to work with and very accommodating)
https://www.facebook.com/jtanimaltransport
What to expect: The transporter will pick up your new baby from us. We will provide a safe travel tote (a plastic shoe box measuring roughly 14"Lx8"Wx6"H). The little one will have a hide, lots of bedding from their home nest, and a light water dish. Animals can spend a week in transport so I will provide plenty of food. Babies go home with 3-4 weeks of food. Many transporters will meet at your home or desired location, but some will prefer to meet at a gas station by a highway so they can quickly get back on the road again. The expected pick up and drop off dates and times are available before they set out, but are subject to change a bit depending on traffic/weather. There are usually very frequent updates on how the route is going on their facebook page (Boston's sent text messages directly along the way). You will be messaged of their impending arrival shortly before hand. Note they can't wait around so if you're late the transporter gains a new pet. The transporter will arrive and hand you your new baby!
STO's handle ground shipping wonderfully as they tend to be oblivious to things going on outside their space. That said, they have just been tossed around and pent up in a box for sometimes a full week. Expect spice. Some do walk out of their container like they own the place, but others will be flustered. This doesn't mean you can' interact with your new addition, but they may be extra slippery for a few days so take caution.
We do not do shipping by plane, but as far as I can tell it's safe and only a bit more expensive should you happen to find someone else who does.