Here is a visual guide of how I ship hatchling and yearling tortoises. The small plastic containers I use have holes for breathing. I also make sure they are high enough to allow the tortoise to right itself in the container if the box should end up upside down.
For a larger tortoise I would use a small box inside instead of the plastic container. The box again should be high enough to allow the tortoise to right itself. I also don't like using bags, socks, pillowcases just for this reason. In a bag they can't right themselves if they get upside down.
For a turtle I would just make the paper towel damp. For a larger turtle I would use a larger plastic container.

Very nice Danny, I forgot about that thread. I will forward it to my shippers.

thanks for putting this together, danny! i've stickied the thread where it is but i'm looking for a better home for it

Thanks for sharing the info.

Josh and Dan i was wondering if it would be O.K. with you if i print this out

Perfectly fine with me.

Danny

Thank you

not a problem with me.

Is Delta Dash the way to go for shipping a large tortoise (around 50lbs total)? I talked to Delta and got all the details and most people I have talked to say Delta Dash is the way to go, anyone have any better suggestions?

Delta it is. The Leopards I shipped this morning total 10lbs. I shipped Delta Dash same day for $90 with insurance, normal rate is $85 now. I got quotes from Fedex and DHL for over $150 each.