In reality, all lobsters shipped overnight to reach the customer. Overnight seafood delivery is an industry standard. The shorter a lobster is in transit, the more likely it is to be alive when it reaches the destination. But, while all companies ship lobster, there are some variables to consider when it comes to placing your order. Some are better at it than others.
Our Top Maine Lobster Delivery Companies
| Category | Company | Most Popular Size | Average $/Item* | Customer Ratings | Go To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Customer Ratings | Lobster Anywhere | 2 lb. | $68.95 | 5.0 | |
| Best for Sustainability | Crab Place | 2 lb. | $59.79 | 4.5 | |
| Best for Lobster Tails | Cameron’s Seafood | 12 oz. | $79.99 | 4.7 | |
| Best Variety | Fulton Fish Market | 2 lb. | $65.99 | 4.6 | |
| Best for Lobster Meat | Wulf’s Fish | 1 lb. | $57.00 | 4.8 | |
| Most Frequent Discounts | Get Maine Lobster | 1.5 lb. | $69.99 | 4.6 | |
| Best Website Experience | Winter Harbor Lobster Co-Op | 1.5 lb. | $77.49 | 4.6 | |
| Best for Smaller Lobsters | Sanders Lobster Company | 1.5 lb. | $67.50 | 4.5 |
*Estimated cost of one item in the company’s most popular size.
If you’re in the market for lobsters of different sizes, be sure to check out our live lobster company directory, as well as our comprehensive guide to ordering these crustaceans online.
In reality, all lobster is shipped overnight. The shorter a lobster is in transit, the more likely it is to be alive when it reaches the destination. But, while all companies ship lobster, there are some variables to consider when it comes to placing your order.
Overnight Shipping Costs
Companies structure payment for shipping in different ways. Some include shipping within the price, others have free shipping after you reach a certain cart amount, and you’ll have to pay shipping for others.
Research seafood retailers and their pricing before officially placing your order to have lobsters shipped overnight. We have provided some prompting questions below to help you figure out what information you will need.
How Does Overnight Lobster Shipping Work?
Overnight Shipping Process
Online seafood retailers ship overnight to ensure the lobsters shipped overnight are safe and lively when they reach your doorstep. Most companies process lobster shipping the same way:
- Pack up the order in the morning
- Transfer it to a shipping provider in the afternoon
- Shipping provider takes care of the rest
What You Should Consider as a Customer
Each company has a slightly different way of structuring their overnight shipping. Answer these questions before placing your order:
- What is your provider’s capacity?
- How much does shipping cost?
- What is their cut-off time for ordering next-day shipping?
- Would you be okay receiving your lobster on the next business day?
Placing an order ahead of time will still guarantee lobsters shipped overnight. So, if you place an order on Monday to be delivered on Friday, that package will go out on Thursday to arrive fresh on Friday.
How to Ship Lobster Overnight
You may be a lobster company or fisher who wants to ship a daily catch to a customer. If you’re interested in sending lobster, it has to be shipped overnight. This is the only way to ensure it gets to its destination safe and alive.
To have lobsters shipped overnight, you’ll need to:
- Double-check the order and address. Make sure you’re sending the right order to the right recipient.
- Secure the correct packaging. Place rubber bands on the lobsters’ claws and pack them into a Styrofoam or insulated container with ice and gel packs.
- Visit your local shipping store to drop off the package. Before heading out, though, you’ll want to see if these stores have cut-off times for overnighted packages. Just like when you buy lobster online, you’ll need to get your package in before overnight shipments are transferred to their designated shipping arms.
Other Lobster Resources
Keeping Lobster Fresh Upon Arrival
Try to cook the lobster the same day you receive it. You can keep lobster in the refrigerator for one to two days before cooking them. Place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Do not store them in water. Keep them moist with the wet newspaper or seaweed that traveled with them.
Cooking Methods
Steaming: Fill a pot with approximately 2 inches of water, and bring it to a boil. Place lobster in a steamer basket above the boiling water, and cover. Cook for about 13-15 minutes, or until the lobster turns bright red.
Grilling: Heat the grill to medium heat. Brush the lobster all over with olive oil. Place the lobster flesh-side down on the grill, and cook for about 6 minutes. Flip the lobster and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Boiling: Fill a pot about three-fourths of the way full with water, and bring it to a boil. Add the lobster and cook for 7 minutes for the first pound, and an additional 3 minutes per pound after that.
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