Shipping and Handling Process

Before any lobsters leave our facilities, they are "seasoned" in 40-degree holding tanks for several days to acclimate them before shipping. After this they are sorted and graded to weed out the damaged lobsters and then sized, scaled, and packed for travel.

We are very careful and conscientious about keeping the lobsters cool and comfortable while they're in transit. First, they're packed in special insulated Styrofoam boxes. Grooves on the bottom of our boxes and absorbent materials keep the lobsters damp. We add a touch of seaweed for cushion and presentation along with foil packs of reusable gel ice to keep them cold.

My lobsters just arrived at my doorstep---Now What?

First, inspect the package before opening to make sure there is no leaking or package damage which may indicate damage during delivery. Next, open the box and inspect the lobsters. They should be cool and damp and show some reaction when handled. If they are droopy and show little activity, they have tired during the trip and need to be cooked that day. Note: If the lobsters are warm to the touch, refuse the shipment and call the Atwood Lobster Company at 1.800.521.5204.

Lobsters will live up to three days under the best conditions. We recommend you consume them shortly after arrival for the best flavor. If you plan on waiting a day to cook them (we recommend no more than that), put the lobsters in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. Put damp newspaper under the lobsters. If you plan to eat them that evening just leave them in the box; don't handle them and make sure the inside of the box is kept cold.

When picking them up, pick up by the body, never by the claws or tail. (Hold on tight, some of them are frisky). Do not remove rubber bands.

Some things to remember:

The natural color of your lobsters will be a dark greenish-black or brown. Upon cooking, they will turn the familiar bright red.

Never put them in your freezer or a bathtub with regular tap water - it will kill them!

If you notice after cooking the roe inside a female body is blackish instead of the customary red, that is because the lobster has been undercooked. Put the lobster back into the pot until the roe is red.