Yes, we use UPS to deliver our products to all 50 U.S. states. Due to customs restrictions on perishables, we're currently unable to ship outside of the U.S. For more info on shipping, including pricing, please visit www.crabplace.com/ship.asp.

We do our very best to fill live orders with the feistiest crabs available. Normal mortality rates should not exceed 15% of the total order. Unfortunately, because we can't control the shipping environment, there may be instances of higher mortality due to extreme weather, rough handling, or delayed delivery by the shipper. In short, if you want to eat every crab it is better to order them steamed.

UPS does not commit a time for the Ground service. The tradeoff with the lower rate is that it gets scheduled with the most convenient stop on the driver's route. It could be a morning delivery, or , it could be an evening delivery. It's simply guaranteed to arrive on the date requested. If you're package needs to arrive by a certain time on the date requested you have two options; 1) schedule delivery for the day before the items are needed and hold in refrigeration/freezer overnight (all product except live crabs/lobster) or 2) upgrade to one of the more expensive UPS Air options that offers a specific commitment time so you'll be sure to have the package arrive in time for your event. For all shipping particulars, including services and rates, please visit www.crabplace.com/ship.asp.

We take tremendous pride in our ability to deliver fresh Maryland seafood to your door. Before it leaves The Crab Place, your order is packed with refrigerant to prevent spoilage. We ship via UPS. If your order is spoiled or damaged due to negligence by The Crab Place or UPS, we will replace it free of charge. If you receive an order that you suspect is spoiled, please do not discard the contents. We may request that you return them to us for inspection.

We do our very best to fill live orders with the feistiest crabs available. Normal mortality rates should not exceed 15% of the total order. Unfortunately, because we can't control the shipping environment, there may be instances of higher mortality due to extreme weather, rough handling, or delayed delivery by the shipper. In short, if you want to eat every crab it is better to order them steamed.

The best way to reheat crabs is to steam them for 5 to 10 minutes until their centers are hot. Crack open a claw after 5 minutes and each minute thereafter until they're piping hot. There is no appreciable loss of quality from re-steaming. Although we season our steamed crabs, adding more seasoning to them will ensure that your re-steaming experience is memorable. Keep in mind that steamed crabs are already cooked. Steaming longer than 10 minutes will cause the meat to toughen and dry out. You may also reheat crabs in the microwave by placing a damp paper towel over them and cooking on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Or warm them in the oven at 375 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.

Crabs will vary in weight over the course of the year. Fuller, heavier crabs are usually plentiful during the fall between September and early November. These crabs have had the summer to shed and fill their cavities with meat. Crabs that shed in the spring tend to be lighter. We do our best to select plump, top quality crabs.

Crabs are graded by size, relative to points across the backs of their shells. Standards measure between 5 and 5½ inches across, with 7 dozen crabs per bushel. Selects measure between 5½ and 6 inches across, with 6 dozen crabs per bushel. Premiums measure 6 to 6¾ inches, with 5 dozen per bushel. Colossal crabs measure over 6¾ inches from point to point, and are only sold in dozen quantities. Jumbo female crabs measure 5¼ to 6 inches, with approximately 6 dozen per bushel. Small/medium female crabs measure 5¼ and smaller with no minimum size, and run approximately 7 dozen per bushel.

Crabs are graded by size, relative to points across the backs of their shells. Large females measure at least 6 inches and up with 5 dozen per bushel. Medium females measure between 5¼ and 6 inches, with 6 dozen to a bushel. Small crabs measure 5¼ and under with 7 dozen per bushel.

You can contact The Crab Place by telephone between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday. Dial toll free, 1-410-968-3167. During off hours, our machine will take voice mail. Email us any time at through our contact form. Under normal circumstances, all inquiries will be handled by the following business day.