I hate to turn this into a shipping thread rather than a zoa thread, but thecichlidpleco did ask for other experiences. I work in a job that deals primarily with shipping (both going out and coming in). My best experience is UPS. They do occasionally drop the ball and drop it well. But their drivers are professional and the tracking is reliable. We have on several occasions seen the FedEx delivery guy taking naps in his truck and the DHL guys lie on their tracking information about delivery times and signatures. Just my $.02.
On a happier note, I'm glad the supplier is working with. Those are some beautiful specimens you picked.