Fish are bagged and crated to be shipped to fish stores. I am not sure how dealers ship fish to individuals, probably in the same manner. Unless I were looking for something REALLY unusual that I couldn't get any other way than having it shipped to me, I would try to find what I was looking for in a local shop and take it home myself. You also might try asking your lfs to have things shipped into their shop for you before resorting to having it sent to you directly. That way there's no risk on your part. If the fish comes to the lfs in bad condition, you have the opportunity to refuse it.