I was a little worried never getting corals direct from overseas (Hawaii is pretty much overseas from the panhandle of FL) but when they arrived they were in cool, clean water and no leakage. I do believe the carbon pellets really do help same as shipping them in water/no air, but the packaging was outstanding in itself.
Whenever possible I do try to have corals shipped "Hold for Pickup" whether to the PO or Fedex. It makes a big difference when you can pick them up and avoid having them ride around all day in a delivery truck pausing for lunch breaks, yickyacks and pit stops by the delivery personel.
USPS even now has a HOLD FOR PICKUP option. They call you when your package gets in.