Nothing is worse than to open a food package from Aunt Millie, but not know if it is safe or what to do with it. If you're packing your own perishable food gift, freeze solid first, then pack as recommended above. Otherwise, it may sit unsafely on the doorstep or at the post office for hours, or even days. Do not have perishable items delivered to an office unless you know it will arrive on a work day, and there is refrigerator space available to keep it cold. Vacuum packaging extends shelf life somewhat, but does not reduce the need for refrigeration.
Some firms ship smoked turkey frozen or nearly frozen.
In this case, make sure that they can guarantee getting your turkey to its destination frozen or at least very, very cold. Turkey that arrives frozen can be stored in the freezer for about six months without loss of quality. If the meat arrives cold but not frozen, it should be refrigerated for use within a week. Also, don't eat any fowl with an off odor or a slimy, slippery feel. It may be contaminated with food-poisoning bacteria.