From which state is your friend shipping the citrus?

I'm not sure of the federal regulations regarding the shipping of citrus from a non-certified source. Seems like we've (here in the Forum) have had some legal issues.

I'd call your local postmaster and find out what the situation is.

I am in NJ. She is in California. It is not a problem coming in to NJ. I think if I were to send to her, it might be a problem. I have no restrictions on citrus in NJ as far as I know.

Well, if it is ok to ship, this is how I have recieved mine and they are all doing awsome.
I get them shipped in a first class postage priority mail.
The companies send them on the first of the week, so I can get them before the weekend.
When I open the box, there is usually a stick as long as the tree tied to it to keep it from breaking in the box. Then all they do is fill the roots in with just peatmoss to keep the roots moist but the package light, wrapped up in a plastic bag.
Newspaper or peanuts stuffed around the tree to cushion it from transit, and that is all.
I have never recieved a broken or hurt tree yet..:-)
The key is to protect the tree, and to get it delivered as fast as possible....
Mike