UPS delivery Service

O

OB_KawAbuser

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UPS can/will also loose or forget your packages if they are international. Seems they let stuff just sit in a warehouse and "wait" for customs clearance.

I suggest FedEx when shipping in/out of the US. FedEx costs more than UPS but it gets there ontime and in perfect condition.

In the US, UPS ground service is very inexpensive. FedEX is a priority shipper and offers no ground service.
 
I use UPS to ship quite often and recieve frequent UPS shipments. I've had a few problems but mainly do to poor packaging on my part. Domestic UPS service is very reliable and they have an excellent package tracking system.
I think most UPS deliveries are doorstep dropoffs - not person to person. If the recipient of every UPS package insisted on personally recieving it and inspecting the contents prior to accepting it, the UPS system would grind to a halt. A single delivery could take an hour instead of thirty seconds.
But you can always make a claim after receipt of a package. It doesn't have to be at the time of reciept. I believe you can make a claim up to 90 days after receipt.
 
I ship and receive packages by UPS and FedEx on a daily basis. The choice of which one I use depends on what, where and how big the item I'm shipping (or getting). Both have lost or damaged packages. When compaired to the number of packages we deal with, it's too small to say either one is a "bad" shipping service.

I've had to make claims on lost or damaged shipments, with both companies. The highest claim I've made on a lost shipment was around $9300 (found 2 days later) and $7500 for a damaged shipment (paid in 3 1/2 weeks). Usually, UPS will be quicker than FedEx in addressing the claim. Note, I didn't say "resolving" the claim. They come out about even on the time it takes them to "cut the check".

FedEx will start business and residential ground delivery service in March. "FedEx Ground" (former RPS) for businesses and "FedEx Home Delivery" (look for the "dog carrying off your package" logo) for the non-businesses in major metro areas. Overnite service will be known as "FedEx Express". Go figure.

I've employed two former UPS hub workers. What you discribed could apply to any international company. Some good locations, some bad. Luckly, the LR UPS hub is pretty good. I suggest that when receiving a high dollar or fragile personal shipment, have them ship it to your work (if possible). The drivers of business routes are familar with their area businesses and the packages will usually arrive in the AM. This give you plenty of time to inspect the contents and contact them if something's wrong... the same day.

Residential addresses seem to be harder for drivers to find, even if it's an "old" area of town. I've had several Next Day Air and Saturday delivery packages not delivered because a driver couldn't find my house. What's worse, even when the driver has been instructed not to deliver something without a signature, I've come home at 11 pm and found a $1500 package sitting by my front door (in plain view of the street)... SINCE 10 AM!



[This message has been edited by redelk (edited 22 January 2000).]
 
I was talking to a guy that I'm building an engine for who does chrome work. He said he's lost a few packages that have traveled through the Georgia hub. He said his remedy is to write the contents up as something that thieves wouldn't want. He wrote up motorcycle cranks and they were stolen.
 
I must say that I've had a 100% good record with anything shipped to me by UPS. Nothing ever lost or damaged and that includes computers, monitors, bicycle parts, clothes, photographic equipment, motorcycle parts, etc. Like redelk though, I've wondered who is responsible if someone steals a package that the UPS guy leaves on my front porch. I've had $4500 worth of photo equipment left on my porch even when I told the vendor to instruct UPS not to leave it. Somewhere I think I read that no matter if someone stole it I would be responsible. Does anyone out there know if that is true?
I feel lucky that over the years its never happened but just in case, I hope someone knows the answer.
P.S. I'm still amazed at how the UPS does seemingly work miracles. Once I ordered a pair of Sidi bike shoes from a company on Colorado. They never arrived, I called, they forgot to ship them. They were very apologetic and said they would red label them UPS. I made that call at about 5PM after work and when I got home the next day at 4PM the shoes were on the front porch! From Boulder, CO to Washington, D.C. in 24 hours. Awesome.
 
This actually happened to Carolina Cycle...Had a customer order by phone a stroked Gsxr crank(they keep them in stock) and promised that it would go out that day..it was in state and 1 day delivery. They got tied up and didn`t get it shipped. This guy calls and raises he*&...they promise next day and try to explain...so it is shipped as promised. The next day as UPS driver tries to deliver he is held up at gun point and all this guy wants is the crank. Boy he meant to have that crank didn`t he!!!! Thats one reason UPS no longer accepts cash on COD`s.
 
I worked for 2 years as a loader and driver for UPS. Part of what Cisco says about damaged/overgoods (that's what they call smashed packages) is from the high speed they work at. I always took a little extra time to load something like a computer monitor carefully, but it's hit or miss. I've seen guys karate kick packages to get them to fit in the trailer.

Actually I think they pay pretty well, considering the necessary skill level, education level, etc. That was the opinion of most of the guys I worked with...pretty good pay, good benefits and regular raises. For international shipments, if the person who does the invoices fills out the paperwork properly and legibly, the package will usually get where it is supposed to go.

I'm also sure workers do steal from the system, but they watch for that. And if they catch an employee stealing from the UPS system, they spank them hard. The Teamsters don't protect thieves.
 
Just for information if you use UPS delivery service for sending your motorcycle stuff.My friend who works for the Sunnyvale UPS hub told me to make sure to check your items that you receive before signing off with the delivery guy when you get your package especially if you have fragile item,monitors glass,etc.He has noticed that at their hub the loaders and unloader will just throw the stuff around even if it's labeled fragile on the box.He has seen them toss computer monitors like it was junk onto the belts and truck and he told me they can't fire the loader people because they are UNION people and the UNION will back them up and also if you try to turn them in you might get your car/truck/motorcycle scratched and other bad things will happen to you.He said the main reason they act like that is due to the low pay $8-$12 an hour and they are protected by the UNION.He told me when you receive items that are delivered to your door that is of value do not sign the paper work that you received your stuff until you open the box to inspect the items for damage,that way they can not say that you must have broken it when you took it in your house.Just a little heads up for the people on this board.Any of you had bad experience with UPS?
 
I'm kind of late to be replying but I have to put my 2 cents in! I WORK AT ups and one thing that I think your friend is mixed up on is refusing to sign until you inspect the parcel.If the part IS damaged you can still file a claim (or notify the shipper to file a claim)regardless of whether you have accepted and signed for the box. All you are attesting to when you sign is that you received the package.It doesn't affect any claim you may have as opposed to trucking companies with their "bill of lading" asking you to inspect the merchandise at the time of delivery or waive your right to file a claim if there is a problem! As for international packages UPS was instrumental in instituting the electronic prenotification sent to Customs in advance so that not all packages have to be held for inspection like in the past.Now Fed-Ex and even the post office are starting to use the same system.The main reason a package is held at customs is because it was one that the destination country asked to inspect, or it is missing the required paperwork that the shipper(NOT the transportation company)must complete by law. There are only a tiny amount of packages (LESS THAN 1/10 OF 1 PERCENT) damaged that are packed correctly. All carriers may refuse to pay a claim on a box with no packing however, since they must protect themselves from the people who would like to ship fragile items in packages so poorly packed that they make Fed-Ex or UPS their biggest customer! If you have a small or expensive item there is a reduced chance of it being torn up if you ship it by air than by ground because it is handled far fewer times than by ground.So if you are really concerned about a particular part and don't mind paying extra ship it by UPS next day air or second day air(just a little more than ground prices).In a Consumer reports study last year Fed-Ex 2 day air was even worse than the post office for damages.UPS was the best.In the UPS system any business to business package is guaranteed (even ground!)to be on time, as well, or you get your money back.Also an industry first.Some other things to consider; remember you can also track any ground packege now with UPS, unlike the post office, AND only UPS people handle a parcel from begining to end, unlike all of the other carriers, including FED-Ex who use so called "service partners".If a box does get damaged there is never a fight over who is going to pay the claim when only one Company HAS touched the package. Hope this helps you some.
 
Hey 201MPH,

Why hasstle with all that just ship it on
FEDEX!!!! :)

Ride safe, Bob

P.S. Since you are new, try reading some of the old posts. There's a wealth of information there. I only wish I had read some before I had my BUSA.
 
Bob; all that was just to point out that UPS WAS less hassle, for ground or air packages, and cheaper as well. We don't sit on any packages, thay all move every day,or your money back.Wemove a lot of airplane parts for the AWACS 707 airframes and a whole lot of other parts for Tinker AFB here in my part of the world and it has saved millions for Uncle Sam in keeping them airworthy as opposed to them doing it themselves.

[This message has been edited by 201mph (edited 19 February 2000).]
 
Well 201mph,

I applied for a Fed Ex account and was in business in about an hour.Account number in hand. Almost all my shipments go out COD,the check is returned in two days by a Fed Ex truck.
UPS COD check are sent by US mail two weeks later.

My international shipments are faster than UPS domestic BLUE LABEL. Their tracking system can't be beat.

UPS, sure I have used UPS all my life and I went to open up a UPS account. "Fill out this form" and someone will call you "sometime" next week. I asked if I could contact them and was told NO this is how it works - "UPS will contact you"!

On the UPS application form they ask you how many packages you ship per day, week, etc.

Guess what I have not heard from UPS, sure they may have called and found my voice mail full. My voice mail fills 2 - 3 times a day. You might think a letter from an account rep would be in order? Or just too busy for the little guy, fine Fed Ex is fine for me and so be it!

UPS probably does not have an effective way to send me a letter, or it is lost in the mail!

Fed Ex has aquired RPS and will be offering ground service - so what can UPS do for me?
I am still waiting to hear.

No I am not a big company with hundreds of packages every day, but Fed Ex delivers my products to my customers and I send the tracking number to them via e-mail so they can schedule their day accordingly.

I will contact UPS again this week only this time I will fill out the form a little differant, "I ship 400 - 700 packages a day and thats every day", What do you bet the rep is knocking on my door wanting to buy lunch.

Bob, Fed Ex is like a Haybusa, it delivers!

UPS, just like a ZX12, I am still waiting and waiting.......snore....zzzzz........wake me up when it gets here.......zzzz.....snore..

---------------------------------------------

Lets not even get into International UPS, very simple to explain.

My Customs Broker worked for US Customs for twenty years before he opened his brokerage.
The first words out of his mouth,

"DO NOT USE UPS, YOUR PACKAGES WILL SIT IN A WAREHOUSE FOREVER, THEY DO NOT CARE" and if your money is tied up in international products you could go broke waiting for them to FIND them and MOVE them through customs. Use Fed Ex if you choose to use this type off carrier".

Fed Ex shipments arrve on my doorstep on time , their tracking system is awsome.

And I am still waiting for the UPS rep to contact me........zzzzzz.......zzzzz......



[This message has been edited by KawAbuser (edited 19 February 2000).]
 
UPS does have the best infrastructure of any of the shippers. They will take it pretty much anywhere. And it was a good company to work for. I would have tried to get back on with them after I relocated, but they were having that strike so I moved on.
 
TT, I'm confused about your last post, not sure if you're defending UPS or flaming them.

I happened to have worked on a really good reload crew at a fairly small feeder station in west Georgia. Maybe it was good luck. I was an ethnic minority; we had 12 people on my shift, 3 white guys, 8 black guys, 1 black girl. My boss, and his boss, the center manager, were both black guys. It was a totally good group, everybody busted their *** , no slackers. We had one of the best center performance records in the Southeast. One guy was a gang member, he had a little bit of an attitude & was the one I saw kick a couple packages. But everybody was pretty equal, we all drove nice vehicles to work, it was a pretty good situation. Stuff I've received from UPS has never been lost, late or damaged (knock on wood). I call it as I see it. They seem good to me.
 
No problems here with UPS or Fed Ex....RPS sucks big time....left a micron can on my mail box few weeks ago..out in country and once took 5 days to deliver a package sent to me from 2 hours away..I always specify DO NOT USE RPS!!
 
One other thing, UPS ground cost less than half the cheapest Fedex rate and delivery time is only a few days longer. So if you are on the receiving end and paying shipping costs, you are better off with UPS.
 
UPS comes here about 2,3 times a week. I like their service. Once they left a gun on the front porch and that bothered me alittle even though I'm a half mile off the road.
 
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