UPS or FedEx

[Thurnau]

Do you prefer to receive packages via UPS or FedEx? Not just watches but anything you order online.

My business is renewing contracts with one of them and I would love to hear your feedback.

[Prince]

Always UPS. Fed-Ex adamantly requires that someone at the address of shipment physically sign for a package, even if you have given permission for someone else to sign for it (like my next door neighbor), or if I leave a note with my signature for them to leave it on my front step (like UPS will always accomodate).

Fed-Ex is just too draconian about the whole thing, much to my chagrin!

[Paulie]

UPS if I have a choice, because shipping ground in Chicago is pretty much the same as overnight. I'm near one of the huge sorting facilities, so even 2-day coming from say Michigan, is next day for me.

FedEx is generally ok, though now that they have subcontracted for their "home" deliveries, it sometimes takes an extra day for ground via FedEx home.

But UPS will be cheaper for local delivery and ground, then it depends on the delivery territory for anything interstate. Back in the mid 90's, I helped install a shipping system which the software would calculate best way on a package based on zip and time for delivery. Overnight went FedEx, everything else UPS ground or USPS Parcel Post. Recently, the company I used to work for signed a deal for FedEx exclusive for all inter company shipping, customer deliveries I think are still based on the least cost or fastest way choice model.

Feature set of the web site may also make a difference, like training costs and ease of use, and for auditing users and shipments. If you're big enough to have a contract, then you need to keep an eye on it.

[chevycorvette]

fedex always leave the package by the door. that is their policy. unless it is an overnight delivery special item or document.

if you wanna make some extra $$$ from sending your item. use fedex cause they always loss your shipment. and you can file a loss item claim.

[Thurnau]

Thanks for the responses. FedEx and UPS are giving me a similar discount on high volumes. However the discount is volume based so I would need to choose one. Our current carrier does damage or lose a lot of my packages, but from a percentage standpoint the odds are very low that it happens and lately we get paid on most claims.

[Thurnau]

How much does a carrier matter to you when you make a decision to purchase something online? If I use UPS and you prefer FedEx are you less likely to purchase from this website/store?

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by Thurnau

How much does a carrier matter to you when you make a decision to purchase something online? If I use UPS and you prefer FedEx are you less likely to purchase from this website/store?

If I don't care when it shows, then I vote on price (free shipping for me!). If I get a choice when I pay, I'll pick UPS everytime. If I really want an item and its only FedEx then that's what it will be, after I see if someone else has the same item, then price+shipping cost wins.

Never thought I had so many rules, it just happens. :-).

[chevycorvette]

i would love the fedex or ups lost my package.

sometimes i think the shipping company is my major purchaser. because every lost item i claim it. and 10 out of 10 i got reimbursement from them

tell you what. ups is the best. cause i ship about 2k item a month. and only 1-5 loss item. mostly address error or buyer moved

[walds11]

No preference. I never had problems with either one.

[leopardprey]

Due to their assualt on Family Values and support of certain radical agendas, I refuse to use UPS anymore.

Fed Ex, IMHO, due to their rejection of some of the same policies that UPS has adopted, gets my service. Have always had good service with Fed Ex.

[Dan Pierce]

Fed Ex and UPS have anounced a merger. The new company will be called............................................ .......................



























FEDUP!
dP

[Ordell]

Fed Ex has always come through for me.
UPS seems good too.
As long as you get service, it doesn't make any difference to me.

[astcell]

Ten years ago UPS went on strike for a few weeks and I lost a lot of business. Have hardly used them since!

[EvEr34]

For items coming into Canada Fedex is much better. Ups are crooks when it comes to duties and fees.

[mailman]

USPS

[roadcarver]

Go USPS. Fedex has a limitation with insuring watches, maximum value of $500.

I don't think USPS has that limitation.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

Go USPS. Fedex has a limitation with insuring watches, maximum value of $500.

I don't think USPS has that limitation.

Correct you are Vernon USPS is also faster for regular ground shipping and less expensive than UPS for equal services.

My advice to all is this; If you're shipping something that doesn't have a high value, go Priority Mail. The difference in price generally isn't more than a few dollars more for the package, it can be insured, and it will be at it's destination in 2-3 business days. You can also opt for Delivery Confirmation in the item doesn't need to be insured.

Here's some info on Express Mail that the window clerk won't tell you;

1) Always opt for the 12:00 PM deadline. If the item isn't attempted by noon, you can get your money back. This is also true for the 3 o'clock deadline. Noon just assures you that it will get there sooner.

2) Express Mail IS delivered 365 days a year. Sundays and holidays included. So if you really have to get something somewhere overnight, it can be done.

[Thurnau]

I ship orm-d goods, so USPS is not an option. It would be nice though; I do like USPS's service. I would like to offer free shipping but I am a firm believer in giving the lowest cost on items so the customer gets the lowest cost on the entire order. I understand that free is great. But I prefer a low margin and an honest shipping cost to an inflated price with free shipping. You tend to do ok on one item, but get two or three and the tables can turn quickly.

I appreciate all your responses. I found out that my current rep wasn't giving me the best deal, and when the other carrier came in it really embarrassed me. My rate wasn't that good. Now they are both giving me a much better deal, and I can even afford to lower my shipping cost a little. A bid war is always nice when you are the shopping customer.

[Thurnau]

Originally Posted by chevycorvette

i would love the fedex or ups lost my package.

sometimes i think the shipping company is my major purchaser. because every lost item i claim it. and 10 out of 10 i got reimbursement from them

tell you what. ups is the best. cause i ship about 2k item a month. and only 1-5 loss item. mostly address error or buyer moved

We ship 2500 to 3500 FedEx pieces per month. Most of our packages lost are either damages with a very slow trace, or apartments buildings. We get claim checks for every item lost or damages, but it is a fight every time. My rep is one of the reasons I stayed with them so long. He took care of us so well we never really scrutinized price.

[leopardprey]

I agree with Mailman, USPS has proven to be the best overall for me. Good prices as well.

[Chimpy]

Between the two? UPS, always on time, always received near immediate reimbursement for any lost item.

[areyes926]

UPS because their office is closer just in case I need to pick them up.

[Obsession]

I voted for UPS cause UPS is so serious shipping company but I had service from FEDEX and also from UPS too before and I did not face with any problem from any of them.