posted on July 3, 2002 03:02:47 PM new
If you check rates under Ground Home, you will encounter "invalid delivery area" often. Check the rates under Ground and it should come up with a rate every time.
USPS has the similar jumps in cost for box size. I once sent an item Postal Air to Canada, they wanted around $15.00. I had to go home and shave over an inch off the box to get it for around $6.00.
That's a good point, watch the dimensions, and you can save $$$.
posted on July 3, 2002 03:57:33 PM new
So where are the dimensions for the boxes on the rate jumps? This would be a *very good thing* to know!
On the other hand, I've printed and mailed the new Priority Mail labels with postage included from my house for two days and I LOVE it. No more standing in line for that!
They just need to change their drop down states list from the written out states to the USPS two letter abbreviations. I can't belive they are the ones that started it all and they are using Florida instead of FL. VERY confusing when everything you get always has the two letter abbreviation now. Well, almost always.
And it would be nice if they would intergrate this with the USPS shipping assistant 2.1, that works a lot better, looks a lot cleaner.
posted on July 3, 2002 06:52:36 PM new
Any package over 1 cubic ft. is subject to being rated according to the dimensional weight instead of the actual weight. There is a volume / weight formula that is explained on the FedEx web site. You can find it by clicking the "dimensional weight" link on the first page of the rating section. All carriers have the same or similar weight/ volume requirements, even the Post office. You've never noticed it at the P.O. before because most of the time the clerks don't take the time to measure a marginal package.If you're shipping a large stuffed animal or plastic toy, it's easier to slip it past a P.O. clerk than a FedEx clerk. I just shipped a cast aluminum pedal vehicle to the east coast and it was not that much more than if it had been plastic. Be sure to pack, measure and weigh bulky items before you list them or quote a shipping charge. Otherwise the "dim weight" may bite you in the butt when you go to ship.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on July 3, 2002 07:46:54 PM new
All my auctions now say "Email your Zip code for a shipping quote"
Today I received the following: SHIPPING QUOTE FOR THIS ITEM TO MIAMI FLORIDA 33140 PLEASE,
THANKS.
My reply:
All merchandise is shipped by UPS!!!
$7.34 by UPS which includes free insurance and package tracking. Shipping weight is 8 Pounds
* $11.45 by Priority mail without insurance or package tracking.
* $9.84 by Parcel post without insurance or package tracking.
* Because of the heavy items I sell and due to the recent postage rate increase
it is no longer feasible for me to use the United States Post Office to ship my merchandise.
I will be sending a comparison to all that ask for a shipping quote.
