posted on March 2, 2001 03:58:45 PM
I am confused as you and I am hoping we will get some great advise as we used to before everyone got MAD. Hoping and wishing for an answer.
I use UPS and I'm very happy with it. I have the daily pickup for $7 a week. More than worth it for never having to go to the PO again.
The rates are pretty competitive when you figure in insurance and delivery confirmation. Actually, I think they've got the PO beat when you add those in.
Software is great, and I rent the thermal printer for $2 a week.
A couple of drawbacks...you have to find (or buy) your own boxes. So far I'm doing okay, but I'm taking boxes home from work every day and asking other people to bring them home as well. That gets a little old, but I still wouldn't switch.
Also, if a delivery is not in there normal delivery area, there's a $1.50 surcharge...you don't know about this until it shows on your weekly bill. I've only had 4 of these out of probably 200 packages in the 2 months I've been with them.
posted on March 2, 2001 04:13:01 PM
I think that the post office rates for small first class parcels are pretty good. UPS cannot come close. For larger items it may be a toss up, but be advised that UPS free insurance only covers loss not damage. I think you can buy damage insurance from them but am not sure. That would put there prices somewhat higher than the post office.
I don't think there is a one BEST service each one does something better than the other, and some are better in one area than the next. I think you have to experiment and find what works best for you.
posted on March 2, 2001 10:18:27 PM
FedEx bought RPS a few months ago to compete head-to-head with UPS for ground service (typical 5 day delivery). I ship items that are 10lbs. & are about 24"x18"x18" (dimensional weight is 30 lbs.). Value is less than $100 so I don't need extra insurance from FedEx Ground or UPS (First $100 is covered). I check UPS, FedEx Ground & USPS for every shipment to get lowest price. They all have rate calculators as well so you can get a real good idea without having to leave your PC. I have found that FedEx Ground is the cheapest usually by $2 or more almost everytime. Sometimes the USPS is cheaper if the delivery point is not to far away. I have a FedEx drop-off location close to me & it makes it easy. I would have to schedule a one-time pick-up if I used UPS, as I do not do this full time. FedEx Ground is the way to go (at least for me).
