My first trade, and its getting returned to me.

UPS could of confiscated the box and you'll be out $20 and 6 beer.

FedEx is the prefer carrier. Never had any issues with them.

 

Too true.

 

I alway pre-print the label and just drop off the box to avoid any sort of conversation. UPS asked me once what was inside the box and I replied nicely, "none of your business", no issues.

Edit: Also, you could have just used your original thread right below

 

I've had a FedEx box returned to me for the same reason (contains alcohol). I always say "motorcycle parts" with UPS and that seems to work because it explains the weight to the box.

 

Never once had an issue with FedEx. I pack boxes tightly, use bottle shipping boxes when available and I always use the option for them to pick the boxes up at my house. I know it costs an extra buck or two but it's well worth it to not have to deal with the yahoos in the store being all up in my business.

 

If you have a job, ship from your workplace. Probably the safest and easiest way to ship. Especially if they have regularly scheduled pickups. Be sure to put the business name on the label even if you use your home address. If packed nice, you will never have any issues. You won't get questions or suspicion of contents. If you are lucky and your employer allows it, you can take advantage of any business discount rates they may have and/or packaging materials. Have had success with FedEx, UPS, and SpeeDee (if local), though I almost exclusively ship FedEx. Don't have to drop off box, pay for pickup, or talk to shipping carrier staff.

 

Especially in California. I've started double boxing my wine shippers due to this paranoia. Lost a very expensive box to FedEx (just missing, not rejected, siezed, etc) that said 6x750ML on the outside.

 

Big box of dildos always works for me. "What's the sloshing sound?"...Industrial sized lubricant.

For real reals: UPS in my experience almost encourages the shipment of alcohol. It's FedEx that are the goobers!

Well...expect a nice threatening letter that you can place with pride on your refrigerator. Next time OP! Next time!

 

Sucks, but it happens (though never to me yet....knock on wood). I know many people swear by wine shippers, but they are a very distinctive shape, & I generally avoid them for that reason. Don't let this scare you away from trading (or quit right now & remain much more wealthy).

 

That sucks OP. Did you get the shipping cost refunded?
I would try to ship the same box with FedEx. I have only shipped about 12 beer packages, but so far so good.

 

I've never had problems with either shipping company... until I did.

Truth is, the fate of your box will depend far more on the individuals handling and processing your box than the company they work for.

 

Think you are on to something here. Also, the one and only time I had a box returned to me it never left the drop off. The guy there said "my driver picked it up and heard the Styrofoam squeeking and set it right back down and said its alcohol. We didn't even have to open it". so its a good idea to pack styro shippers with material on the side that prevents the pieces from rubbing together and squeeking....

 

I have probably shipped out 150 boxes with UPS, everyone delivered with no problem.

 

But it doesn't explain the sloshing

 

If you pack it well it shouldn't slosh. And enough with the macaroni lol! I really don't think that's fooling anyone, if anything I think it might tip people off. Nobody ships loose macaroni.

 

I prefer FedEx but there are one or two places in Vermont & possibly Pennsylvania where there are ongoing ugly problems with FedEx. I've started asking people if there are problems with a particular carrier in their area.

 

I've heard horror stories about vt FedEx but I've received probably 20 trades and sent quite a few with them but never had an issue. I use the Williston hub which is where issues were reported. If you have a box with fragile written all over it and it looks like it could be an alchohol shipper I would guess they may check. I've found that using old amazon or granger supply boxes seem to work well. Also if your friendly and talkative with the clerk at FedEx it goes a long way.