Fedex vs. UPS (w/ Poll)

I started out shipping UPS. Got an exception. They threw my package away. No insurance, no refund, no explanation of what happened. I then started shipping Fedex and haven't had any problems. Ive discovered in browsing the forums and reading peoples encounters that if something happens to your package, Fedex handles the situation a lot better than the BROWN CLOWNS.

 

I use both..REally no difference in price for me that I have noticed...

 

OP, you have GOT to start using the search function before an idea for a new thread pops up in your mind. I just searched the word "fedex" across the forum, selecting search titles only, and found at least 4 other threads exactly like this one (Fedex vs. UPS is the most common title). This is a lot of forum crowding of repetitive topics, please do us a favor and just rehash really old threads so that we can get more alerts without destroying our P/L ratios.

 

What size box did you use? Where were you shipping from and to? These things make a difference in price.

 

Yes, there are pages of threads about this topic if you search.

These poll results about line up with what I've seen - 80-90% of traders around here use Fedex. It's cheaper, does Saturday home delivery, and is often a day quicker on long trips. Ultimately though, they offer the same service, and some people use UPS due to drop-off convenience.

You have to create an online account with Fedex for the best pricing.

 

Yup, East coast to West coast cost $$ no matter size or weight.

 

I agree with cbeer, make sure you set up a FedEx account. The savings add up.

 

A word of advice: don't bother entering box dimensions. It's only purpose is to increase your cost, you'll never see a reduction benefit in your pricing.

 

I work at UPS and will never ever use them again to ship. After watching how the guys handle the packages and how many packages I see that get busted open night after night, it is ridiculous. Plus their shipping rates are higher as well. FedEx all day long, especially since you don't have to fork out $40/year for an account!

 

I shipped UPS originally because of convenience. There are two drop-off locations within 3 blocks of my apartment. On pricing though, Fedex can't be beat. I just shipped a 20lb standard 14x14x14 box from NYC to Cali. Paid $40+ from UPS. Just got quoted $25 from Fedex AND one less day for delivery time. I really hope this box gets there safely...

 

what are you a new hire? you do realize that fedex employees probably handle boxes just as bad as ups workers right? also what 40$/year are you talking about? I don't pay any fee for a ups shipping account, on top of that we as ups workers get a 8% shipping discount. I think you should quit ups and go work for fedex!

 

You don't need to have a ship center close by - just use the "schedule a pick up" option. It's free and they come to you.

 

I self deliver all packages. That way I get to visit each place I'm shipping to and share the beers. Look into it, it could be cheaper and easier.

Oh...and we're both in MD so if you ever want to bring me bottles I'm game.

 

Is this really necessary? I always thought people would use the most convenient service for them, what's closer, who seems to pick up earliest or latest or whatever.


Oh shit, never mind, there's a poll!

 

Fedex for the Saturday delivery and they'll hold packages at FedEx Office stores for free, UPS charges $5 to hold it at a UPS Store.

 

Why the hell would you ship a 5 pound box across country? That was your first mistake.....

 

I chose Other. Clearly carrier pigeon.

 

I use fedex cause its more convenient for me location wise. Although when I'm shipping glassware or any non beer items, I use usps and they are considerably much cheaper.

 

African or European?

I use FedEx, because it seems to be cheaper, and the FedEx store is closer to my home. Mostly a matter of convenience.

 

FedEx is cheaper and waay more convenient for me.
If I don't think I'll be home for a delivery, I can use Hold at Location for free and pick it up at my convenience.

UPS makes me drive all the way to their shipping center, but only after they have tried to deliver 2 or 3 times and sit in their grungy shit-hole of a waiting area in a seat stained with decades of ass sweat with a couple dozen other people for an unknown amount of time until the truck arrives.

 

Home pickup is not actually free - it's $3 - you probably just aren't noticing the itemized cost in there. That's pretty much the only way I ship, and it's certainly cheap enough, but it does cost something...

 

When I traded, I only used FedEx and only because it was always cheaper than UPS.

 

Fedex all the way....more facilities where I live that are open 24 hours and friendly staff..oh and THEY DELIVER ON SATURDAY

 

I have shipped out two boxes , used Fed Ex for both and have been pleases with the service , it helps that the Kinkos is 2 blocks from my house and open late and the shipping seems to be cheaper than UPS

 

So I realize this is a bump...

But my last two trades my trading partner from the opposite coast shipped on a Monday, as did I. I shipped FedEx and he gets his box Friday. He ships his UPS, I get it the following Monday. And it's gonna be warm next weekend....

UPS blows.

 

I use to swear by UPS. They had UPS stores every where. Prices were pretty decent...then 2015 happened. The same shipments I made nearly doubled in price. They started remeasuring boxes and rounding up on the size.

My shipment to Washington DC
UPS: $35
FedEx: $21

Now I drive out of my way to go to FedEx. UPS you lost a loyal customer.

 

Even though you are kidding, and I am quoting a 2 year old post... I recently had a problem with double billing from fedex that forced me to do an audit of all my invoices and... seeing what I have paid in postage just in the last 6 months was sobering. Enough for three different round trip tickets all over the country probably... could have attended some beer events, lined up a bunch of IP trades, met some penpals, etc.

Time to rethink all this

 

wow. the last i saw you post about this situation you were about to bunker down to do your research. now that you have the numbers, thats terrifying that it adds up to so much. and it was on your CC so it didnt bring up any red flags on your account which is the scariest part. Is this fraud? Maybe? Maybe not? Maybe its just a billing error and in that case you should get all of your money back easy peasy.

I shipped my first trade box today and the price of the same service, same weight was cheaper from fedex and got there on saturday instead of UPS monday. so naturally i went with fed ex.

I think that as long as you keep a close eye on your accounts and nothing weird pops up, the pros vs cons of shipping fedex vs ups outweigh another and fedex is the better option.

the real question now is --- are you going to switch over to UPS for all future shippings?

 

@tokimedo well, in the above quote I am talking about ALL my postage costs, not just the double charges. So far I have only found $100 in mistaken charges but I tell you what... if they make it hard AT ALL for me to get my money back I will strongly consider switching to UPS

 

http://online-shipping-blog.endicia...ricing-you-may-be-paying-more-than-you-think/

The new policy sucks...

 

FedEx staff is nosier about packaging and contents. UPS is more expensive and usually a day slower. I just alternate between the two.

 

yeah, just saw your post in your thread. still shitty though.

 

I don't think there is doubt anymore that FedEx is cheaper than UPS if you have an account. For reliability and safety of contents I think from all the posts made on the subject for years now it matters a lot
-what part of the country you send to
-what part of the country you send from
-sometimes as specific as certain hubs better for certain cities/areas.

Both companies seem to have specific performance characteristics that vary greatly location to location.

Random observation: in the 2 years since start of this thread/poll, using USPS has become more common and accepted.

 

Having had both accounts, I can tell you that UPS is 100% cheaper, by a long shot Dave. Though granted, I created a "small business" and get an 18% shipping discount via UPS.

 

-bold added-

You sure? That's a pretty big savings.

 

I disagree. That box I just sent you came to $34. The last box (similar size) I sent you a couple of months ago (through Fedex) cost in the low $20's. I know rates increased some for each carrier but damn that's a pretty big discrepancy.