Shipping. Fed ex or UPS? Cost wise..

FedEx is cheaper. That said I use UPS because in 150 packages there have been 3 problems, all 3 of them FedEx.

 

Like cavedave said, FedEx is cheaper. I've shipped around 50 packages, no issues. [knocks on wood]

 

Fedex is cheaper.
Make an account and print your own labels regardless of who you choose.
Make your decision based on your local office. The difference is really negligible, problem are few and far between and either company will be just as likely to have one as the other.

 

I'd go with Fedex. They deliver on Saturdays too.

I find Fedex better overall. I shipped a box from MA, not BA related, with UPS to NY and it took them four days to get it there. I used FedEx (BA related), and they got a package to NY in less than 24hrs.

 

In well over 100 trades using FedEx without a problem, I won't be switching anytime soon. I always have my outgoing boxes picked up by FedEx at my house (love this option!). I assume UPS has this option as well, but I'm not sure? It has been my experience that FedEx generally gets to its destination at least one day before UPS. This doesn't even take into account that FedEx delivers of Saturdays, where UPS doesn't.

 

It quite depends on the level of service each one offers to your area as well. Depending on where their distribution center is and where you are the service can vary. They can also be more or less strict on the alcohol policy. Where I live right now UPS doesn't deliver until around 8:00 PM or so and last time dropped off to the wrong house... I definitely avoid them now.

 

I agree with you on this one dale. i have done a few trades recently and it seems like Fed Ex is always the faster service. Consistently by one day and sometimes 2 days. I always have used UPS, but thats because UPS is closer than a fed ex store.

 

FedEx gets boxes from North Carolina to the Bay area by Saturday if I drop off before last pickup on Monday. If I drop off at UPS on Monday morning, it doesn't land until the following Monday, but it costs more.

 

I've sent over 200 boxes and have used FedEx about 90% of the time with no issues and they are almost always cheaper.

 

FedEx seems both cheaper and faster to me and I haven't had any issues thus far. They even delivered a box that was soaked in beer (one of the caps was bad and it leaked).

 

I use Uline bottle shippers...which I believe have Fragile and "this way up" arrows on the sides.

I've used FedEx Ground, via an authorized FedEx outlet, exclusively for ~20 trades (knock on wood), no issues and they are the cheapest.

 

I have used both and find FedEx to be faster and a bit cheaper. Never had an issue with either one

 

I've wrote Fragile, and drawn the upward arrows on most of the boxes I have sent with no issues.

 

1. most warehouse workers and drivers are are busy enough that they will not even pay attention to any unnecessary marking or stickers on the box.
2. You get an employee having a real bad day I suppose your box could become a source of stress relief.
3. If you do not have an account and just drop of your box, these markings could lead to unnecessary questions.

Bottom line is that putting fragile or this end up on the box is more about making the shipper feel better about the box in transit, it does not really provide any extra attention. I could be wrong but I have a feeling I am not.

 

UPS is odd.

Shipped 4lbs to NorCal today from San Diego - $14. Shipped 12lbs to Missouri: $14. Wtf?

 

I have an account and a fedex location made me peel fragile stickers off of a box I was reusing. First they told me they couldn't take the box if it was fragile. So I stood on it (12 bottle styro with lots of padding), then they made me peel them off while they questioned what was in it.

 

I don't think it's worth writing fragile. Just pack your box to withstand anything. I sent out a box today that I think could withstand a farther drop than I could. I'd be willing to bet I could chuck it out of my bedroom window on the 2nd floor and it'd be fine. I can't take all the credit, since I just sent a box that I got in a trade. Moral is, just pack the hell out of your boxes and you'll be able to sleep soundly at night while they have your brew.

Oh, and I only use FedEx. No issues here.