I have shipped somewhere around 3,000 parcels in the last several
years. I used to ship with UPS quite a few years ago. In the "old
days" UPS would terminate an employee found throwing boxes. You guys
who have been around for a while probably remember receiving parcels
from UPS. They always looked like they were just packed and handed to
you. Those days are long gone... union rules, competition, etc. have
eroded that to an awful state. UPS now has "customer service" agents
who's SOLE job is to deny claims. When a customer calls to complain
about a denied claim they are forwarded to these specialists who are
trained to properly frame the case so the shipper is made responsible.
I know this because a friend who had a really bad experience got one
of these agents to admit just that. UPS made a business decision to
handle the volume via any method possible, then shifted the damage
responsibility to us... while happily taking our "insurance" money.
But for me the kicker was this... I fly private jets for a living.
About 6 or 7 years ago I did some charter work. We got called to fly
some trips for UPS during the holidays when their planes couldn't
handle the volume. I went to a UPS sort center in California to get
our load. I could not believe what I was seeing inside that building.
I'm not sure I could properly describe the abject abuse here, but
the place is a sea of noise, MOSTLY from the sound of hundreds of
packages a minute banging against aluminum walls after being hurled
about 20 feet from a conveyor belt to rows of metal containers that
were about 10'x15'. Boxes were then stacked floor to ceiling by one
or two guys in the container. Heavier boxes were pushed, rolled, and
flopped in any way needed to get them moved quickly. No time was ever
taken to read fragile stickers or arrange them so heavy boxes were on
the bottom and light ones stacked on top. This center was layered
with conveyors that were as high as 15 to 20 feet above the concrete
floor. I saw a large heavy box fall from one of these belts. It hit
the floor, the box burst open, and peanuts went everywhere. About 5
minutes later two employees arrived, rolled the box so the (very
large) hole was up, stuffed some of the peanuts back in the box, put
about a mile of duct tape around the box, and put it back on the
conveyor. NO attempt was made to inspect the contents or properly
repack the item or even ensure it was at least properly positioned
within the peanuts. Needless to say, the thought of sending a heavy
amplifier, oscilloscope, television, etc. via UPS is very scary to me.
I never shipped anything of any degree of delicacy with UPS again...
My business went to Prority Mail... which had (oddly enough) really
cleaned up their act. They used much smaller containers and the price
was reasonable. Then about 2 years ago Priority Mail essentially
doubled their rates. I switched to FEDEX Ground and have been
extremely happy.
There is really no reason to use UPS anymore. Priority Mail and Fedex
Ground are very good alternatives. Also remember, you pay a VERY high
premium when delivering your goods to the "pack & ship" stores. Even
if they don't do any packing, they add a big chunk to the bill for
themselves. You're far better to drive the extra mile to a UPS or
Fedex location with any significant box.
73,
Dennis
NØSP
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