FedEx or UPS?

[Jackal]

Which of these two companies do you guys have the best experiences with. Buying from B&H lets you choose between the two and I'm just wondering.

I've ordered computer parts from newegg through FedEx and they delivered on time for both packages so I have no complaints on them. =).

How's UPS doing?

Just want to get some opinions before i go and order a few thousand dollars worth from B&H. Heh.

Thanks in advance.

[gramps]

whenever I have a choice I go with Fed Ex. When I was working...........many years ago.........I was in charge of traffic/shipping for a large company, Fed Ex was our #1 carrier.

[robertwgross]

In either case, those clowns just ring my doorbell, drop the package on the porch, and run.

---Bob Gross---

[RJSorensen]

Yep, I can never get to the door before the truck is gone down the lane . . . they must have work incentives or something. I use UPS, cause the color is more earth friendly.

[markubig]

I would say FedEx has better handling. Their boxes always arrive in good shape. UPS boxes can sometimes look like they've been tossed around. However FedEx is very expensive, so i usually take my chances and go with UPS.

But, like Bob said, both just ring the doorbell and leave the damn boxes . . . i'm surprised nothing's been stolen yet.

*knock knock* <-- knocking on wood

[PacAce]

In either case, those clowns just ring my doorbell, drop the package on the porch, and run.

---Bob Gross---
And I was going to say UPS and DHL just ring the doorbell and run but the FedEx guy always waits for the door to open before leaving. That's why I always prefer the FedEx guy. But maybe it all depends on the locality.

[Jackal]

On some occasions the Fedex guys have knocked ONCE very quickly then proceeded to haul ass out of there in his truck.

I don't get why they do this. They did it last time with $500 worth of computer hardware. What if I wasn't home? What if someone stole it? Since I didn't sign anything they would have to pay for the loss right? D:

[markubig]

I did notice that FedEx makes attempts at my house in the middle of the work-day, when most people are obviously NOT home. UPS, however, usually makes attempts after 5pm, so I get their deliveries on the 1st try.

[tim]

I use UPS because they're quite a bit cheaper when shipping to New Zealand. The packages always arrive in good condition, and their service is good. They make me ship to my credit card billing address, but I call UPS in New Zealand and redirect the package to work, no problems at all.

[FlipsidE]

I'm a FedEx man myself. UPS has gotten a bit better as of late, but they have neglected my packages, misrouted my packages, and left my packages out in the open for people to steal in the past.

I have zero faith in UPS, and I mean ZERO. Whenever I get a package shipped by them, I watch the tracking info like a hawk. To me, even the slightest questionable entry warrants a call to customer service because, based on their history, they probably screwed something up.

Never had that problem with FedEx. They have always delivered my packages w/out issue...ever last one of 'em.

FlipsidE

[cactusclay]

I think I like UPS better, because they won't leave a package if I'm not here to sign for it and I can go pick it up at night at their office, if I miss them.

[FlipsidE]

I think I like UPS better, because they won't leave a package if I'm not here to sign for it and I can go pick it up at night at their office, if I miss them.
- It's the exact opposite for me. UPS almost always leaves stuff at the door. For the stuff they don't leave, it always gets back to the distribution center after customer pick-up hours. So, I always have to wait til next delivery attempt or just tell them to hold it there and pick it up the next day.

FedEx on the other hand doesn't leave stuff at the door, but my package is always back at the distribution center by like 4:30PM. That means I still have like 2.5 hours to pick it up.

FlipsidE

[markubig]

u know who I've used with success recently, and who i think vendors should use more of? Priority/Express Mail from The United States Postal Service. i've been using them for shipping and people who i've bought from have been using them to ship to me . . . mostly ebay stuff . . . but anyway:

they're cheap
they offer shipping insurance
they give you a tracking number
they guarantee delivery (even on Sundays)
I seriously have not had one bad experience with packages through USPS . . . I even just bought a 550ex through this forum. He sent it on 2-3 day Priority mail (tues) and it arrived today (thurs). The mailman, who normally delivers my mail around 1:30, delivered the package, along with my mail at 5:30. even waited for me to answer the door. beats the other guys, if u ask me.

just my 2 cents.

[robertwgross]

And I was going to say UPS and DHL just ring the doorbell and run but the FedEx guy always waits for the door to open before leaving. That's why I always prefer the FedEx guy. But maybe it all depends on the locality.

Leo, maybe they heard that you were a big tipper.

---Bob Gross---

[Persian-Rice]

UPS, I have never liked FedEx.
Honestly CanadaPost has the best mail service on earth. Dirt cheap and REALLY fast.

[Maureen Souza]

Both those guys have left thousands of dollars worth of stuff on my porch without ringing the doorbell when we were home. Luckily my computer/hobby room faces the street and I can see them hauling butt out of here..they probably don't want to be having that conversation with me!!!

[Bodog]

The few times Packages have been lost, it was Fedex. I've also noticed that if a package is set to be delivered before the scheduled date, UPS will deliver early. Fedex lets it sit in the warehouse until the scheduled date.

[cmM]

UPS is slightly cheaper.
I'd say FedEX is the better carrier.

[markubig]

LOL!!! I literally just walked to the window and saw the FedEx truck in front of my house . . . Sure enough, the doorbell rang and i watched him jog back to the truck and drive off . . .

[Jackal]

I think I might go ahead with fedex since they've always been on time for me. I don't think I'll have a problem with someone not being home when it's delivered. Someone is usually always here.

[thomascanty]

Most of what I buy ships UPS, but when FedEx is an option I usually go with that. For some reason, they always deliver a day or two before the promised date. UPS is never early, and on a couple occasions have been late.

I have everything shipped to a Mailboxes Etc. address, where there's always someone there to accept the packages, so I don't have to worry about them leaving them on the door step. In fact, that's why I started using ME, after I had a couple packages stolen from in front of my door.

I've also noticed that if a package is set to be delivered before the scheduled date, UPS will deliver early. Fedex lets it sit in the warehouse until the scheduled date.

That's exactly opposite of my experience! :)

[Longwatcher]

My thoughts on the two of them

I trust both to usually deliver my packages to me.
At my home I trust UPS more, namely because they deliver around 6:30pm, as when when I am home, so I am usually there when they arrive. never had a misdirected package.

However at work, I trust FedEx more as we can actually use them to send classified packages (maybe this is why they will hold packages until stated delivery date/time). Can't use UPS because government apparently doesn't trust their package tracking as much.

If I know I am going to miss it at home no matter what I do, I prefer Fedex as the pickup facility is closer to me.

On the flip side though, FedEx has a worse habit of leaving expensive packages on front porch that require signature (like a 1DsMkII). UPS has a $1500 limit on automatic drop off according to my delivery guy. So the more expensive, the more I want UPS.

And lastly, my UPS guy is usually the same one every time, my FedEx rep changes everytime I see them.

[Jon]

UPS, I have never liked FedEx.
Honestly CanadaPost has the best mail service on earth. Dirt cheap and REALLY fast.

Yes. I've heard that about CanadaPost. But their storage fees are really high!

Actually, since 3-day UPS from B&H gets here the day after I order it, I stick with that. Why pay more for the same service? They all leave the box on the porch.

[johnleveritt]

Of the two, I trust FedEx more than UPS. If I have a choice, I always go with FedEx.

The reasons:

UPS actually lost a package for 2 weeks once. It somehow (according to UPS) got on an airplane flying from Las Vegas to Louisville and back, until somehow they were able to get it off of the airplane. And this started out as a "GROUND" shipment from Sacramento (prescriptions that I needed). I finally had to go down to the warehouse, and pickup my package (damaged). Somehow the warehouse people didn't even know that it was lost.

I always track my orders, and "several" times with UPS, the tracking was interrupted, saying that my package was somewhere that it wasn't. Yes, I did get it, but that wasn't the point.

I usually order all of my computers, and computer parts, and now my cameras and camera equipment, prescriptions etc. online. My wife and I have become part of the computer age and even she does most of her shopping online. We've tried shopping locally, and they just don't have most of what we need in stock. They always say "we can order it for you", and we say "If it has to be ordered anyway, why not just order it ourselves" (usually cheaper especially camera, and telescope equipment), and if we have a choice, we never us USPS, or UPS, we use FedEx, or DHL.

Here is our order of use:

FedEx, DHL (formally Airborne Express), UPS, USPS.

[Avalonthas]

Fedex is my choice. They dont hurry off and leave the package.

[swm2000]

USPS just leaves the package on your front door without a note. One time I had the contents of the package stolen. Even the packages that I get from them seem to be beat up.
UPS usually leaves the package behind the gate in my backyard. I haven't had a problem with them.
I always thought FedEx was more "professional" and more expensive. I guess it's not that case.

Here's a good comparison of the 2 companies (http://www.choosebetween.com/blog/?p=11)

[Jackal]

Well, since this thread was ressurected....I'll go ahead and say this.

Both Fedex and UPS leave your package at the door and run to their trucks. UPS lets it sit at the warehouse until the scheduled date. The one occasion they wanted a signature was for my Rebel XT....but on another occasion $600 worth in computer parts were sitting outside for a while.

I ordered some random computer parts a few days ago and I hear the fastest knock on a door possible. I run to my door and spot the truck driving away already. It took me a little under 8 seconds or so to get to my door and the UPS guy was already driving away.

I was doing some school work next to my window and I saw a UPS guy stop at my neighbors house. He gets out, runs out like a reciever who just caught a football, puts package down, knocks once, and dashes for the truck.

What if I wasn't home? My very expensive package is in clear view of everyone in the neighborhood.

Next time these guys do this I'll bring in the package and complain that I never got one. If that's what it takes to change their ways...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Hmm...at my house, which happens to be a business, although that's not advertised in the lawn or anything, the UPS man strolls right in the front door. Doesn't knock, doesn't ring the bell, doesn't call for anyone. Just comes right in, looks around to find me, throws a treat to my chihuahua, I sign for the package, and he says "see ya tomorrow". :-D I've never had anything left on the porch by UPS.

[cdifoto]

This is for everyone who has responded with problems.


All you have to do is call your local distribution center (look in the phone book) and tell them exactly how you want/need your packages to be delivered. I even arranged for the UPS and FedEx drivers to open the door of an old car I had sitting in the yard and put the package in there because I felt that was the safest place...and no one would think to look in there. Wierd, but they complied. Just communicate with them instead of bitching about it.

Chances are they'll tell the driver to stop for a few seconds to actually talk to you if you're home so you can arrange it face-to-face with your driver, rather than relying on a note in the system.

[joe_elway]

USPS just leaves the package on your front door without a note.

How about leaving the package 3 miles away because they couldn't find your location and were too busy to ask? I'll be having words with them on Monday.

[Bob_A]

As far as service and meeting delivery times go I have seen absolutely no difference between UPS and FedEx and used both many times. For anything from B&H I use UPS Expedited and they have a perfect track record.

[picard]

I hate UPS with a passion. UPS charge exorbitant brokerage fees for shipping products over the border. UPS charge higher fee than FedEX or any other shipper. The charge fee is higher than the product itself ! It is rediculous. UPS must have time incentive for delivery truck guy than FedEx hence I notice that UPS guy is always seem to be in real rush for no reason.

[cdifoto]

I hate UPS with a passion. UPS charge exorbitant brokerage fees for shipping products over the border. UPS charge higher fee than FedEX or any other shipper. The charge fee is higher than the product itself ! It is rediculous. UPS must have time incentive for delivery truck guy than FedEx hence I notice that UPS guy is always seem to be in real rush for no reason.

If you had a thousand packages to deliver in one day, you'd be in a rush too. That's a pretty darn good reason.

You aren't their only customer, and they have families to get home too also.

[Bob_A]

I hate UPS with a passion. UPS charge exorbitant brokerage fees for shipping products over the border. UPS charge higher fee than FedEX or any other shipper. The charge fee is higher than the product itself ! It is rediculous. UPS must have time incentive for delivery truck guy than FedEx hence I notice that UPS guy is always seem to be in real rush for no reason.

I've never had an extra brokerage fee from UPS for bringing anything over the border ever. If you pick the correct option it is included in the price and is very reasonable.

[Steve Parr]

UPS? Fedex?

I've heard horror stories with both. Thankfully, I've never had a problem with either of them myself.

When I ship, I tend to use UPS, though. No real reason, other than it's more convenient for me...

Steve

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Hell...I don't even know HOW to ship FedEx. I just never have. However, UPS Store is right down the street. Just always worked out better.

[Tom W]

I've received merchandise from both. Both do well, except around Christmas when the demand is so high that they both seem to fumble a bit.

Both are equally capable of requiring a signature when nobody is around, and both are equally capable of dropping expensive packages on the porch when nobody is around.

[MTalley]

I've been awfully keen on our good ol' Postal Service as of late. The last three times I've ordered photos from mpix.com, they've shipped USPS Priority Mail. All three times, when they've sent me an email telling me my order has shipped, the box has been sitting on my doorstep less than 48 hours later. And that is from Kansas to Alabama.

I usually have B&H ship small items (ink cartridges, for example) via USPS Priority Mail for the same reason. Generally, it is just as economical, if not a little more so, than UPS Ground.

[FlipsidE]

I hate UPS. They have neglected packages of mine, had drivers drop them only to have them stolen, misrouted packages, and even didn't leave them after I spoke with several people asking them to leave w/out signature (the dispatcher literally had to call the guy in the truck and get him to turn back around).

FedEx has never once missed a delivery date for me...and priority overnight packages have ALWAYS been here before 10:30AM...ALWAYS! IMO, it's WELL worth the money to go with FedEx.

[Tsmith]

I won't go into details too much but FedEx Ground here in South Mississippi has been horrible ever since Hurricane Katrina. UPS and FedEX Express are on Schedule though.

[queenbee288]

I always ship insured so they have to get a signature. Let me tell you my fedex story and why I dont use them. Someone at work signed for a package that wasnt ours. I called fedex and explained we signed without looking and package wasnt ours. He told me to sit it outside and they would come back and get it. I told him it was pouring down rain outside and I didnt feel comfortable putting it outside. I suggested he call the intended recipient and see if they wanted to come and get it. Fedex finally picked the package up 3 days later. I will never use fedex. If I am expecting a package and not sure if I will be home, I put a note on door asking them to leave it with my next door neighbor whom I trust.

[Tom W]

I always ship insured so they have to get a signature. Let me tell you my fedex story and why I dont use them. Someone at work signed for a package that wasnt ours. I called fedex and explained we signed without looking and package wasnt ours. He told me to sit it outside and they would come back and get it. I told him it was pouring down rain outside and I didnt feel comfortable putting it outside. I suggested he call the intended recipient and see if they wanted to come and get it. Fedex finally picked the package up 3 days later. I will never use fedex. If I am expecting a package and not sure if I will be home, I put a note on door asking them to leave it with my next door neighbor whom I trust.

FedEx left a package at my house just before Christmas this year. Problem is, it wasn't my package. Right house number, wrong street. Rather than go through the trouble of dealing with them (I was leaving town the next morning), I took the package and hand-delivered it to it's proper address. The receiving party was pleased.

The holidays bring out the worst in delivery companies. UPS misdirected one of my packages this December, resulting in about 5 days' delay. It went north when it should have gone south. They corrected it, but I caught it in the tracking (until the erased the errant "re-directed, UPS error" message). I expect problems over the holidays from all delivery companies.

[johnnybfan]

In either case, those clowns just ring my doorbell, drop the package on the porch, and run.

---Bob Gross---

Yup, I've even told them that I wanted it sent "signature required" and they dumped it off the truck as they motored past.:confused::confused::):) I would much rather go FedEx now.

[renegade]

7 days from Amazon.com to me in New zealand, including weekend days with UPS - no problems.

[liza]

I just have all my stuff delivered to work via UPS. They've left too many packages on my doorstep in the past for me to consider any other option.

[cking2]

Well when I buy something from NewEgg they make me us Fedex...given a choice like b&H does I would rather use Brown (UPS). Simple reason is that I can never gage when FedEx is going to show up, and UPS driver is there like clockwork at 10:30 am. At my old office building I preferred FexEx because I liked my Driver (She ate at a churches chicken franchise we owned.).....so when we had packages she would get them there quickly.

I WONT EVER use DHL(Airborne) because they once lost a very important package...refused to take any responsibility and in general aren't up to snuff despite their new yellow trucks.

Rick

[msad1217]

Well, for me, FedEx has performed better. When I order from NewEgg and choose their Express Saver, two days later and it's here. And the reviews the FedEx express saver get at NewEgg is amazing. It doesn't matter where in the US they ship to. People always say they get their order in two days. Plus the shipping fees are cheap.

I have another example of a UPS blunder for you.

I needed two satellite receivers from Directv. So they sent me two via UPS overnight. So the next day, mind you, I was home, I have a doorbell and my gate was open. So what did I find when I walked outside to get my mail? A box just inside my gate. Yup, UPS just left it there where everyone can see it. But that is not the end of the story. When I opened the box I was expecting two receivers but only got one. So, I figured Directv sent the receivers in two separate boxes. But I started to wonder, if D* sent the boxes at the same time, shouldn't I have received the boxes at the same time as well? Oh well, I guess it'll come the next day I said. So I waited the next day and nothing, no UPS, no box. So I called D* and said that I did not receive the 2nd box. They checked and the tracking said it was delivered, I adamantly told them that I only received one box. While I was talking to D* csr, I heard a knock on my door, it was my neighbor. He said he just came home from a business trip and saw the D* box on his front porch. UPS left it there. Why did UPS leave my receiver at his house, the only thing we could figure out was that my house address is 3401 and his is 3407. Did they actually check the name? I guess they think there's two Manny Adamas in my neighborhood. Go figure.