Sending Photo equip. USPS vs. Fedex

I used to work at a UPS hub for four years and I tell people not to use them to ship things they really care about. I order lots of things online and whenever given the option to choose the shipper, I ALWAYS choose something other than UPS. I've been part of the inner workings of a package's journey from A to B and I know how packages get treated. Let's just say that when the workforce is union (Teamsters), it takes a lot to get fired or even disciplined.

Wondering why UPS isn't on the list. I've successfully received many items via UPS Ground. I've also returned some items back to Amazon via Ground and it arrived successfully.

GO UPS!

My experiences:

- Package handling at FedEx and UPS is no better than USPS. Moot point all around.

- USPS's Delivery Confirmation is NOT tracking, it's just what it's called... Delivery Confirmation. USPS sorely lacks on that point.

- UPS tends to always be a bit more expensive than FedEx. USPS is more competitive than either, but does have it's limitations for really expensive stuff when insurance is involved.

- I always hear people relate that they've had so many bad USPS experiences and always wonder who the hell they pissed off in a past life. Must be some seriously bad karma, or something. My experience has been overall very good with them.

USPS is always my first choice with FedEx a close second. I never consider UPS anymore.

USPS lost my Phone once and it took me 3 witting letters with LOTS of evidence pointing to that they are at faul, which they didn't want to believe me, and tried to denial my claim. Finally, with the final letter i CIRCLE, POINTED OUT, And HIGHLIGHT all the main evidence showing that they are at faults. Then they mail me a check 3months later. IMO if anything is over 100 i rather go with UPS or FEDEX. BTW they just ship it to the wrong ZIP code and forget about it. So someone came up with a new phone for free. this doesn't mean that their service is bad just that it's very frustrating. nonetheless, i still use them till this day.

I like tracking so USPS is fading from my favor for anything I've very worried about. UPS and FedEx are about tied for me. I've had more UPS experience and it's been smooth as silk.

I just got something from Canon service and they use Fedex. If that means anything to you.

tkbslc wrote in post #8206162
I just got something from Canon service and they use Fedex. If that means anything to you.

Not really. Could be any number of reasons that have nothing to do with the shipping itself. FedEx might send a truck to pick the packages up, for example, and that alone makes a difference to them.

photoguy6405 wrote in post #8206236
Not really. Could be any number of reasons that have nothing to do with the shipping itself. FedEx might send a truck to pick the packages up, for example, and that alone makes a difference to them.

I know, I was just throwing it out there. I think they all suck equally and I use USPS for sheer conveneince.

I've used USPS for years with no problems at all. The only time I was a bit worried is when I shipped to Canada and it took over 2 weeks to get to the destination. Fed-ex is usually more expensive in my experience.

speed_dmon wrote in post #8202471
I used to work at a UPS hub for four years and I tell people not to use them to ship things they really care about. I order lots of things online and whenever given the option to choose the shipper, I ALWAYS choose something other than UPS. I've been part of the inner workings of a package's journey from A to B and I know how packages get treated. Let's just say that when the workforce is union (Teamsters), it takes a lot to get fired or even disciplined.

I had a couple friends who worked for Fed-Ex and it was the same deal...they threw packages around without any concern for the contents at all. Watching them load the trucks a couple times made me cringe...lol USE LOTS OF BUBBLE WRAP!

I rarely use anything other than USPS. Especially using Priority mail, since they'll deliver all the boxes you want to your doorstep w/o charge.

I use USPS 100% of the time. I've shipped well over $100k worth of equipment without a single issue. For anything you're insuring for more than about $2k you should use USPS registered/priority. The shipping price drops dramatically compared to regular priority and the package is signed for by every person that touches it along the way.

photoguy6405 wrote in post #8206236
Not really. Could be any number of reasons that have nothing to do with the shipping itself. FedEx might send a truck to pick the packages up, for example, and that alone makes a difference to them.

Canon only uses fedex. Bad business practice if you ask me. Customers should have a choice of shippers. I am never at home for the fedex guy so I have to go pick it up, which takes about 1.5 hrs. out of my day.

I agree with most here. USPS is the worst for tracking which I and most here seem to agree is very important. I've used UPS and FedEx numerous times without any problems.

To save some extra cash, I have a UPS and FedEx account (create one on there website and it's completely free) and I print my own labels and it's always cheaper than walking into a FedEx or UPS store/location and have them print the label for you.

Mostly use UPS ground but use Fedex ground once in a while. Just have to pack the equipment very well. Double pack and bubble wrap every thing. I insure things mainly for complete loss rather than shipping damage. UPS will almost always deny claim if the item is shipped with non-manufactor packaging. Their initial response is usually inadequate packaging.