UPS vs. side pipes

[G B.]

To Whom It May Concern:

I sent a pair of small block side pipes from Alabama to Kentucky two weeks ago. My MasterCard was immediately billed $30.70 for this 44 pound shipment when I made out the mandatory computer generated shipping label. I wrapped the two pipes tightly in cardboard. Of course the package had an "L" shape that measured roughly 88" tip-to-tip the long way and 8" x 8" square.

Tonight I received an e-mail surcharge notice from UPS for an additional $69.40 in shipping charges! That makes the total bill a stout $100.10 for taking a 44 pound package about 600 miles by truck.

They based this surcharge on an imaginary retangular box shape that would have held the pipes if I had packaged them that way. Then, based on this gigantic imaginary box size, they added 46 pounds to the actual weight to get a "billable weight" of 90 pounds.

I'm you can visualize what UPS can do with their surcharge.

Sincerely,

A new Fed Ex Ground customer

[G B.]

Edited version

I'm so mad at UPS I can't even type straight.

I meant to spell "reCtangular" rather than "retangular".

Also, I meant to say "I'm SURE you can visualize..." in the last sentence. You really shouldn't try to visualize it though, because my comments back to UPS were not very nice.

[Rob A.]

Re: Edited version

I understand your frustration. I used to ship all the time using UPS ground. I finally found out that the same packages could be shipped FEDEX ground, not only much cheaper, but quicker as well. Although they don't seem to advertise it much, FEDEX is the much better way to ship ground packages. I've sent over 75 separate packages over the last 18 months, and without exception, each was less expensive with FEDEX.

[frank mccracken]

Re: Edited version

I shipped a pair of Late model Camaro bucket seats 400 mi on a Greyhound bus for $17.00. To my door.

[Larry S.]

Re: Edited version

More and More i am requesting products I purchase in my company to come VIA fed ex if possible.

[Larry Parylla #41143]

Re: Edited version

I have had a few lost or stolen packages with UPS. The drivers just left the packages on my doorstep without waiting to see if anyone is home. I had a dispute with them over a lost $295 knife sharpener. They accused me of lying about it being stolen. It took me months to get a replacement. I tried to avoid UPS before this happened, now I am even more adamant about not using UPS. I always ask for FED EX or US mail. If the company says they only ship UPS I usually refuse to buy from them.

[Charlie P.]

Re: UPS vs. side pipes

UPS is my last choice among shippers these days. In addition to the problmes cited, they are famous for damaging stuff too. I have had real good results with the post office, although they tend to be quite pricey. Never had a claim with them though, so I don't know how cooperative they are when it comes to that.

[M W.]

Re: UPS vs. side pipes

To all who are interested,
I am a 15 year emplyee of United Parcel Service. I can honestly say that even I have had packages lost or damaged with my own company. In our business it's extremely dificult to be 100% careful with everyone's package. As hard as our company tries to be careful it does happen. I certainly do not understand how anyone can say that the USPS is any better. I haven't personally had much experience with FEDEX but I do know we(UPS)are securing accounts almost weekly lost to FEDEX over the last few years due to cost and customer satisfaction. To anyone here who has had problems with UPS, let me be the first to apologize for your loss and please don't lose all hope for us. We will do our best to make you a happy customer. UPS has been around almost 100 years and we hope to be here for at least another 100.
Respectfully,
Craig Willetts
A-300 Capt.
1961 2x4 245 Hp

[G B.]

We'll see

Craig -

I don't blame you for sticking up for UPS. It has always had the reputation of being a good place to work. I get along fine with my Mobile deliveryman and the folks at the Mobile terminal.

So... rather than just dispute the charge through MasterCard, I'm going to visit the local customer counter tomorrow. I'll take a dimensioned drawing of the package with me and see what UPS says after some reflection. If they then confirm the $100 charge version, I'm going to take my future business directly to Fed Ex Ground. They may not be better, but there's not much chance they'll be more expensive.

Jerry

[Larry Parylla #41143]

Re: UPS vs. side pipes

I put part of the blame on the company. My guess is they give the driver too many stops per day so that the driver has no choice but to ring the bell and run back to the truck for his next stop. Or many times they just leave the package on the doorstep and hope that no one passing by takes it. I have a big problem with this as a hand gun shooter that does his own reloading I sometime buy 5 to 10 pounds of gun powder at a time. I am very worried about someone seeing a package containing 10 pounds of gunpowder on my doorstep left there by UPS and walking off with it. The last time I bought gunpowder I was told that the only way I could get it shipped was by UPS so I had no choice.

[M W.]

Re: We'll see

Jerry,
As a pilot for UPS I rarely see the workings going on inside of the local hubs. Do keep in mind that our drivers are a Union group and they work under tight labor rules. I am certain that the pressure of time is always on the drivers mind no matter what. I guess the bottom line is the package must be delivered whether you are home or not. Knowing this makes no difference I will apoligize again for your frustrartion. Now keep in mind when you speak with our customer service dept.( 800-PickUPS) you are dealing with non-UPS folks. They are an outside firm we hired to be the initial contact people. I sometimes feel they are trained to say "it's your fault" hoping you will just go away. Never the less we are a Fortune 100 company who has strived on customer satisfaction and I truly hope it happens in your situation when finished. Dealing with your local hub directly is the best bet. Lastly let me say "it's customers like you that keep me driving my 1961 around town".
Regards,
Craig Willetts
A-300 Captain
1961 2x4 245 HP
Vin# 4719
Proud NCRS member
#36551

[M W.]

Re: UPS vs. side pipes

Larry,
In your case I do believe you can request that any package containing material no safe for the general public not be left at your door unless signed for. We do have strict rules governing this and I appreciate you mentioning it. We ship lots of hazardous material daily and we are strictly governed by the Federal Government. I would hate to know UPS could lose certain contracts due to the negliance of our drivers. Please make your shipper(powder supplier) aware of the needed signature. You take care and I hope you have better experiences with UPS in the future. As I stated before in another post it's great customers like you that keep me driving my 1961 around town.
Best Regards,
Craig Willetts
1961 2x4 245 HP
vin #4719
NCRS# 36551

[Paul E. Young]

Re: UPS vs. side pipes

My UPS driver takes my parts packages to my back deck when I'm not home. He always recloses the gate and I am very thankful to say that I have never had a problem. I remember him at Christmas and always thank him when I do see him. He does a great job. Paul

[Dick W.]

Re: Edited version

I have had good and bad experiences with UPS, USPS, and FedX. No one is perfect. The shipper of LAST RESORT is USPS. They cannot consistentlly deliver mail 50 miles in one day, let alone handle parcels.

My UPS driver is friendly and goes out of his way to help me. Yes they have damaged freight for me, but not matter who you ship with, this is a fact of life.

My FEDX driver is a lot better looking than the UPS driver. She is a friendly and helpful as my UPS driver.

Every USPS office that I have ever tried to ship thru has been a real hassle. I shipped a set of brake calipers to Europe, did not take but seven weeks. They told me that was acceptable. Tracking an item is next to impossible.

I can understand Jerry's flustration, but mistakes do happen.

[Dave Suesz]

I could tell "Brown" horror stories, like...

The time they:

Delivered a center console flattened to 1/4" high, cast metal parts and all.

Denied a damage claim for a chrome steel bumper which was folded in half due to "inadequate packaging". They finally paid when we asked the regional manager what sort of crate was stronger than a CAR BUMPER.

Delivered an invoice envelope marked 100+ lbs with absolutely no explaination of what happened to the 140lb wooden crate with a TRANSMISSION in it. Never found it, never paid the claim.

Delivered a new BB water pump to a customer in England BROKEN IN HALF. What'd they do, drop it from the plane as they passed over London?

"Brown" indeed!