Shipping Corvette Parts via UPS

[Geoff C.]

[Jack H.]

Re: Shipping Corvette Parts via UPS

Yep, UPS isn't always the best deal these days. For a small shipper like myself, FedEx Ground/Home, seems to regularly beat the UPS Surface 'rack rate' by a solid 22-28% on domestic shipments. When going overseas, you can do the customer a SOLID favor in terms of rates by using USPS (Air Letter Post service for small packages or Economy Surface for bigger/heavier parcels).

It's amazing how many commercial houses don't want to use the US Post Office when the competing carriers (UPS/FedEx) always base overseas rates on air freight vs. bona fide ocean/surface! Yep, it DOES take 5-8 weeks, but for the savings involved it can be a SIGNIFICANT, cost effective, alternative to the customer!

Last, you can really be a 'hit' with foreign customers IF you're willing to roll up your sleeves and shop freight alternatives for them. I just sent five C1 wheels with repro tires mounted on 'em to the UK. The 'best' commercial rate I could find was through the USPS, Economy Surface at $98/wheel (had to be boxed and I 'squeaked by' with 2-inches to spare on length + girth). However, when I had Freightquote.com shop the deal for me using dock-to-dock, air freight, space-available (customer has to go to the airport and clear customs himself), the rate for all five wheels/tires fell to $205 with a guarantee of 6-days in transit.

Nope, there ARE deals to be had but it seems few commercial parts houses want to go the extra mile for their customers in terms of shopping delivery alternatives to the 'standard' ensemble of carriers....

[Geoff C.]

I'll bet you don't ship many packages a week *NM*

[Jack H.]

Nope, only 10-30.... *NM*

[Geoff C.]

[Rob A.]

Re: Shipping Corvette Parts via UPS

I couldn't agree more, I used to use UPS, assuming it was less than Fedex. I was wrong, Fedex is not only ALWAYS less expensive, but faster, and I use it all the time. I set up an account and use their website to prepare shipments and print labels. If you use each of their websites(UPS & FEDEX) and enter weight and dimensions of a package you can see the difference.

[Greg L.]

Vendors who only use UPS

I also agree that UPS is way out of line with all thier fees...especially the brokerage fees for coming into Canada! They are slow too. I took three weeks for a package to get from ZIP to Alberta and that was in September. Without getting into all the details, all I will say is that any company that only uses UPS has forced me to cross them off of my list for vendors during my restoration. So far, Corvette Central is one and I think the good old Doc will only use UPS to Canada as well...too bad...I think Doc Rebuild has some good stuff...

[Doug C.]

Re: Vendors who only use UPS

Couldn't agree more. Living up here in the Great White North you may as well bend over and grab your ankles when UPS shows up at your door with an international shipment. USPS and Canada Post are the only way to go.

[Greg L.]

Re: Vendors who only use UPS

Since you feel as I do about UPS, I have a question for you. How in the heck can a guy convince these vendors in the states to use USPS? They all give me this big long story about UPS being the only way to track a package if it gets lost. To be honest with you, even if I lost a package or two, I would still be way ahead of the game if I were to add up all of UPS's fees over the years.

[Paul O.]

Re: Shipping Corvette Parts via UPS

I have switched many of my shipments to DHL, USA and International there cost seems to be better then FEDEX or UPS. They also deal better with odd size items. Paul

[Mike M.]

Re: Vendors who only use UPS

UPS shipping into Canada is a rip off. They charge a percentage of the value to do the customs paper work. I live in Niagara Falls Canada and there are a few places that receive parcels in the US and its just a short drive across to pick them up and clear customs. If your close to the boarder this is a option. Mike

[John R.]

Re: Shipping Corvette Parts via UPS

Airborne, DHL and FedEx ground are all less than UPS. I shipped a large Toyota Landcruiser bumper to a residential address in the State of Washington last month and was charges $46.00 by FedEx Ground compared to $112.00 estimated by UPS. I like FedEx Ground because of the ease in dealing with manifests, other paper work and payment. I have also had prblems with damage and theft within the UPS suystem, all of which were resolved, but not quickly.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Hey they hafta keep Jarret in racr cars!

Caus he just can't keep outta trouble with all them left turns

If I don't stick my BIG nose elsewhere on the board first, everyone have a safe and happy New Year.

Chuck

[Howard]

Re: International payment

Just curious how you big shippers collect from say Canada??? My bank wants a fee to send a Canadian check (made out in US funds) in for "collection" and the same with a Canada post money order?? Took it to the post office and the postmaster said it was invalid.
thanks in advance!! HN

[William C.]

Re: International payment

Generally, I have found Canadian customers will either use a credit card, or an international MO, or Cash, same with non-US customers virtually worldwide.