Small Biz Shipping: FedEx vs UPS

[Loneaggie]

Flat rate boxes from USPS are my choice too...if it fits it will ship up to 45 lbs same price. When I have been shipping different items without the flat rate I always have a problem judging costs because you then have to factor the weight and distance. Flat rate is much easier, some times it saves a lot, sometimes it costs a little more I feel it all washes out in the end.

Well I worked today on trying out the FedEx tools that I can integrate into our website, and since I have the weight of everything we would be shipping it actually calculates the shipping on the fly to their address. Pretty slick. I need to try the UPS version too.

[MountainMan]

I love Fed Ex. I always get the free email updates for both myself and the person I'm shipping to, always get a signature, and so far they've only had 1 screw up in 4 years, so that's pretty good. I don't like UPS, they've crushed and mangled too many boxes...

[SPUD]

USPS Priority. If it fits, it ships. Plus, for cents more you can get confirmation of delivery (tracking). Paying for postage online is cheaper too

[Stan R]

I have usps priorty mail alot ... very cost effective.

[kellyg]

Another vote for USPS.

[kcmarullo]

I use ups for my business I like them better they take good care of me!!

[windwalker]

I jsut shipped two packages both 15x16 x12 and wieghed 8lbs. and UPS was the cheapest

[wellingtontx]

I prefer FedEx over any of them. UPS runs a close second but they will leave packages on front porches to be ripped off. Both are accountable and help when a package is lost. On the other end of the spectrum, the Obama sponsored United States Postal Service could absolutely care less if your package is lost.

[Captrix]

We have the UPS program on our computers here. Input info and print the label. Keeps a address book of all previous shipments. Pretty easy. The only problem we ever have is when the occasional package gets lost. You can't buy a straight answer.

We have been using UPS for about 5 years and only had one package get lost but it was our fault. We were shipping heavy raw material and the box busted open because my guys didn't use the heavy duty tape wraped around the box. We started to switch to FexEx a few years ago but their system wasnt as easy and they were not as dependable on their pick up time as UPS. I also like that I have the same 2 drivers with UPS that stop by every day. With FedEx I never knew who the driver was going to be. I have the UPS program loaded on my computer so all I have to do is type in the weight and size of the box, I have it set up to save our customers addresses. Once you get it set up its much more user friendly but it can be a little frustrating to get everything set up the way you want (default to ground shipping and the end of day report). If you go with UPS send me a PM and I can help you get it set up, I've had to do it several times

[Ouch]

another vote for...

USPS

Depending on the size of the item being shipped, their flat rate boxes are the way to go. I send approx. 600-800 items a year (most are flat parcel / large envelope), and they've "lost" only one item in the last five years. It showed up 3 months later at my office.

And they're significantly cheaper than FedEx or UPS.

[Loneaggie]

We have been using UPS for about 5 years and only had one package get lost but it was our fault. We were shipping heavy raw material and the box busted open because my guys didn't use the heavy duty tape wraped around the box. We started to switch to FexEx a few years ago but their system wasnt as easy and they were not as dependable on their pick up time as UPS. I also like that I have the same 2 drivers with UPS that stop by every day. With FedEx I never knew who the driver was going to be. I have the UPS program loaded on my computer so all I have to do is type in the weight and size of the box, I have it set up to save our customers addresses. Once you get it set up its much more user friendly but it can be a little frustrating to get everything set up the way you want (default to ground shipping and the end of day report). If you go with UPS send me a PM and I can help you get it set up, I've had to do it several times

I'm going to check the real time quote module for UPS with our shopping cart monday, so I might get back to you on this. Most of what we will be shipping is medium sized somewhat heavy boxes, lots of pumps. So 12" x 12" x24" and 50-60#. You have a good point about UPS, even though we don't regularly ship to them, when we have had something picked up or dropped off its always the same guy.

[trad"Doc"53]

I helped out at a Ma Paw gun archery store, UPS was O.K., FED X loved to throw high dollar weapons out the back of his van onto the concrete floor. When I jumped him about it his responce was; it should be packaged to handle it. No love loss between us!

[Mathewsshooter]

I prefer FedEx over any of them. UPS runs a close second but they will leave packages on front porches to be ripped off. Both are accountable and help when a package is lost. On the other end of the spectrum, the Obama sponsored United States Postal Service could absolutely care less if your package is lost.

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