Why does noone on here ship UPS?

[mavisky]

Seriously, everything I've ever bought from here gets shipped USPS and they come by everytime and drop off my plants in a little aluminum mailbox for packages 30 minutes after I have to be at work. I've got 75 Ramshorn snails now that have been sitting in a aluminum mailbox since 10:29 am and I'm stuck at work for another 30 minutes before I can go see if any have survived.

USPS's tracking system didn't even have record that they'd been shipped just a statement that they'd received shipping information on July 29th with no intended arrival date. Next thing I know there's a note that they've been delivered. :crazy: I've never had a single problem with UPS and they'll let you know where it is down to the last time someone even looked at the package.

It was partially my fault for not checking with the seller, but had I known they were intending to use USPS i'd have gladly payed double just to make sure that the critters actually survived the trip. Well I've got my fingers crossed, guess my loaches will probably eat them either way.

[msjinkzd]

most of us ship usps because its the most affordable way to ship with a pretty good reliability factor. If you want to make sure they don't get left in the mailbox, ask the sellers to use signature confirmation.

[mavisky]

Oh I understand it's the cheapest, lord knows I use them for letters and bills (not that they haven't screwed those up in the past), but there are those of us out there who'd gladly pay double the shipping prices to make sure our stuff arrives alive.

The last thing I ordered was a bag of Riccia that by the time it showed up was a very very light green and yellow in some spots. After a month it's just now coming around. Luckily the seller I bought it off of did the best he could and the plant itself was in extremely good shape when he shipped it.

[Riiz]

Or better yet, have it delivered to your work or someone you know is home.

[msjinkzd]

i think most people would be willing ot ship with the carrier you prefer if you specify and are willing to pay the difference in the shipping costs. For me, usps is a major matter of convenience as well because all the packaging, labeling, and supplies can be done at home/delivered to home. As well as being able to have it picked up at home. Saves alotof time when you do loads of packages a week.

[catnipgal]

Everything I got shipped UPS in the last 2-3 years winds up badly damaged. I've heard others say that to. So its understandable why they ship USPS.

[Alan R]

I HATE UPS! I ship USPS for 2 reasons. 1- they are the cheapest 2- I live a block from the PO.
When I order stuff online, if usps isn't an option I rty to use anyone, but UPS. Every time I get a package UPS I have to hunt for it. I have called the corporate office and complained, no results. There is a UPS terminal less than 15 miles from me where they distribute the packages and the driver is based out of. I have driven there and spoke to the manager face to face, no results.
Whenever I get a package UPS the driver just lays it anywhere. On the ground next to the driveway. On top of my wifes car. The last time I got a package, it said delivered online. "Where the hell is it?". 3 days later, I find it in the back of my pick up that I only drive to haul junk and stuff every couple of months. 4 days it sat back there in the rain. UPS bought that karaoke machine. Didn't fix that it was for my daughter's birthday and she didn't get it at her party like she was suppose to!
I must admit, I'm sure my rottweiler running loose (who has never even barked at anyone her whole life) may have something to do with it. Despite the fact that FedEx. DHL, and my Postal Carrier doesn't have a problem walking up on the porch, patting the dog on the head and leaving the package in plain view.

Sorry bout the rant. UPS is a hot button for me.

[Hooked Newbie]

I've personally never had an issue sending or receiving via USPS. I can only echo Jinx's comments.

[mavisky]

Well the snails were alive. Pretty warm, but I got them floating in the tank and they cooled right down.

I'd love to have things shipped to work, but since I work for the nation's oldest and largest medical malpractice insurance company they open all of our mail here. I don't know how they do this, and I'm not sure what kind of threat they'd consider a package full of unexpected snails.

[Alan R]

The fact that usps gives free boxes and other supplies is a selling point for me also. In addition to being the cheapest and right around the corner from me as i said in my other post

[67chevelle]

I work in the receiving department in a plumbing warehouse.UPS has a NOTORIOUS reputation for handling the packages very roughly.Fed Ex and USPS are the post reliable IMO.If you are worried about live stock or plants sitting in your mail box,which probably gets VERY hot in the summer,like someone else suggested,have them mail it to you at work,maybe.

[Polish]

Kyle if you ever want it shipped to my office let me know and I'll give you the address, just give me a heads up. I just had some plants shipped from Maine USPS and they were here in 2 days. (Shipped 2-3 day priority)

I personally use UPS because of the tracking, they pick up daily at my office, and I've yet to have an issue. Not to mention I never have to go anywhere or use any gas, I print the label at work and it's picked up the next or same day. I can get stuff next day to Mi, Il, Oh, Ky and In with just standard ground too. I shipped something USPS once to Illinois (one state over) and it took over 2 weeks. PATHETIC! I could have walked there in that time, haha.

[Alan R]

I work in the receiving department in a plumbing warehouse.UPS has a NOTORIOUS reputation for handling the packages very roughly.Fed Ex and USPS are the post reliable IMO.If you are worried about live stock or plants sitting in your mail box,which probably gets VERY hot in the summer,like someone else suggested,have them mail it to you at work,maybe.


I send them signature required. USPS will take them back to the PO if there's no one to sign. They will leave a note in your mail box to let you know you have a package. You can go to the PO and pick it up or they will try the next day. Meanwhile, they will sit in the air conditioned or heated PO until you pick it up.

[Mgamer20o0]

i know if i had to buy all my own boxes shipping would be more. while things can take slower most things make it in 2 days. cheaper then the rest. heck if i am super lazy them come and pick up lol...... usps for the most part when you order something its not a tracking number its a delivery confirmation number.

[cap1384]

I have afriend who worked for UPS he said if the box is marked fragile sensative well anything on it they throw it drop it kick it basically anything to break it... It sucks but thats they way they are

[Polish]

Which is why you never mark it fragile, lol.

I think ALL places have broken things, you must ALWAYS pack accordingly.

[Alan R]

I have afriend who worked for UPS he said if the box is marked fragile sensative well anything on it they throw it drop it kick it basically anything to break it... It sucks but thats they way they are

Disgruntle employees suck! When they are handling my stuff anyway.

[Alan R]

Which is why you never mark it fragile, lol.

I think ALL places have broken things, you must ALWAYS pack accordingly.

There is a thread here on AC about how to ship fish. The author mentions not to mark the package "Live Fish" because you don't want to draw unwanted attention to the package.

[Bk718]

live things such as fish and plants I would only ship usps since its wayyyyy cheaper and 2-3 day arrival is guaranteed (well most of the time)

For other things that are heavy (non living) then ups works out well since their rates for heavier items seem to be way lower than usps..

[Bk718]

Which is why you never mark it fragile, lol.

I think ALL places have broken things, you must ALWAYS pack accordingly.

I agree, some packages that i sent with usps that had fragile on the box.. they came in horrible shape..

[Alan R]

live things such as fish and plants I would only ship usps since its wayyyyy cheaper and 2-3 day arrival is guaranteed (well most of the time)

For other things that are heavy (non living) then ups works out well since their rates for heavier items seem to be way lower than usps..

I disagree. Slightly anyway. USPS has the Flat Rate boxes. You can ship up to 70 lbs in a 12x12x5" box 2-3 day priority for $12.95. Larger heavier items may be cheaper elsewhere though. IDK.

[Bk718]

I disagree. Slightly anyway. USPS has the Flat Rate boxes. You can ship up to 70 lbs in a 12x12x5" box 2-3 day priority for $12.95. Larger heavier items may be cheaper elsewhere though. IDK.

The space is limited with the flat rate boxes. Other than that they are good

[Hooked Newbie]

Mark all packages "Indestructible Contents". ;)

[Mgamer20o0]

live things such as fish and plants I would only ship usps since its wayyyyy cheaper and 2-3 day arrival is guaranteed (well most of the time)

For other things that are heavy (non living) then ups works out well since their rates for heavier items seem to be way lower than usps..

the guarantee is they will have it with in 12 days of when you send it. they says most packages only tanks 2-3 days which is what i have seen but it no way guaranteed. i had a package of shrimp mailed 2 hours away..... i sent it out monday morning didnt show up until sat.

[Alan R]

Mark all packages "Indestructible Contents". ;)

If I were an employee at a shipping facility I'd read that as a challenge :lol:

[Mgamer20o0]

i would too.... i was in target one day messing around with my younger cousin's.... the bowl said unbreakable..... we hit it with bags threw it burned it kicked it stand on it..... i was impressed and bought it..... but if it broke i would have said they lied.

[Kashta]

If you're worried about delivery, you can also have the package held for you at the post office. Then pick it up, yourself, on your way home.

[mavisky]

If you're worried about delivery, you can also have the package held for you at the post office. Then pick it up, yourself, on your way home.


Actually since I work for the team servicing the Southwest and Farwest region I work until 7pm every night. So that means one more day of them sitting at the post office.


Kyle if you ever want it shipped to my office let me know and I'll give you the address, just give me a heads up. I just had some plants shipped from Maine USPS and they were here in 2 days. (Shipped 2-3 day priority)

I personally use UPS because of the tracking, they pick up daily at my office, and I've yet to have an issue. Not to mention I never have to go anywhere or use any gas, I print the label at work and it's picked up the next or same day. I can get stuff next day to Mi, Il, Oh, Ky and In with just standard ground too. I shipped something USPS once to Illinois (one state over) and it took over 2 weeks. PATHETIC! I could have walked there in that time, haha.

I'll have stuff shipped to your place from now on Corey.

[cap1384]

Disgruntle employees suck! When they are handling my stuff anyway.

They don't have to be disgruntled to throw your package around

[Cheech]

different approach to this.. I'll never use UPS. I'm canadian, and when purchasing an item from the US (using UPS) they add on a hefty "brockage fee" (no one knows what the heck it is exactly).. it almost looks like they pull a number out of a hat and whatever number comes out is what they'll charge me. And these are rediculous amounts too!!

I try to use USPS as much as possible (which switches over to Canada post once it crosses the border)...

It's reliable, and at least I know what I'm paying for (customs, taxes)