Consolidated Shipping, Packaging and Carriers Info

[guncollector]

In the interest of conserving bandwidth and for our CPF audience's convenience, let's try and consolidate feedback on shipping methods, packaging, and carriers here in this thread.

So, if you have a favorite carrier (i.e. USPS, UPS, FedEx, other), method (i.e. Priority, Next Day, 2nd Day, 3-Day Select, etc.) or have had problems, go on ahead and let us know here.

Also, comments on proper packaging of lights, and/or other goods can be included here.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

[guncollector]

Carrier & Method

Personally, I use USPS Priority shipping for 95% of my shipping needs. And if you know me from activity on Bladeforums.com or Usualsuspect.net (as well as here on CPF.com), you know that's ALOT of shipping.

In 2 years, I have not had a single damaged or lost package (knock on wood).

The cost of a small package at $4.50 or so(including Delivery Confirmation) is near-miracle in my mind. Most packages reach their intended CONUS destination within 3 working days, some in as fast as two.

Occasionally, I'll use UPS 2nd Day, especially for firearms (all legally shipped to BATF 01-FFL License holders) and/or very valuable items. I find that when it comes to insuring high-value items, UPS 2nd Day's guaranteed faster shipping (though a tad more expensive than a USPS Priority for the same value) inspires greater confidence--the less time its "sitting out there" the better.

Packaging
I'm pretty conscientious about packaging. Everything is usually bubble or paper-wrapped, and the box I use is usually filled with old newspaper or styrofoam popcorn to prevent rattling/damage in transit.

I always try and put a piece of clear tape over the address label so that even if it gets wet, it will remain legible to the carrier.

I tape all seams and exposed cardboard joints, especially on the USPS-provided USPS Priority boxes--just in case.

[lambda]

I can second what guncollector says here, USPS does a fine job. The only lost shipment was to an overseas destination, the package showed up, but it was empty.

For me, UPS and FedX are more that an hour drive away, so USPS has been my exclusive shipper. Despite exploding mail boxes and other nasty things, they've always gotten it to where it was going.

[DSpeck]

For sure, the best way to get small packages from the US to Canada has to be USPS. I have had numerous lights come up from the US, and almost all were sent by USPS, getting here intact. Sometimes it takes 2 weeks (which makes me nervous) but it's usually 1 week or less. Pretty cheap, too.

I package much the same way guncollector does. Tape is your friend... images/icons/smile.gif

[B@rt]

Like Lambda and Ron said, (it was my package that was ripped images/icons/mad.gif ) make sure the package is sturdy!

[rlhess]

I've been using USPS Priority for my tape restoration business for outgoing complete work (never shipping the only copy this way) and (knock wood) have never had a problem.

For one-of-a-kind tapes, I suggest inbound shipping Fed Ex Air--again, never a problem.

I try to ship all my Internet purchases via Priority Mail. Mr. Bulk and Lambda and others have shipped me things via Priority Mail and it's great.

I'm currently VERY down on UPS ground. Almost every package comes through looking as if it had been dragged behind the truck. This is new in the last few months, however.

Cheers to USPS.

Richard

[Marty Weiner]

USPS in general does a fine job. Several months ago I sold a Halliburton case to a guy in Rome (Italy) and shipped it USPS International for about $30 and it arrived in just a few days and intact.

Marty

[Albany Tom]

A thought is that I wouldn't ship anything that would be hurt if dropped off the back of a van by UPS or FedX, especially anything heavy. In my computer business days, it was routine for a box to have damage that could only have happened with a fall of that order.

For really heavy stuff, even if UPS will do it, I'd select "truck" if it's an option. More expensive, but the guy won't drop it, because he won't even unload it. We used to get color laser printers this way.

Best shipping story: We received a pallet of Dell notebook computers that'd had a forklift driven through them. The guess was that the guy driving the forklift (Dell guy) really didn't want to admit doing it, so he just backed up and loaded them on the truck. Dell's are pretty rugged, but I've yet to see any LCD's that are forklift fork resistant.

[Alan]

I never have problem receiving with USPS Global Priority or even Air Mail. I think shipping to a business address does make a difference. Most of packages take less than 6 days from the States to Hong Kong.

Alan

[hank]

First Class mail print-your-own-at-home-labels-with-postage and electronic delivery confirmation:

This is offered through something called the PC Postage system -- not the same as "Click'n'Ship" -- I found the info on the USPS website, forwarded it to a vendor who pursued the question and has been using it.

This is snipped from the FAQ
http://www.usps.com/postagesolutions/post_faq.htm

Q. Will I be able to use PC Postage for all types of mail?
A. PC Postage is currently authorized for use on domestic First-Class Mail® service, ....
...
Q. Can I pay for special services like Delivery Confirmation or Certified Mail with my PC Postage product?
A. Yes, you can include the necessary additional postage for all special services in the IBI you print for that mail piece. However, you still may need to complete and include the necessary forms to ensure you receive the service that you pay for. ...
Some PC Postage products have integrated electronic Delivery Confirmation.... Check with the various providers to sign up for a product that contains the .....

Here's the PCPostage Provider List:
http://www.usps.com/postagesolutions/pc_post.htm
-----

[zackhugh]

I use USPS Priority Mail whenever possible because shipping to and from Hawaii is much more expensive via Fedex and UPS, with only a marginal increase in delivery time with USPS. Actually, I once got a package from New Jersey in three days with the postal service! I'm very happy with the performance of the U.S. Mail.

I try to pack things well with bubble wrap, newspaper, etc. when I send things. I'm always a little irritated when sellers (usually on eBay) don't bother to cushion an item.

Steve

[The_LED_Museum]

I've received broken items in a USPS box, and I received a very damaged box (but with contents intact) from UPS. I normally send USPS 1st Class unless directed otherwise.

[sstrauss]

Word of warning. USPS delivery confirmation does not really mean what you think it does. Recently had 2 packages delivered, scanned in as confirmed delivery to my po box but the postal worker appears to have placed the locker key in the wrong box. So even though it was a "confirmed delivery" it never got to me. 2 different packages in the same locker the same day.

[georget98]

If you print your USPS Priority shipping label at usps.com (click-n-ship in the middle of the home page), you get free delivery confirmation.

Also if you know the package weight you can pay for the postage with a credit card and it will be printed on the label.

Finally if you print the postage, it falls under metered mail rules so you can drop it in the mailbox if it weighs less than 5 pounds.

You can order boxes, labels, and tape delivered to your house. Free.

YMMV, check usps.com for today's rules.

[georget98]

Last Monday I ordered items from 2 companies, both within the UPS one day delivery zone.

Both were shipped Monday, one UPS Brown label, and the other company gave free 2 day UPS shipping.

Tuesday morning I checked the tracking numbers for the items and both were "out for delivery."

Tuesday evening the "brown" came, but not the 2 day. I checked the tracking: the brown said "delivered," and the 2 day said "too early!"

[dw_1984]

I'm just wondering, what is the best USPS way of sending a package to Canada. This is for that CPF bag so its dimensions are 14" x 10" x 6" but not sure about the weight. I'll assume 2 lbs. What's the best way?
Global Airmail Letter post?
Global Priority Mail?

What's the safest and/or economical way?

Thanks,
Daniel

[TheFire]

I've had very good luck with USPS for light stuff, but have also had pretty good experiences with both FedEx and UPS. I haven't ever had a package seriously mangled, and have never had to try to claim insurance (which I have heard is a royal pain no matter who you're trying to do it with). All are usually pretty quick to my suburban address. I always ship with tape over the label to insure that the address doesn't become unreadable if it gets dropped in a puddle.

[junior]

I sell alot on ebay and use USPS First Class, Parcel Post and somethimes Priority Mail. I would say that i use First Class and Parcel Post 90 percent of time and have had great success.

I use First Class for smaller items and Parcel post for larger items such as large rucksacks etc.

I always use bubble packeges and sometimes wrap with bubble wrap and paper and make my own boxes for the large packs.

Great info guys

[Sub_Umbra]

I prefer UPS and FED-EX to USPS -- but USPS has done better for me in the last year or so.

One of my objectios to USPS Priority Mail is that there is no online tracking. While some of you hardcores may know this, I was thrilled to find that on a USPS Priority Mail package I could get online signature verification upon receipt. This may be had very cheaply ($0.75-$1.50 per pkg) and while it's not full blown online tracking, It does let you verify that your pkg has been delivered AND give you a name for a starting point if they lose it after delivery.

[greenLED]

For larger packages, I've used FedEx Ground: $5-8 for across the US shipping, 5 business day delivery.

For small stuff, I usually use Priority. First-class for everyday items.

[VidPro]

[ QUOTE ]
sstrauss said:
Word of warning. USPS delivery confirmation does not really mean what you think it does. Recently had 2 packages delivered, scanned in as confirmed delivery to my po box but the postal worker appears to have placed the locker key in the wrong box. So even though it was a "confirmed delivery" it never got to me. 2 different packages in the same locker the same day.

[/ QUOTE ]

agrees with this LOTS, it confirms delivery, but it does not confirm WHERE it was delivered /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif so your neighbor might have your $300 flashlight, and the shipper reads "delivered to this specific address" see this always assumes that USPS knows what the addresses are.

i like to RECIEVE based on UPS, because they come by daily, they Knock on the door, or require signature. and USPS will just toss and run like its a newspaper route.
FED-EX i am liking more, because less packages have ended up back at thier shop 20 MILES away, with no Re-Delivery.

and i was hoping DSL would toss in some competition and give them all a run for thier quality, beings the price is already high enough :-)

for shipping OUT, i have never had any problems with any of them.

is there anyway to give a TIP to that guy running the forklifts? or is that destined to be an inevitablity /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[TorchMan]

I prefere USPS. They are much faster than UPS, and deliver on Saturday (unlike UPS that keeps "bankers hours").

Both UPS and USPS will leave my packages without signature. In fact my UPS driver said they don't usually require tham anymore. FedEx does require a signature, but if I miss a package it's taken to a FedEx store about a mile and a half a way. Try getting a missed package from UPS! And the scans from UPS don't mean didley either. My package that shows arrival in Houston ain't here according to customer service, and they don't know where it is! Grrr...!

[Neg2LED]

Carrier

USPS for shipments coming out of the US to me, just plain Auspost (Australian Equivalent of USPS) when i am shipping to overseas.

Method

Global Priority for not-so-urgent shipments to me, Express Mail Service for super-urgent shipment to me.

Plain old Airmail when sending overseas mostly, however Express Post can be used for a certified 3-4 day shipping time.

Packaging

Depending on what i am shipping, either a Padded bag with a second or third layer of bubble wrap, or a Videocassette or larger box(es) with the items wrapped in several layers of bubble-wrap inside the box.

--neg

[BatteryCharger]

I notice someone conspicuously absent from this thread...DHL, and I have to give them a big cheers. This morning I went online to check the tracking number of a package I expected friday from DHL. It said "delivered". I was pissed - there must be something wrong, I didn't get it yet!

Go outside to get the mail...there's my package, a week early, and delivered before 10:00 AM. Thinking back now this happens almost every time I ship something via DHL.

Compare that to UPS where if it's early they let it sit on the dock just so you don't get special 3 day service when you didn't pay extra for it. :rant:

[jsr]

I never really shipped small items before, so I never used USPS. However, since joining CPF and becoming an addict, I've received many packages via USPS. I'm not sure if they were shipped via 1st class mail or Priority (how can you tell?). Most of what I get is in the form of a small (similar to or smaller than an 8.5"x11" paper) brown bubble-lined envelope...is that 1st class mail?

My shipment of parts have all been car parts and I've only used UPS. Before, FedEx was always pricier, but now they've come down considerably in ground shipping prices, so FedEx is another option, but I've never shipped via FedEx. I received one package before via FedEx and they didn't get a signature and just left the package in a public area in front of my apartment office. I wasn't very pleased as I could've potentially lost a $1500 set of suspension components. For shipping, I've always had UPS items delivered. When I receive, I'd say half of the UPS delivered items are pretty banged up. Often, my boxes are ripped and a couple of times, parts fell out. The only reason I like using UPS and FedEx is the tracking capability. I like to receive via UPS or FedEx due to tracking (I'm impatient and like to watch the status of my package). But UPS really does treat the packages like crap.

I've only received one package via DHL. It shipped from Hong Kong and arrived in 2 days!!! I was simply amazed! I've received items via DHL from work (work items, not personal) also and they seem to be a bit faster than UPS and FedEx. Of the carriers that provide tracking, DHL has thus far impressed me the most.

[Qoose]

I have to agree with DHL. I've used them a couple of times and they have been great.

Plus, I smile every time I see a yellow DHL truck speeding past me.

[Sigman]

I notice someone conspicuously absent from this thread...DHL...Ohhhhh, I thought you meant me?! :ohgeez:

There's some additional USPS info in my sigline link.

[ohwhyme]

Another vote for usps. Just got a few packages today and everything works fine here, no complaints. I personally stay away from DHL though since i shipped a speaker and they managed to break the cone off of it and had to go through months of badgering to get my claim.

[z17813]

I've had lots of different things delivered over the years and honestly I've been pretty happy with a number of different carriers, I also find that stuff sent internationally is often packaged with a bit more care than stuff that is sent from across state even if it has been sent thousands of kms (or miles) which I always find amusing.

In terms of packaging I really like it when people use foam peanuts, probably not the most environmentally friendly but I have never (yet) had something come with foam peanuts in the package damaged in the slightest, even when I have the boxes are clearly a bit knocked around.

The absolute worst packaging things I have had are those plastic inflatable bags (think Amazon deliveries) I've had packages where there is an ominous rattle when I pick up the box and the bags have always been busted.

[deanom]

I've had lots of different things delivered over the years and honestly I've been pretty happy with a number of different carriers, I also find that stuff sent internationally is often packaged with a bit more care than stuff that is sent from across state even if it has been sent thousands of kms (or miles) which I always find amusing.

In terms of packaging I really like it when people use foam peanuts, probably not the most environmentally friendly but I have never (yet) had something come with foam peanuts in the package damaged in the slightest, even when I have the boxes are clearly a bit knocked around.

The absolute worst packaging things I have had are those plastic inflatable bags (think Amazon deliveries) I've had packages where there is an ominous rattle when I pick up the box and the bags have always been busted.

reeeaaaal newbie question but how confident are you when making international orders - in that are you safeguarded against lost/damaged items etc?:shrug:

[islisis]

Quite a bump but would like any clarification on this. Is it currently legal for loose li-ion (like 18650) cells to be shipped from an international store to the US? I ask because I don't live there, but may want to make some orders for friends who do. I tried reading various updates to USPS rules but am constantly hearing of people purchase li-ions from overseas stores. Is it legal?