wrote:

I have been using Fedex Ground and Home delivery for some time now after
discovering the same thing you posted here.

Agreed.

Let me also say that, from my experience, UPS and FedEx Ground break things
at about the same rate. But when FedEx damages something, they promptly
inspect it and pay out without a fuss, while UPS will do almost anything to
avoid paying insurance claims. Admittedly I have had only three UPS issues,
but all were nightmares.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Hi

Can any US readers of this thread explain why Fedex or UPS is so
popular compared with the much cheaper US Mail?

Here in Australia Fedex and UPS offer a service, but few private
individuals would consider using them due to high costs and the
inconvenience when delivery is a problem if people are away at work.
With normal post, we have post offices in all suburbs where
undelivered mail can conveniently be picked up or items posted.

I have never had loss or damage problems with ordinary mail to and
from the US.

Simon


On 12 Oct 2005 10:23:59 -0400, (Scott Dorsey) wrote:

wrote:

I have been using Fedex Ground and Home delivery for some time now after
discovering the same thing you posted here.

Agreed.

Let me also say that, from my experience, UPS and FedEx Ground break things
at about the same rate. But when FedEx damages something, they promptly
inspect it and pay out without a fuss, while UPS will do almost anything to
avoid paying insurance claims. Admittedly I have had only three UPS issues,
but all were nightmares.
--scott

Simon wrote:
Can any US readers of this thread explain why Fedex or UPS is so
popular compared with the much cheaper US Mail?

Because for packages over about two pounds, US Mail is much more
expensive than the package companies. For light packages, just a
couple resistors or a tube, the postal service is usually a better choice.

For international stuff, I don't know. And I will say that the postal
service is not very good at paying up on their insurance claims either.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Postal US now has flat rate boxes priority mail,
$ 7.85 for up to 70 lbx, check it out http://www.usps.com
priority mail flat rate.

UPS, FedEx and DHL offer insurance $ 100 value included in the rates
and are reasonable for more expensive items to insure.

Yes, the insurance at ups is to insure they do not pay the claims.

Postal US mail is more expensive to insure.

OTOH, I get shipments from aes in milwaukee just fine,
fair radio (super pack jobs at fair prices) also.
Those overcharger on ebay shoud take a lesson in packaging from fair radio !

Only had on problem with ups, they did not get signature and I paid for it,
so I called to get them to credit me for the fee and they sent the driver
out the next day to get a signature. what a joke, I protested the fee
on my amex card and they had to refund it. Signature at delivery,
not after delivery.

UPS and Fedex counter people are great in my area.

I agree. I shipped a 25 pound package to Rome Italy via USPS and the cost
was only $42.00. I was told that it would go air and be delivered within 5
days. Had confirmation from recipient in Rome in 4 days!

--
Richard D. Reese
http://www.wa8dbw.ifip.com
"Simon" wrote in message
...
Hi

Can any US readers of this thread explain why Fedex or UPS is so
popular compared with the much cheaper US Mail?

Here in Australia Fedex and UPS offer a service, but few private
individuals would consider using them due to high costs and the
inconvenience when delivery is a problem if people are away at work.
With normal post, we have post offices in all suburbs where
undelivered mail can conveniently be picked up or items posted.

I have never had loss or damage problems with ordinary mail to and
from the US.

Simon

Scott Dorsey wrote:


Let me also say that, from my experience, UPS and FedEx Ground break
things at about the same rate. But when FedEx damages something,
they promptly inspect it and pay out without a fuss, while UPS will
do almost anything to avoid paying insurance claims. Admittedly I
have had only three UPS issues, but all were nightmares.
--scott


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also... never ship anything when UPS's union is in negotiations. Things
get mysteriously "damaged" in transit. Some of their drivers are
incredibly stupid if they think that helps things.

73, Bill W6WRT

Beg to differ. When I received an SP600 and cabinet from the US,
FedEx had dropped it hard enough to break the mounting screws
for the radio. It popped out of the cabinet and did the shake,
rattle roll bit. They refused to pay. Initially saying inadequate
packaging even though the person saying this had only seen the
inspection report which was not accurately filled out. The
story goes on and on. Finally I filed with small claims court and
in about a week I got a call from their lawyer wanting to settle.

When FedEx works, it works well.

Pay attention to the "small print" which you have to go find
somewhere in their website. They do NOT offer insurance on Ground.
They do offer the opportunity to increase their liability coverage for
a fee, i.e. how much you can hold them accountable for. This is
the "extra" you are paying for and is required by US law. Otherwise
they are limited to $100 liability.

Note that when you do find the relevant document (which doesn't
show up at all when you fill out the online paper work), they
exclude "antiques". Never, ever tell them you shipped a vintage radio.

bk
Agreed.

Let me also say that, from my experience, UPS and FedEx Ground break things
at about the same rate. But when FedEx damages something, they promptly
inspect it and pay out without a fuss, while UPS will do almost anything to
avoid paying insurance claims. Admittedly I have had only three UPS issues,
but all were nightmares.
--scott

Other weasel words I have seen on many company names these days.
Are LLC instead of INC or CO .... I found it to be the acronym for
Limited Liability Company. Anyone know what this means for them
to weasel out of being liable? Seems like most companies are going
to similar labels. I don't want to be liable for nothing either, but
Sheezzzz!!! Do we all expect to get shafted from every place we
do business now? Any enlightenment appreciated.
Any lawyers out there? Can they really do business and not be
responsible for the services and products they sell?

Maybe not exactly on target for boatanchors, but applicable to
all of us these days me thinks.





"Bill Kirkland" wrote in message
.. .
Beg to differ. When I received an SP600 and cabinet from the US,
FedEx had dropped it hard enough to break the mounting screws
for the radio. It popped out of the cabinet and did the shake,
rattle roll bit. They refused to pay. Initially saying inadequate
packaging even though the person saying this had only seen the
inspection report which was not accurately filled out. The
story goes on and on. Finally I filed with small claims court and
in about a week I got a call from their lawyer wanting to settle.

When FedEx works, it works well.

Pay attention to the "small print" which you have to go find
somewhere in their website. They do NOT offer insurance on Ground.
They do offer the opportunity to increase their liability coverage for
a fee, i.e. how much you can hold them accountable for. This is
the "extra" you are paying for and is required by US law. Otherwise
they are limited to $100 liability.

Note that when you do find the relevant document (which doesn't
show up at all when you fill out the online paper work), they
exclude "antiques". Never, ever tell them you shipped a vintage radio.

bk
Agreed.

Let me also say that, from my experience, UPS and FedEx Ground break
things
at about the same rate. But when FedEx damages something, they promptly
inspect it and pay out without a fuss, while UPS will do almost anything
to
avoid paying insurance claims. Admittedly I have had only three UPS
issues,
but all were nightmares.
--scott

Mr Fed UP wrote:
Other weasel words I have seen on many company names these days.
Are LLC instead of INC or CO .... I found it to be the acronym for
Limited Liability Company. Anyone know what this means for them
to weasel out of being liable? Seems like most companies are going
to similar labels. I don't want to be liable for nothing either, but
Sheezzzz!!! Do we all expect to get shafted from every place we
do business now? Any enlightenment appreciated.
Any lawyers out there? Can they really do business and not be
responsible for the services and products they sell?

You're confusing liability for damages with liability between partners
of a corporation. Same word, different context.

Here's a brief explanation taken from the web.


Liability Issues of a Limited Liability Company

In a limited liability company, a member's legal liability is limited to
his or her investment in the business. Generally, a member's personal
assets are not at risk, but a member's personal assets may be at risk if
any of the following occurs:

*
A member personally guarantees a business debt.
*
The form of business is found to be a sham (not properly formed
or maintained).
*
A member becomes personally liable as a result of his or her own
acts or conduct.


-Bill

Ok. I see now. But still not a comforting thing to see hang on a
company title. At least for me. Looks like they are making a
hedge on legal proceedings before they even do business. LOL

Maybe goes along with never reaching a real person on the phone. :-)

Thanks for raking some of the muck off the new business jargon.
I can feel a little less exposed now.



"Bill" wrote in message
...
Mr Fed UP wrote:
Other weasel words I have seen on many company names these days.
Are LLC instead of INC or CO .... I found it to be the acronym for
Limited Liability Company. Anyone know what this means for them
to weasel out of being liable? Seems like most companies are going
to similar labels. I don't want to be liable for nothing either, but
Sheezzzz!!! Do we all expect to get shafted from every place we
do business now? Any enlightenment appreciated.
Any lawyers out there? Can they really do business and not be
responsible for the services and products they sell?

You're confusing liability for damages with liability between partners of
a corporation. Same word, different context.

Here's a brief explanation taken from the web.


Liability Issues of a Limited Liability Company

In a limited liability company, a member's legal liability is limited to
his or her investment in the business. Generally, a member's personal
assets are not at risk, but a member's personal assets may be at risk if
any of the following occurs:

*
A member personally guarantees a business debt.
*
The form of business is found to be a sham (not properly formed or
maintained).
*
A member becomes personally liable as a result of his or her own
acts or conduct.


-Bill