I live in Montana and used to ship all antique guns through UPS. I have had more than my share of problems with delayed shipments, very high shipping costs and even broken guns when shipped in hard cases, if you can believe that. Several years ago, I switched to USPS. I agree that they are really sloppy about their on-line tracking set up and I usually have to wait a couple of days before the package shows up in their queue. However, I’ve never had a problem, the charges on high dollar guns is very reasonable considering and delivery is fast, fast, fast.
win4575 said
I live in Montana and used to ship all antique guns through UPS. I have had more than my share of problems with delayed shipments, very high shipping costs and even broken guns when shipped in hard cases, if you can believe that. Several years ago, I switched to USPS. I agree that they are really sloppy about their on-line tracking set up and I usually have to wait a couple of days before the package shows up in their queue. However, I’ve never had a problem, the charges on high dollar guns is very reasonable considering and delivery is fast, fast, fast.
Excellent post, and the tracking comment was in line with my experience and what Big Larry said as well.
James
win4575 said
I live in Montana and used to ship all antique guns through UPS. I have had more than my share of problems with delayed shipments, very high shipping costs and even broken guns when shipped in hard cases, if you can believe that. Several years ago, I switched to USPS. I agree that they are really sloppy about their on-line tracking set up and I usually have to wait a couple of days before the package shows up in their queue. However, I’ve never had a problem, the charges on high dollar guns is very reasonable considering and delivery is fast, fast, fast.
Never pay any attention at all to tracking, UNLESS the item fails to arrive after a reasonable time. One thing alone matters to me: SAFE delivery.
I talked to a recently retired UPS driver and shared some of the comments that have come up on the Forum.
Regarding claims….yes, UPS has a long drawn out process.
UPS…..their belt system handles all packages, and longer boxes tend to turn on the belt and all the following smaller boxes jam up and push through the long boxes, sometimes toppling boxes off the belts, some which are 30 feet high. Long boxes get banged around more than small boxes on the belts and on the truck. As to drivers handling and following delivery instructions, he said ” it’s what kind of mood their in, hangovers and all. Behind schedule too”.
FedEx…..less handling and different belt system which could damage boxes. Drivers didn’t comment.
USPS….most locations, except for the very few highly automated ones, still handle boxes with hand carts, and avoid the belt damage.
Interesting hands-on observation.
Bill
Blueliner said
I talked to a recently retired UPS driver and shared some of the comments that have come up on the Forum.Regarding claims….yes, UPS has a long drawn out process.
UPS…..their belt system handles all packages, and longer boxes tend to turn on the belt and all the following smaller boxes jam up and push through the long boxes, sometimes toppling boxes off the belts, some which are 30 feet high. Long boxes get banged around more than small boxes on the belts and on the truck. As to drivers handling and following delivery instructions, he said ” it’s what kind of mood their in, hangovers and all. Behind schedule too”.
FedEx…..less handling and different belt system which could damage boxes. Drivers didn’t comment.
USPS….most locations, except for the very few highly automated ones, still handle boxes with hand carts, and avoid the belt damage.
Interesting hands-on observation.
Bill
Very interesting. Thanks!
James
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