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Member since 1/27/09
Posts: 852
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Posted on: 12/13/10 9:28 AM ET
The December 2010 issue of Popular Mechanics has an article summarizing their experiences sending unmarked packages equipped with sensors to measure temperature, shocks, vibration, and other abuse. They summarize the results.

Note that these tests are not statistically significant, and they only evaluate the express services, not ground. However, I think it's safe to summarize by saying that you should assume your package will be handled by the gorillas in this classic ad.
  
Member since 12/9/06
Posts: 1186
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Posted on: 12/13/10 9:38 AM ET
Thanks for posting those links, an entertaining read and great video clip.

I think at Christmas, at least here in the UK, there are loads of temporary drivers working for the courier companies. We currently have half a childs desk missing somewhere for over a week.
OH's colleagues have had packages delivered to the wrong addresses and one even had a DVD player left in a rubbish bin on collection day.
Some get paid a bonus if they get all their parcels delivered.

We have given up and OH is driving to the store for a replacement desk tonight. I have phoned and it is reserved and ready for collection. Better be, after over a week and about 8 phone calls I am ready to spontaneously combust in their store!

Online shopping is great but near Christmas its a risk shipping things.

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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 12/13/10 9:41 AM ET
In reply to ThePadre
Quote:
One disheartening result was that our package received more abuse when marked "Fragile" or "This Side Up." The carriers flipped the package more, and it registered above-average acceleration spikes during trips for which we requested careful treatment.

Incredible.
Interesting that both Fedex and UPS each had bad marks for flipping and acceleration force, respectively. I would think that the flipping would be worse for machines, though.
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution


When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 12/13/10 10:14 AM ET
It must be regional as well....were there stats for locations? When I order things shipped out to Washington state, sometimes the lack of care with packages is scandalous....shipping from California seems particularly bad...packages come in bad shape sometimes. But here in my area, UPS is stellar, and Fedex as well. Sometimes one of the "off-brand" companies hired by USPS is not that great, but in general USPS, UPS and Fedex are all good and our packages are in very good shape. I have only the highest regard for our UPS people here. :)
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 1/1/09
Posts: 460
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Posted on: 12/13/10 11:58 AM ET
My ex-BIL worked for UPS (in the main shipping hub in Houston) and he told me all about the nasty things they would do to packages, all on purpose. He said marking a package as "fragile" was a sure-fire way for the warehouse guys to have a contest to see if they could make whatever was in the package break.

Even before he told me all of that, I quit using UPS for anything fragile as I was tired of constantly filing breakage claims. I now only use FedEx for anything that could even remotely break and haven't been disappointed yet.
  
Member since 1/25/09
Posts: 5195
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Posted on: 12/13/10 12:24 PM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Quote: Mufffet
It must be regional as well....were there stats for locations? When I order things shipped out to Washington state, sometimes the lack of care with packages is scandalous....shipping from California seems particularly bad...packages come in bad shape sometimes. But here in my area, UPS is stellar, and Fedex as well. Sometimes one of the "off-brand" companies hired by USPS is not that great, but in general USPS, UPS and Fedex are all good and our packages are in very good shape. I have only the highest regard for our UPS people here. :)

I don' t think you can generalize like California being particularly bad. I think it can be hit or miss anywhere.
For awhile FedEx ground was about a third less than UPS so I had switched when I did a lot on ebay. But I have destashed some high end machines and FedEx now says they don't insure over 1000$ so they're out. And when I had them pack one the guy had to get someone else to help him figure out how to do it. It was done well, but what if the someone else hadn't been there? That situation can happen anywhere.

I live very near a main UPS facility. I have been having them pack the machines I ship - even though I have never ever had a bit of damage or incident from them or FedEx on those I packed because I'm so overcareful in doing so - but I have just heard too many stories about them not covering a shipment claiming insufficient packing, so I have them do it and it's on the receipt, the liability is now on them. There are a couple guys there who know me for what I ship, they take good care of things (note to self, have another to send out better bring in some holiday treats!). Anyway, I've had comments like omigosh it was like brand new or you could have dropped that box off a ten story building and nothing could have happened. Those successes are based on the care and expertise of the folks at the start of the process.

Oh yeah, and I am in California.......
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Member since 5/27/09
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Posted on: 12/13/10 12:31 PM ET
My husband's co. ships zillions every year. Said to DOUBLE BOX.... double box.... double box. Didn't matter what carrier you used if you did.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 12/13/10 1:18 PM ET
In reply to SG1
Good lord, what could possibly be the point of these contests? How would they know it's broken unless they then looked inside to see. These guys actually have that sort of free time?
Someone should grab a cell phone while these contests are going on and put it on youtube. Sounds like 20/20 needs to be in Houston!
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution


When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
Member since 1/20/10
Posts: 3195
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Posted on: 12/13/10 2:47 PM ET
In reply to ThePadre
Interesting article, and sadly (especially after learning so much about shipping here!) it's not in the least surprising

I think our expectations just get lower & lower, thanks to so many experiences like this - I'm not talking about shipping, but so very many 'services' and 'goods' - is it any wonder that we sew for ourselves?
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http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/
a blog about creativity, sewing, vintage sewing machines, and...... life :)
  
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