Fed Ex & UPS Rate Changes

[Larryh128]

For those of you that ship on a regular basis, on top of the 4.9% rate increase for 2015 be aware that they are charging by DIMENSIONAL weight. You need to put in the box dimensions on the dimensions field or you will get a surprise on your next bill. I just shipped a small order to Canada (6 boxes) and got another add on bill for an additional dim weight of $55. Well, that took a big chunk of profit out of that shipment. It works out to about an additional 11% on domestic & up to 28% on international. Of course both shippers came out with the same changes at the same time. That pretty well puts a nail in their coffin for Canadian shipments as most of mine have been going LTL for the last couple years. Gets there in better shape for less $. So don't be surprised if goods you are ordering have increased shipping costs as well.

 

[jonbearman]

The post office has been doing that for many years on odd sized packages and even small packages but only some charges apply if they can make it happen.

 

[Larryh128]

What these packages are is light for the size (ie firearm or an AR upper). If your upper only weighs 6# boxed it is going to get charged for about 20#. Just shipped one with dim weight it was $22 for a 6# box. Ouch.

 

[jhord]

Yep. I ship a lot UPS and noticed a box I use commonly, 12x9x5 @ 1lb is now billed at 2lbs minimum. That's not what I'd call a weird-shaped or "large" box by any means. I can see their point, they want to haul weight not air, but some of it's a little ridiculous.

 

[Cade]

Think it is time they do away with the fuel surcharge also or part of it with the price being about half or what it was.

 

[normmatzen]

I think it is time for a lot of our regular suppliers to re-think the USPS priority mail system.
An awful lot of gun parts and supplies fit into fixed price and free packages that will be delivered usually in 2 days! All this for a price way below UPS and FED-EX.
Matter of fact, one of these big shippers is actually using priority mail to handle their business!
An example, I have been using a case cleaning and annealing service for my 6BRX cases. The smallest priority box holds more than 50 6BRX cases and costs around $5.75. The fact the USPS priority boxes and envelopes are free is also not insignificant! As anyone who has bought a box from UPS, FED-EX ot the post office can attest to!

 

[ridgeway]

How funny!

Is this explainable?

Fuel raises to record levels = Jack up shipping

Fuel drops almost 50% = Jack up shipping

In the end, the consumer = Jacked!

 

[JRS]

The increase has been news for more than one year.

 

[Mudcat]

I think someone else already put the solution out there, use the USPS flat rate boxes, thats what I do. I dont ship much via UPS and next to nothing on FedEx. I do use UPS for letter/docs though that have to be overnighted, but I am part of a larger group rate deal with them so its pretty cost effective for us.

John

 

[lawrence97]

Only problem with USPS is real time tracking and their insurance. I have been burned twice in 2014. Once with a money order that never got delivered and was in limbo at some sort facility and they never could locate it and before making a claim you need to wait 30 days. If all your ducks are in a row you may get refunded the money order 6 months to a year later.
I had the same happen with some barrels I was expecting (shipped priority) and they arrived a Month later after hounding every post office along the route to look for the package.

I have always liked USPS because of very fast delivery and sometimes before scheduled.
Now I will think twice before sending a valuable item via USPS because they don't like to be held accountable and they just pass on the buck. It seems that ups/fedex might be a better option and pricier one for high value items.

 

[Catfur]

I'll pay, real money, to never, ever deal with those incompetent, arrogant, unhelpful and entitled assholes that make up the USPS.

 

[mr45man]

I'll pay, real money, to never, ever deal with those incompetent, arrogant, unhelpful and entitled assholes that make up the USPS.

I second that!
John H.