Well since I hear USPS is going to go up yet again, I am seriously considering looking into FEDEX ground service. I checked their site for rates & was very happy w/ the results that I saw vs UPS ground.
It's kinda funny that ISHIP.com doesn't include the FEDEX ground rates in their comparisions.. Anyone know a site that does?
Anyone have any helpful hints on Fedex ground or a link to an earlier discussion that does.
THANK YOU in Advance.
All that & a Bag of Chips Too!!
posted on September 24, 2001 10:15:52 PM new
FedEx Ground's online rates are great--but I have been unpleasantly surprised when my invoice arrives.
Packages that weigh 5# are billed as weighing 7# -- that sort of thing. I'm not talking about packages where the size kicks it into oversize rates--I'm talking about small packages that are billed at higher rates. One little 5# package that measured about 12" square by 4" high was billed as a 10# package--absolutely no fathomable reason for an error like that--and goodbye to most of my profit on that deal.
I have an accurate scale and always round UP to the next highest pound--and still FedEx bills me more! I don't have this problem with UPS or USPS--their scales are always either right on, or within an ounce or so of mine.
Some of my Ground (business) shipments were billed as Home Delivery--which carries a surcharge of $1.30--even though the documentation submitted with the shipment clearly indicated these were Ground packages. These were actual B&M businesses, not a person operating out of a home. And yikes, once I wrote the right zipcode but the wrong city name--that mistake cost me $5.00.
I wish I could be more enthusiastic, but I'm disappointed. I don't ship huge numbers of packages via FedEx, so the error rate is completely unacceptable. Customer service doesn't seem to be concerned--several reps have "promised" to get back to me, but none ever have. I included a written complaint with my last invoice payment, but have yet to hear anything from them.
It's a shame, because the savings promised online would be substantial for my customers--but now I can't trust those online quotes. I have yet to see one penny of a refund from any of the charges I have challenged--and I have done so over the phone, via email, and in writing. As a result, I don't even offer FedEx as an option on packages that weigh less than 10#, and might very well phase out the bigger ones, too, if my invoice problems are not addressed soon.
posted on September 25, 2001 05:26:49 AM new
1-800-GOFEDEX
Call and tell them that you want a rate sheet faxed to you. Its a lot of sheets.
It has taken us a few 'rounds' to get it consistent and we had to beat up the counter people to treat it serious.
There seems to be some resentment over this new service.....from our limited experience the learning curve may be around the bend. They don't beat the stuff around. The insurance saving alone is big.
posted on September 25, 2001 06:18:43 AM new
I've had very good, albeit limited, experience with FedEx ground.
I weigh my packages on my home scale, check the rates online, and then make one trip a week to the customer service facility near our airport. In most cases, I was charged LESS than the online rate I figured.
They definitely are easier on the packages than UPS, in my opinion. Insurance under $100 is included, and the rates are reasonable. They do take longer to go coast to coast than USPS, but it's worth it to me when I look at a 7 pound package that USPS wanted $14 to ship WITHOUT insurance and I was able to send it FEdEx for $7. The buyer was extremely grateful for the lower shipping and and was prepared to wait a bit longer for the package.
Basically, I use USPS on under 5 pounds or maybe parcel post if the buyer is close to me. Anything heavier and going more than 2 states away is cheaper FedEx.
posted on September 25, 2001 06:22:41 AM new
Just be shure you add the surcharge for home delevery in when you quote the shipping rate.
It is hard to find on the website when you go for rates and I made the mistake of not including it the first couple of times I qouted rates
Service also is slow and I have had customers have trouble with getting their packages evan after we tracked them to the local delevery center
spock here......
