I think that Fed Ex is slowly trying to revamp the company ( aka "disaster" ) that they had purchased. The problem is that they took over a company that had its' head up its' ass and had tried to continue operating it in the same fashion. As time has progressed, they've made gradual changes but are still a long way from getting it right.
As of right now, i think that Fed Ex Ground is slightly more "careful" with how packages are handled than is UPS. Their prices are also SLIGHTLY lower than UPS. In terms of delivery time, account management, customer support, insurance claims, etc..., they still have BIG problems.
UPS is still smashing packages on a regular basis but at least they "typically" get them there on time. Obviously, there are exceptions to this generalization. They will give you a hard time about damage claims and hope that you don't follow through on them. Their prices are higher for transit costs than either Fed Ex Ground or the USPS but also offer what i think is better tracking and customer support. That is, the customer support is better until things get REAL "sticky".
The USPS handles packages pretty well, delivers them on a timely basis and their rates are not that bad. However, if one is going to ship an item that is of high value, their insurance rates are astronomical and make them far more expensive than either of the other two carriers mentioned. Then again, they typically DO pay out on damage claims so long as the item was reasonably well packed and you know how to process a claim. I guess it is better to pay more for insurance via the USPS and have things get processed than to pay less for insurance at UPS / Fed Ex Ground and not be able to get a claim approved without pulling out your hair and / or filing a law suit. Sean
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PS... Just my thoughts based on past experiences as an individual and a business owner.
As of right now, i think that Fed Ex Ground is slightly more "careful" with how packages are handled than is UPS. Their prices are also SLIGHTLY lower than UPS. In terms of delivery time, account management, customer support, insurance claims, etc..., they still have BIG problems.
UPS is still smashing packages on a regular basis but at least they "typically" get them there on time. Obviously, there are exceptions to this generalization. They will give you a hard time about damage claims and hope that you don't follow through on them. Their prices are higher for transit costs than either Fed Ex Ground or the USPS but also offer what i think is better tracking and customer support. That is, the customer support is better until things get REAL "sticky".
The USPS handles packages pretty well, delivers them on a timely basis and their rates are not that bad. However, if one is going to ship an item that is of high value, their insurance rates are astronomical and make them far more expensive than either of the other two carriers mentioned. Then again, they typically DO pay out on damage claims so long as the item was reasonably well packed and you know how to process a claim. I guess it is better to pay more for insurance via the USPS and have things get processed than to pay less for insurance at UPS / Fed Ex Ground and not be able to get a claim approved without pulling out your hair and / or filing a law suit. Sean
>
PS... Just my thoughts based on past experiences as an individual and a business owner.