UPS vs. FedEx
- Thread starter Jaywalker
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Ringer
Member
I haven't shipped one for a while but when I did I found it easier at UPS. They seemed to understand the process better. That could have been due to the particular FedEx location I was using. Anyway I have since realized it is much cheaper to have my Local Gun Shop ship for me so that's what I do now when the need arises.
oneounceload
member
I prefer Fedex, but their terminal is closer to me here than UPS and their staff is used to seeing a lot of guns come in and go out to the various little FFLs we have around here
Mike1234567
member
In my experience they both suck. UPS crushes boxes and FedEx lose them for days at a time.
orionengnr
Member
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- Jan 3, 2005
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- 5,713
Agree with all so far.
Really depends upon the quality/knowledge/dependability of your local employees.
I, too, have found that my LGS is a better option for me. She can legally use USPS Priority Mail (which you and I cannot) and she does not charge an outrageous fee for this service. If that is an option for you, look into it.
Really depends upon the quality/knowledge/dependability of your local employees.
I, too, have found that my LGS is a better option for me. She can legally use USPS Priority Mail (which you and I cannot) and she does not charge an outrageous fee for this service. If that is an option for you, look into it.
wow6599
Member
I use UPS only because of where their main hub in STL (Earth City) is located. Since none of the UPS or Fed Ex satellite offices will take firearms anymore, they all can go......
I tried to take a firearm to them today in fact, but they had a sign posted that they were closed on 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1. It never crossed my mine that they would be closed today..........
I tried to take a firearm to them today in fact, but they had a sign posted that they were closed on 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1. It never crossed my mine that they would be closed today..........
Potatohead
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2013
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- 5,375
delete dumb post
I will never ship a fiream or anything else via ups again. I sent a collector grade browning a-5 shot gun through ups and it was recieved with a shattered stock and crushed box. I had it wrapped in several layers of bubble wrap , placed in a hard plastic gun case , then bubblewrapped cushioned in another cardboard box . i also had insurance placed on it . my claim was refused because it "wasnt boxed properly " ! ive heard that is their standard loophole . ive also had many things shipped to me by others , using ups and had damage . i choose usps whenever possible. its usually cheaper and those handling my package are career employess, not some tired 20 yr old part time college student who dont give a crap.
Screwball
Member
Never had issue with UPS other than signature issues, where they would not accept it on their paper nor allow me to have it held (said only the shipper could have it held).
FedEx took what looked like a key, and cut into a box that had a newly refinished Beretta PX4. Put a nice mark in the polymer frame.
Worst was USPS. I sent a M1903 to have a sight installed. Had the rifle refinished prior, and when it was shipped back to me, probably about $3,200 into the rifle (cost of the rifle included, but looks like the Marine sniper version). The mail lady left the box sitting in the rain, with no bag! Luckily my girlfriend came home early, and pulled the rifle out of the box before the water started soaking into the padding. I WAS PISSED AT THAT!
FedEx took what looked like a key, and cut into a box that had a newly refinished Beretta PX4. Put a nice mark in the polymer frame.
Worst was USPS. I sent a M1903 to have a sight installed. Had the rifle refinished prior, and when it was shipped back to me, probably about $3,200 into the rifle (cost of the rifle included, but looks like the Marine sniper version). The mail lady left the box sitting in the rain, with no bag! Luckily my girlfriend came home early, and pulled the rifle out of the box before the water started soaking into the padding. I WAS PISSED AT THAT!
keepitreal
Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2013
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- 13
I learned earlier this year that while intrastate shipment of a handgun from one resident to another resident of the same state is legal without a FFL middleman per federal law, and such kaw requires use of a carrer like Fedex or UPS, that neither carrier will do it. I wanted to get a gun to a guy who does custom holsters. Fortunately he was coming through town a short time later and I was able to do a face to face meet up.
Schwing
Member
I had a similar experience with UPS over a server I shipped. The irony is that I paid the UPS store to package it for me which cost about$70 and they still declined the insurance for improper packing.
Mike1234567
member
I agree but USPS has contracted their long distance shipping to third parties... usually UPS so USPS packages go through the same abusive handling as UPS' packages do. USPS just picks up from the starting point, UPS picks up from the PO and ships the long distance and delivers to the destination PO which delivers to your door. It no longer makes much difference other than shipping cost... and has anyone noticed USPS has been persistently raising their fees over the last few months??
Thanks, all.
I've used USPS for years and have never had any problem when shipping long guns, but, of course, that's not available for me with handguns.
The cheapest I've found an FFL to do it for me locally is $50, and $75 is more common.
I will take many pics of my wrapping process in case there are problems.
I've used USPS for years and have never had any problem when shipping long guns, but, of course, that's not available for me with handguns.
The cheapest I've found an FFL to do it for me locally is $50, and $75 is more common.
I will take many pics of my wrapping process in case there are problems.
Mike1234567
member
Jaywalker... Careful!!
I had TWO UPS insurance claims denied because, although the boxes were completely crushed and mangled, the local manager claimed the items were TOO well packed so that any mishandling on their part couldn't have damaged the contents. This was with large holes stabbed completely THROUGH the boxes!!
I had TWO UPS insurance claims denied because, although the boxes were completely crushed and mangled, the local manager claimed the items were TOO well packed so that any mishandling on their part couldn't have damaged the contents. This was with large holes stabbed completely THROUGH the boxes!!
DammitBoy
Member
Never had any issues with UPS or Fed Ex. The only problems I've ever had; horrible customer service, crappy tracking, lost package, damaged goods happened with the USPS.
I would choose FedEx for several reasons, one of which I get the employee discount and I don't have to drop off packages. And from my observations the packages are handled better too.
When I worked for UPS the package handling was horrible, I watched people drop kick packages into the trucks on more than one occasion or just throw them across the station because they were venting anger. At UPS they require you to work at a pace that makes it impossible to properly handle packages, I would toss >1200 packages every day because if I did it properly it would take me twice as long and would get written up for working too slow. I hated that job.
When I worked for UPS the package handling was horrible, I watched people drop kick packages into the trucks on more than one occasion or just throw them across the station because they were venting anger. At UPS they require you to work at a pace that makes it impossible to properly handle packages, I would toss >1200 packages every day because if I did it properly it would take me twice as long and would get written up for working too slow. I hated that job.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Neither one has impressed me over the years.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Both suck and both do things we should never let them get away with. I've had more problems with FedEx and their customer service hasn't been very good. I watched a FedEx truck go by my house to my neighbor down the street. I was expecting a package, a rather collectible book that is not easy to find. Their excuse was that they didn't know where the street was. Paid for 2-day shipping, got it in 7 days. Just two weeks ago I paid $90 for overnight shipping of my new flintlock pistol and it took 3 days. UPS hub is closer, I use them but trust neither.
dogtown tom
Member
UPS/FedEx/USPS= exactly the same.
I ship 3-5 guns a week and receive 180+ guns a month. There is zero difference in the handling between the three......they are equally bad/good at delivering a box with/without damage.
I have faaaaaaar more trouble with shippers who transpose digits in my address, ship to the wrong shipping address, fail to properly pack the firearm or use Scotch Tape to seal the box (it does not stick by the way).
I ship 3-5 guns a week and receive 180+ guns a month. There is zero difference in the handling between the three......they are equally bad/good at delivering a box with/without damage.
I have faaaaaaar more trouble with shippers who transpose digits in my address, ship to the wrong shipping address, fail to properly pack the firearm or use Scotch Tape to seal the box (it does not stick by the way).
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