Question about shipping choices

[IMacBevan]

Hi All,

Since I'm going to have to make the jump into shipping again at somepoint (I haven't shipped since pre Sept11 when things were substantially easier). Thought I would get everyone's opinion on who to use and what the process was in terms of actually shipping. Can anyone tell me their experiences with UPS, FedEx, and USPS? Do you have to set up an account with each? Do you have to ship a certain ammount in order to maintain that account? etc.

Thanks,

Ian B.

 

[nwheat]

I use UPS because there are UPS stores close to my house and the kids' school. I do not have an account - as far as I know you don't need one for lizards (snakes are a different story, I think). The people at the ups stores know me and what I'm shipping, so drop-off is easy.

I've never used FedEx mostly because I don't have a convenient drop-off location. UPS also delivers to my house in a more timely manner which I appreciate.

I wouldn't ship live animals with USPS.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Ian, I have always shipped with UPS Next Day Air, and have not had any issues. Shipping costs have increased tremendously with all the fuel surcharges, so now most shippers use dimensional weight instead of the actual weight of the package, so keeping box sizes at a minimum is your key to keeping costs lower. Also, since I have an account with them it helps a little, but if you plan to ship a lot over the next 15 months you may want to consider speaking to someone in the "Incentives Dept." about buying pre-paid shipment labels in lots of 25 for substantial savings.

 

[Mel&Keith]

We have a DHL account and purchase the labels online (there's no minimum number of orders or anything). We've only had one problem where they over billed us. The estimated charge was $35 and they billed $65 because they went by the box dimensions not weight. I disputed the charge online and they promptly voided the portion that I disputed. So we only ended up paying $4.

 

[IMacBevan]

Sounds like UPS is the way to go. I just have to find a local drop off location. Anything special needed in terms of labeling on the boxes?

Thanks,

Ian B.

 

[brandy101010]

I have not shipped a gecko yet but I think you have to label what the animal is. Every package I have received has said at least "harmless gecko" .

 

[Brian O]

I use Fed Ex to ship. There employees act like profesionals and I've never had a bad experience with them. I have had friends and family work for UPS and have heard many horror stories about their employees conduct. Last time I recieved a package through them it was being held at their local hub for me. When I got there it was cold in the store and the woman came up spinning the box in her fingers. When I asked her to stop and told her there is a live animal inside she threw the box onto the counter.
I don't know about UPS but Fed Ex does require you set up an account with them. You need to send in a box to show how you will ship. It all takes about a week.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Sounds like UPS is the way to go. I just have to find a local drop off location. Anything special needed in terms of labeling on the boxes?

Thanks,

Ian B.

If you setup an account online you can order and print all labels off your printer. Shipping labels and supplies including shipping rate book are all free and are delivered to you fast. I would suggest ordering the Hold For Pickup labels as you may have some buyers that would like to have them held at their local UPS.

 

[IMacBevan]

Do you need to be a business to set up an account? Mine is still hobby based.