OT: Shipping experiences

[Ken G Kopp]

I do the packing and shipping of Rose's dust covers and
carrying cases.  The total is nearing 2K packages, and
with only a couple of exceptions -all-  have gone via
USPS Priority Mail and usually reach their destinations
in two to three days.  Priority Mail now provides tracking
numbers, BTW.

The only one to go astray was due to me typo-ing a
digit wrong in a ZIP code.  The auto sorting routine had
it shuttling between Los Angeles and Seattle for almost
a month!

Rose has a surprising number non-US customers and
ships all over the world ... even Nepal.  The record was
a carrying case that went from here in Montana to Turkey
in five days.  Amazing!   Non-US packages go via USPS
Air Mail ... customs forms are a snap.

USPS Priority Mail is slightly cheaper than UPS ground
and is certainly faster, and any of the faster versions of
UPS are -really- expensive.

FedEx seems to vary widely, depending on the area.
We've -never- had a satisfactory FedEx delivery, and
won't use them under any circumstances.

Then, there are the five customers that have "stiffed" her.
Two are in the UK, two from the Visalia DX Convention
and one US attorney. (;-(

73!

Ken - K0PP
[hidden email]
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5
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[Rick Dettinger-3]

Sounds like Kingston Trio lyrics.

73,
Rick Dettinger  K7MW






>
> The only one to go astray was due to me typo-ing a
> digit wrong in a ZIP code.  The auto sorting routine had
> it shuttling between Los Angeles and Seattle for almost
> a month!
>
> 73!
>
> Ken - K0PP

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[Jim Low man]

Not to mention, that USPS delivers on Saturday...at least for now.
Our post office is extremely busy, but when I need to ship something,
there are a couple of nearby post offices that seemingly no one knows about.
Walk in, do business, and walk out quickly.

We do use UPS to ship to the in-laws in Michigan, and go to the local
UPS Store, but packing and shipping seem to have increased dramatically.

Then, I hear reports of shipments from Elecraft that seem to be in limbo
in both the FedEx and UPS systems.  Not all of the delays can be blamed
on weather.
Seems that they underestimated the holiday volume; something that USPS
has dealt with for years and seems to be gaining the upper hand on.
I think, when my number comes up for shipment of the KXPA100 + ATU, I'll
switch from UPS to USPS, although I've not had a shipment take longer
than two business days from Elecraft.
Living in California helps, but I get to pay sales tax.

No problems to date with either UPS or FedEx as far as damage, or
delivery after the projected delivery date of any shipments.
One thing that does anger me, is that some shippers use this thing
called "SmartPost," in which the item travels via normal UPS and FedEx
channels until they reach the local area, then are turned over to USPS
for delivery.
This can take another 2-3 business days to reach my doorstep.  Of
course, I've been given free shipping, so I guess I can't complain.
How this saves UPS or FedEx any money is beyond my comprehension.

The XYL ordered a KX3 case, modified to hold the KXPA100 and Fred's
smaller manual, at Visalia.  I'm sure that we didn't stiff Rose.
I've bought covers for my K1, K2, K3 and KX3 from Rose, as well as the
aforementioned carrying case for the KX3 and one for the K2, so
hopefully I'm innocent.  If not, please let me know and I'll make it right.

73 de Jim - AD6CW
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