FedEx vs USPS

hobart4281

I've always used USPS for my submissions but am thinking about shipping via FedEx tomorrow (I can get a pickup at work). Is there any downside to using FedEx vs USPS? Thanks in advance.

Brian

KalineFan

Well, there is if you don't have private insurance to cover anything over $100, because that is the
MOST Fed-Ex pays on losses!

Tony
KalineFan

Griffins

Avoid FedEx all all costs! If you need something sent securely, USPS registered is the only way to go.
And like Tony says, no matter what you state for FedEx insurance they will only cover $100. Very unreliable, it's best used for mortgage papers and the like that can easily be replaced, NOT cards.

glossycrazy

Avoid Fed-Ex!! I've read many a horror story of cards being lost by them! The USPS (registered mail) is the only way to go for secure delivery EVERY TIME!
Paul

crazylocomerk

I'll agree here as well. USPS all the way.

Rangerman

I use to send cards FedEx----- but no more------ I always use USPS priority insured del confirm for values less than $500---------FedEx lost my cards for 29 days in their system, and it wasn't til I filed a claim that the cards showed up back at destination(((((((((-- At least I got the cards back-------- They didn't even refund shipping to PSA. Good luck

hobart4281

Thanks for the input-cards sent USPS today!

Brian

BugOnTheRug

Looks like herd mentality again on the fedex front. For as bad as everybody above claims, I've never had an issue with any package or letter via fedex. This includes subs to and from psa. Bad hair-day maybe?

I do use usps registered for my most valued transactions, but I've done a ton with fedex ground and their other services without incident. I've had issues with regular usps and ups, but even these hiccups were few and far between.

sagard

I used to like to ship large heavy shipments via Fed Ex ground. They were literally half the price of USPS and still might be. Unfortunately FedEx ground isn't the most reliable. I have never heard of problems nor had any with the real FedEx service.

67standup

FedEx Ground is different than FedEx, the former contracts out their services. That is, it's often non-FedEx employees that are delivering packages. USPS Registered is hands down the safest. For value over $1000, use USPS Registered as it's near this threshold that it becomes less expensive than shipping via USPS Insured (blue form.)

My ~$2000 FedEx package from Goodwin was left on my doorstep for all the world to see, the auction house paid for Signature Required service.

KalineFan

Let me clarify something about what I said about FED EX.

Yes, they don't cover you over $100. That said, if you have
private insurance to cover fed-ex, it should be fine.

I have and I have not lost a package yet. The biggest thing
for me is when I ship to PSA via Fed-Ex the packages
ALWAYS get logged in right away. Don't know why that is,
(ACTUALLY-IT SHOULD BE!) it just is!

Although, I will say, you are probably 5X more likely to lose
something with Fed-Ex than the USPS IMHO.

Tony

Griffins

I've lost a 15K prototype from a client in FedEx. Never turned up. They didn't pay off. I've had a $1750. card from an auction house get stolen out of the box- FedEx doesn't cover it, the auction house didn't insure it and thought it wasn't their problem. I've had numerous packages delayed days, and sometimes weeks with FedEx.
I've never, ever, had anything lost or stolen with registered mail. Or priority mail. The few times things have been stolen or damage with USPS is when some dolt put a card in a regular envelope and marked it "Steve's Baseball Cards" or something like that on the return address.

mealeworm

I believe FEDEX actually has been moving USPS packages for years now!!! It must be in the handling at the different locations

jimq112

<< <i>I believe FEDEX actually has been moving USPS packages for years now!!! It must be in the handling at the different locations >>



FedEx carries a lot of USPS Express packages on their airplanes, USPS failure rate has gone up since they started doing that. Kind of makes sense, why would fedex go out of it's way to make USPS look good?

USPS delivers for UPS DHL and FedEx, mostly in remote areas where it doesn't make $$ sense to send the brown truck. I think USPS gets almost nothing for doing it. In my small office I usually deliver about 5-10 packages a day for the "competition".

grote15

I'd also recommend without reservation USPS registered mail as the most reliable, most secure way to ship anything of value. It's a no-brainer, really. My question, though, is that if FedEx allows its customers to pay for insurance up to X amt (say $1,000), does that mean they will not reimburse you if the package gets lost? Even after taking your $$$? That seems like fraud to me. Can anyone elaborate on that?

vjsteele4

I just got a Fed ex acct and sent off a sub Fri. When the asked me about insurance and the value I told them $1500 and they said they had to open the package and inspect it and they also charged me more due to the value. I did not know they don't cover over $100. What am I paying extra for? Well I hope I don't have any issues.

KalineFan

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER tell a FED EX pick up employee you have valuables in a package. That just alerts
them to it.

In regards to loss, fed ex only pays it's limit and I believe you also get a refund on the NON-DELIVERY.
I'd have to check with the controller on that, but, I am pretty sure they reimburse you for the fee.

vjsteele4

Well I just spent 30 minutes scrolling through the Fedex service guide and finally found where it says items such as sports cards are only insured for $100.
Well I guess I'll just go back to the post office routine (if it wasn't 25 minutes away and then another 25 waiting in line and then another 25 going home, I wouldn't mind.)
Or if anyone has some suggestions for insurance carriers.

1960toppsguy

I've used FED EX for my return submissions for years and never had an issue, and have NO intention of changing now.