Tips and advice for shipping packages. Post your ideas.
I always send packages to friends and family by way of UPS. I have never had anything damaged or lost by sending it through that company, but I have had plenty of items damaged, ruined, and lost through the postal service. Costs a little more, but worth it to know your items are safe!
By Robin (01/09/2005)
By ThriftyFun
I wonder if Robin knows that UPS and FedEx both drop some parcels at the post office for the USPS to deliver. You pay more than you would with USPS but they may still be the one doing the delivery. (01/09/2005)
By Ruralroutesix
The post office has something called "media rate". It's supposed to be for books or VCR tapes and it's much, much cheaper than first class. If it's something fragile, I wouldn't ship this way. (01/09/2005)
By Lee
I've been sending packages through the post office for years and have never had a problem. I often send packages parcel post to save $$. Just be sure to allow extra time for delivery. I was told at the post office that the in-state and close out-of-state deliveries only take a day or two more if mailed parcel post. Can be quite a savings......especially during the holidays with lots of packages to mail.
By renee
I am wondering if Robin works for UPS as I wonder why almost all e-bay sellers send their packages by USPS, then even give you free boxes, have never not a a package lost by USPS. (01/09/2005)
By Phyllis
The postal service provides an envelope that costs less than four dollars to mail as much as you can get into it, regardless of weight. The envelopes are free at the post office.
By Lynn
Editor's Note: Here is the latest information on US Post Office's latest flat rate pricing. They offer envelopes for 3.85 and now have boxes available for $7.70, to anywhere in the US.
http://www.usps.com/shipping/flatrate.htm?from=priorityandpage=flatrate (01/10/2005)
By ThriftyFun
"I am wondering if Robin works for UPS as I wonder why almost all e-bay sellers send their packages by USPS, then even give you free boxes, have never not a a package lost by USPS."
That's a silly thing to suggest, IMO. Why do you think the Post Office sells insurance? They are brutal with packages. I actually have worked at UPS and they are brutal with boxes too. The key to sending packages with either is to pack them REALLY, REALLY well. They could care less what happens to one particular boxes contents. They don't want damage goods but when you are working in the warehouse it's all about speed and packing as many boxes in the truck as you can.
By Janet
The flat rate box is $7.70, not $7.00. (01/10/2005)
By Katie A.
Few people realize that if you mail USPS your package is guaranteed to reach it's destination in less time for less money than any other shipping means. If, by chance, your package is damaged or lost all you have to do is file a form with the USPS (contact your local post office) and the package will be located or you will be monetarily reimbursed for it's value. (01/11/2005)
By Marilyn
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I do almost all of my non-food shopping online, and have received dozens & dozens of boxes via both the Post Office and UPS. One time I received a very large package via UPS that was so badly damaged that the delivery man knocked on my door and advised me to contact the shipper. Other than that, and some superficial damage to furniture cartons, I've had no problems with safe delivery via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
With regard to shipping parcel post: don't assume it will go cheaper parcel post. I always ask the postmaster to give me both the 1st Class and the parcel post rates, and 1st Class is usually cheaper - and a lot faster, and safer. Probably heavier boxes than I send would be cheaper by parcel post.
The USPS Flat Rate Package program has expanded over the years. They now offer over a dozen different types and sizes of envelopes and cartons, each with its own rate. You get the special package for free, fill it, and pay to ship it. Go to store.usps.com/
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