FedEX, UPS, DHL, or anything else?

**champdmb** · 12-05-2007 10:40 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to sign up for new account with one of the shipping company. Not sure which one will give me the best value for my dollar(cost, convenience, accuracy, fast, etc). Please let me know what your experiences, references and suggestions on which carrier I should use. Thanks for your input in advance.

Probably shipping mostly from China, Vietnam to USA.

**jasaunders** · 12-05-2007 11:14 AM

I use FedEx almost exclusively. Compared their rates with UPS, and both have offices within two blocks of me, so I could drop off easily. Overall, it is extremely difficult to compare the rates, since they charge for every single variable and there are different surcharges for things like delivering to rural areas and fuel surcharges and things like that. So I have no clue if I'm gtting the best rate unless I compare on every single shipment, but thats not possible.

As far as customer service, if you call FedEx, someone answers the phone. No recording, no pushing numbers to speak to someone, someone answers right away and they have been extremely helpful when I have had to call them.

**rogercbryan** · 12-05-2007 11:24 AM

I don't ship many packages so I can't help you much. I will say that I've delt with DHL, UPS, and FedEx... UPS & FedEx have always had similar service and price. DHL on the other hand was always a nightmare. They use independent contractors for sales and logisitics in some markets... stay away from DHL is all I can say.

**HiTechGadgets** · 12-05-2007 11:37 AM

I also ship stuff from China to USA and other countries so it depends on the weight and quantity that you are shipping. If you ship one at a time it would be expensive unless you want to use EMS which would take longer compared to UPS and Fedex. Personally i have never had any problems shipping with UPS and Fedex and if you sign up with an account with them it would be cheaper a little cheaper.

**BusinessAdviser** · 12-05-2007 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by jasaunders

I use FedEx almost exclusively. Compared their rates with UPS, and both have offices within two blocks of me, so I could drop off easily. Overall, it is extremely difficult to compare the rates, since they charge for every single variable and there are different surcharges for things like delivering to rural areas and fuel surcharges and things like that. So I have no clue if I'm gtting the best rate unless I compare on every single shipment, but thats not possible.

As far as customer service, if you call FedEx, someone answers the phone. No recording, no pushing numbers to speak to someone, someone answers right away and they have been extremely helpful when I have had to call them.

Generally, you pay for what you get, and this proves the point. We looked into UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc., and what we found is that USPS is the least expensive, but it requires more work from you. Companies like FedEx and UPS, on the other hand are much more customer friendly, but the customer service and convenience are built into their price. If you have the luxury of being able to pay a bit extra so that you can have orders picked up at your place of business and it is worth it to you to do so, go for FedEx or UPS. If you are starting up, watching your bottom line, and/or attempting to maximize your profit, I would say USPS, which is what we did. Hope this helps.

**champdmb** · 12-05-2007 01:24 PM

cool, thanks fellas.

**consumertreehouse** · 12-06-2007 02:46 PM

I always ship with UPS. This is because they wrap, box, package, seal, protect, etc.....anything that I am shipping and I really enjoy this, plus it cuts down on the time that I have to spend prepping. I just take it to the store and let them do all the work.

Just what I prefer.

**Cole Taylor** · 12-06-2007 03:33 PM

I send 10-15 overnight and 2nd day air packages a day primarily to residential and UPS is half of what FedEx charges. Meet with reps from each, they both want your business is you're doing any volume.

**bzboy** · 12-06-2007 04:47 PM

I use USPS and ship priority mail. Plus usps gives free boxes if you use priority which is a cost saver for me.

**thecherryz** · 12-07-2007 03:27 PM

ups all the way, fed ex still uses old ups technology i believe also.
disclaimer: i work at ups, i like it, working there to understand how shipping works before i start my own business.