05-28-2011, 12:18 PM
Since, I am not a bigger shipper, I asked Cindy if she could post up some Tips for dealing with FedEx.
These observations are based on our experience shipping with Fed Ex over the past 10 years, your results may vary.
1 ) When possible, ship with a Fed Ex account, if you do not have one, sign up for one (it doesn't cost anything).
2 ) Shipping accounts are billed differently (better rates) than if you pay for your shipment at the Fed Ex station.
3 ) Shipping station to station to be held at the station for pick up, is the safest, least expensive, way to go (Kinkos locations are NOT Fed Ex stations). Stations can be found on the Fed Ex website. Find the one closest to you and to your recipient.
4 ) When shipping Fed Ex overnight they offer 3 overnight options, FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight , and FedEx Standard Overnight. We use the Standard Overnight and the package is usually there when the doors open. So no need to pay for the faster shipping option. Be sure to put the recipients phone number on the shipping label. Fed Ex will call the recipient.
5 ) Keep in mind that when you ship overnight you are basically buying a plane ticket for that package, so size and weight of the package as well as distance the package will be traveling all matter. The magic number is 12. Keep your box dimensions under 12" cubed and the weight under 5 lbs. Remember all weights and measurements will be rounded UP.
6 ) Fed Ex uses lasers to measure your package. If your package is not square, the laser will measure at the widest point(s).
If the package has tape hanging off, the laser will take that as a measurement, if the package is bulging, that is what the laser will measure. The rate quote that your receive online when you fill out the shipping info is a COURTESY QUOTE based on the info YOU have provided. Fed Ex receives your package at the sort facility, they weigh it and measure it with their system, sometimes they get a different answer.
7 ) Fed Ex had a rate increase of 3.9% the beginning of this year. Their fuel surcharge fluctuates month to month.
8 ) Fed Ex is a business, and as with any business the object of the game is to make money. They provide a service, Fed Ex is not the least expensive way to ship. I take comfort in the fact that I can track that package every step of the way, and IF there is an issue, I can call and talk to a HUMAN.
These observations are based on our experience shipping with Fed Ex over the past 10 years, your results may vary.
1 ) When possible, ship with a Fed Ex account, if you do not have one, sign up for one (it doesn't cost anything).
2 ) Shipping accounts are billed differently (better rates) than if you pay for your shipment at the Fed Ex station.
3 ) Shipping station to station to be held at the station for pick up, is the safest, least expensive, way to go (Kinkos locations are NOT Fed Ex stations). Stations can be found on the Fed Ex website. Find the one closest to you and to your recipient.
4 ) When shipping Fed Ex overnight they offer 3 overnight options, FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight , and FedEx Standard Overnight. We use the Standard Overnight and the package is usually there when the doors open. So no need to pay for the faster shipping option. Be sure to put the recipients phone number on the shipping label. Fed Ex will call the recipient.
5 ) Keep in mind that when you ship overnight you are basically buying a plane ticket for that package, so size and weight of the package as well as distance the package will be traveling all matter. The magic number is 12. Keep your box dimensions under 12" cubed and the weight under 5 lbs. Remember all weights and measurements will be rounded UP.
6 ) Fed Ex uses lasers to measure your package. If your package is not square, the laser will measure at the widest point(s).
If the package has tape hanging off, the laser will take that as a measurement, if the package is bulging, that is what the laser will measure. The rate quote that your receive online when you fill out the shipping info is a COURTESY QUOTE based on the info YOU have provided. Fed Ex receives your package at the sort facility, they weigh it and measure it with their system, sometimes they get a different answer.
7 ) Fed Ex had a rate increase of 3.9% the beginning of this year. Their fuel surcharge fluctuates month to month.
8 ) Fed Ex is a business, and as with any business the object of the game is to make money. They provide a service, Fed Ex is not the least expensive way to ship. I take comfort in the fact that I can track that package every step of the way, and IF there is an issue, I can call and talk to a HUMAN.
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".