UPS & Newegg do it again!

[Xenocide]

I don't need words to explain this.

*UPDATE* Post 9
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/xenner/DSCF2554.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/xenner/DSCF2555.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/xenner/DSCF2556.jpg

[vixro]

jesus..... is that even legal? isn't the package insured and UPS has to cover the damages?

[Xenocide]

i hope its alright, it *WAS* an external hdd controller, im about to hook it up

[krag]

What does it look like out of the box? You dont' have to accept damaged boxes like that. You can reject them and demand a refund.

[Super Nade]

OMFG..that looks worse than my package! Stupid UPS. :mad:

[Gautam]

For a couple of weeks it has been my staunch personal policy to avoid UPS at all costs. Even if its a $30 premium for Fedex I'll pay it. If it means switching stores, I'll do it. UPS causes so much grief its worth anything to avoid them.

[TheCheat]

i can honestly say i've never had that problem with UPS.....

[vixro]

I haven't, yet. My brother has though.

[Xenocide]

GOD NEWEGG ROCKS!

i got the nicest lady on the phone, she was like yea i hate ups pretty much.

she asked her supervisor if she could send out a new one free of charge, he said thats fine, she told me just to toss this one away.

the enclosure functions fine but it is bent slightly.

she even went to the extent of sending it fedex, because she told me she doesn't want to have me deal with ups again!!!!

i <3 Newegg!!!!

[member101]

That is how the box looked for the my last order from newegg.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=469877

[jivetrky]

well at least props to newegg for the good service.

[violineb]

Hmm that's funny. My last order from Newegg was shipped UPS and it came fast and in perfect condition. odd Then again, there was the day that the UPS guy came and broke one of my stairs. Damn that guy was huge. Funny thing is, that wooden board wasn't rotten, cracked, or damaged in anyway. :confused:

[PWatterson]

GOD NEWEGG ROCKS!

i got the nicest lady on the phone, she was like yea i hate ups pretty much.

she asked her supervisor if she could send out a new one free of charge, he said thats fine, she told me just to toss this one away.

the enclosure functions fine but it is bent slightly.

she even went to the extent of sending it fedex, because she told me she doesn't want to have me deal with ups again!!!!

i <3 Newegg!!!!

Newegg FTW!!!

I had a box from UPS arrive like that once. Luckily, the parts were ok. In fact, I just ordered from Newegg yesterday with UPS shipping. Hope it turns out ok...

[Lionsault_100]

What does it look like out of the box? You dont' have to accept damaged boxes like that. You can reject them and demand a refund.

really ? my 320gb seagate came like that, works fine tho

[Max0r]

The EXACT same thing happened to me with USPS priority mail, except it was a ocf classifieds transaction.

http://home.comcast.net/~maxizzle/box4.jpg

I've used UPS, USPS, and Fedex many many times and never had a problem with any of them until that. I'm around the Chicago burbs area, glenview, skokie, etc.

[Nathan0490]

The EXACT same thing happened to me with USPS priority mail, except it was a ocf classifieds transaction.

http://home.comcast.net/~maxizzle/box4.jpg

I've used UPS, USPS, and Fedex many many times and never had a problem with any of them until that. I'm around the Chicago burbs area, glenview, skokie, etc.


That seems like that may have been the shipper at part fault, it doesnt look like it was packed with padding/peanuts. I think if it was it wouldn't have been as smashed.

[Enablingwolf]

That seems like that may have been the shipper at part fault, it doesnt look like it was packed with padding/peanuts. I think if it was it wouldn't have been as smashed.
I don't thinl peanuts would of helped with that much pressure.


I just got a UPS order with newegg. Seems the egg has listened and made UPS stand up and listen. My box got here fast Liker fedex times/ 2 days from order>NJ >CLE. I had building issues, and actually UPS called me back( I gave ring for the driver in warning saying I would be downstairs waiting). I waited for like 90 minutes for the truck downstairs ( I have a call box that was broke). The new driver was like totally cool and came early. Usually the UP-ass guy is here about 3:45 and the new guy was here around 2:50. He was totally hustling for me. lol He told me so, but I told him why I called. We was cool and off he went.

I DO NOT accept they let a very crushed box go to the customer!!!! The sorters are at fault here. Glad ytou got a new product Xeno.

Edit:

I am wrong!! The order came in @ 1:50 an hour earlier then I said. :P\\

08/04/2006 13:50:00 DELIVERED[D] STRONGSVILLE, OH, US RECEIVER
08/03/2006 20:06:00 DESTINATION SCAN[i] MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, US
08/03/2006 19:40:00 DESTINATION SCAN[i] MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, US
08/03/2006 17:55:00 UNLOAD SCAN[i] MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, US
08/03/2006 14:31:00 ARRIVAL SCAN[i] MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, US
08/03/2006 03:21:00 DEPARTURE SCAN[i] PARSIPPANY, NJ, US
08/03/2006 00:47:00 ARRIVAL SCAN[i] PARSIPPANY, NJ, US
08/02/2006 23:59:00 DEPARTURE SCAN[i] EDISON, NJ, US
08/02/2006 18:17:00 LOCATION SCAN[i] EDISON, NJ, US
08/02/2006 15:16:00 ORIGIN SCAN[i] EDISON, NJ, US
08/02/2006 16:12:35 BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED[M] EDISON, NJ, US

[Xenocide]

i called up ups and asked to have the driver's supervisor call me.

when he did i told him this is the 3rd time he has left crushed packages with out informing me or asking me if i would like to file a claim.

mind you i was HOME too! he didn't even ring the door bell i found it there an hour and a half later

[Enablingwolf]

I have a pic of a UPS driver leaving a package in a hallway in a secure building. He had to go out of his way to get through a secure door and the 5th floor.

Some of the drivers should rethink how they do their routes. The crushed box is totally hosed and leaving it, is reason to file on the usual driver. I let ALOT of things slide. Having more then one is covering his buds on the sort line. No one to gripe or refuse the box.... So he leaves it. Follow through on the complaint. You need a better regular driver.

[Xtreme Barton]

Damn that guy was huge. Funny thing is, that wooden board wasn't rotten, cracked, or damaged in anyway. :confused:

LOL :eek: :D

[Max0r]

That seems like that may have been the shipper at part fault, it doesnt look like it was packed with padding/peanuts. I think if it was it wouldn't have been as smashed.

It WAS packaged with padding/peanuts!

[Nathan0490]

It WAS packaged with padding/peanuts!

Damn other poster was right, it looks like something ran over it, so much pressure involved.

[Bob Vila]

Wow those pictures are frightening. I'm guessing UPS randomly chooses a package off of the sorting line then they dog pile it for an hour.

[Drinkyoghurt]

dude i get packages from the us and i live in the netherlands, and they never look that beaten up. i only had one little bit beaten up package arrive to me, all the others arrived just fine

[David Coleman]

The EXACT same thing happened to me with USPS priority mail, except it was a ocf classifieds transaction.

http://home.comcast.net/~maxizzle/box4.jpg

I've used UPS, USPS, and Fedex many many times and never had a problem with any of them until that. I'm around the Chicago burbs area, glenview, skokie, etc.


That's a poorly packaged box if ever I've seen one. Too big for whatever is in there. It only takes on 50lb box being set on top of that while it's in a feeder for that to happen: nothing unusual or extreme at all.

[skou]

I recieve packages all the time, shipped with UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Bar none, UPS delivers the worst looking packages. Period! It isn't even close.

On top of that, their business operation model is about the worse I have ever heard.

Any time someone complains about UPS's poor handling practices here, a UPS employee shows up and says, "well, we ship MUCH MORE packages than *** does, we're going to ruin a few more."

In my opinion, this is the best reason I've ever seen to use a different shipper, which I do every chance I have. When I was a child, there was a car rental company that advertised being #2, and had the tag line, "We try harder." FedEx tries harder, too.

steve

[Max0r]

That's a poorly packaged box if ever I've seen one. Too big for whatever is in there. It only takes on 50lb box being set on top of that while it's in a feeder for that to happen: nothing unusual or extreme at all.

It's a good thing it is too big. If whatever was in there was the size of the box, it would be toast.

[b1029384756]

I worked at UPS for a while during peak seasons, and I have a million stories about what goes on there. First of all, understand that the employees are treated like crap and are told constantly by upper management that they'll be fired if they're caught doing something that their immediate bosses force them to do every day. Those who are able to advance their careers there seem to have a knack for forcing us to do all kinds of things and be able to avoid any kind of accountability when something goes wrong. If you get a package that requires a signature, do you think that we're going to waste time knocking on your door and waiting if you don't look like you're there? Every person that makes us wait is taking valuable time, and if we get back late, we get bitched at because of course they have to pay us more. So when we have over 300 stops to make between 8am and 10pm (including the ½ hour or so it takes us to get to our area and again when we're finally finished), and then have to meet another driver to get 50-100 stops from their truck because they know whose ass to kiss to get out of doing extra work, every minute is valuable. Look like you're home, or get your package entered as "not in"...and don't forget the blank delivery notice that we leave on the street for you after we scan the barcode on it. If you have a driveway that's 1000 feet long with tree branches that stop us from driving up it, don't be surprised if your package is half the size it should be and covered with footprints, and consider yourself lucky if the damage stops there. Of course, we're not allowed to run, so we either have to do it anyway and get in trouble if we get hurt (actually, most of the time employees are in practice required to work when sick or injured), or get in trouble for not running, all while management makes it deliberately vague about why we're in trouble. So, if you think it's not your problem that we're yelled at and get vague threats made about loss of our jobs because you insist on having packages delivered to such a house, then why shouldn't we return the favor? We had drivers that have been found after they hanged themselves in the back of their package trucks because they were tired of dealing with all of that. And another one who cut off part of his finger to try to get out of working (which worked for a grand total of 1 day) So, it should come as no surprise that packages are smashed at random as well. I don't know where I'm going with this, so I guess the moral of the story is to make sure everything is packed securely (this will protect the contects even if we throw the package and stomp on it), and don't have them delivered anywhere that's going to cause problems for the driver, and watch how you treat the drivers as well. I assume that this applies to all of the shipping companies, but I guess you usually don't have a choice of which one a retailer uses to ship you your goods in most cases.

[Nathan0490]

Sounds like UPS has management issues... none of these issues are the consumer's(us) fault.


I worked at UPS for a while during peak seasons, and I have a million stories about what goes on there. First of all, understand that the employees are treated like crap and are told constantly by upper management that they'll be fired if they're caught doing something that their immediate bosses force them to do every day. Those who are able to advance their careers there seem to have a knack for forcing us to do all kinds of things and be able to avoid any kind of accountability when something goes wrong. If you get a package that requires a signature, do you think that we're going to waste time knocking on your door and waiting if you don't look like you're there? Every person that makes us wait is taking valuable time, and if we get back late, we get bitched at because of course they have to pay us more. So when we have over 300 stops to make between 8am and 10pm (including the ½ hour or so it takes us to get to our area and again when we're finally finished), and then have to meet another driver to get 50-100 stops from their truck because they know whose ass to kiss to get out of doing extra work, every minute is valuable. Look like you're home, or get your package entered as "not in"...and don't forget the blank delivery notice that we leave on the street for you after we scan the barcode on it. If you have a driveway that's 1000 feet long with tree branches that stop us from driving up it, don't be surprised if your package is half the size it should be and covered with footprints, and consider yourself lucky if the damage stops there. Of course, we're not allowed to run, so we either have to do it anyway and get in trouble if we get hurt (actually, most of the time employees are in practice required to work when sick or injured), or get in trouble for not running, all while management makes it deliberately vague about why we're in trouble. So, if you think it's not your problem that we're yelled at and get vague threats made about loss of our jobs because you insist on having packages delivered to such a house, then why shouldn't we return the favor? We had drivers that have been found after they hanged themselves in the back of their package trucks because they were tired of dealing with all of that. And another one who cut off part of his finger to try to get out of working (which worked for a grand total of 1 day) So, it should come as no surprise that packages are smashed at random as well. I don't know where I'm going with this, so I guess the moral of the story is to make sure everything is packed securely (this will protect the contects even if we throw the package and stomp on it), and don't have them delivered anywhere that's going to cause problems for the driver, and watch how you treat the drivers as well. I assume that this applies to all of the shipping companies, but I guess you usually don't have a choice of which one a retailer uses to ship you your goods in most cases.

[Nathan0490]

BTW, "We try harder" still is the slogan of Avis Rent-A-Car isn't it? :beer:

Edit: http://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/images/global/en/logos/avistm.gif


I recieve packages all the time, shipped with UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Bar none, UPS delivers the worst looking packages. Period! It isn't even close.

On top of that, their business operation model is about the worse I have ever heard.

Any time someone complains about UPS's poor handling practices here, a UPS employee shows up and says, "well, we ship MUCH MORE packages than *** does, we're going to ruin a few more."

In my opinion, this is the best reason I've ever seen to use a different shipper, which I do every chance I have. When I was a child, there was a car rental company that advertised being #2, and had the tag line, "We try harder." FedEx tries harder, too.

steve

[b1029384756]

Sounds like UPS has management issues... none of these issues are the consumer's(us) fault.

I'm not saying it's the consumer's fault...but they do need to be aware of the larger picture, it's not just the driver being a butthole. I doubt those are issues limited to UPS, either, the entire industry is one that creates a lot of stress on the workers...why do you think the US Post Office has become famous for murder sprees and suicides? I don't think that there really is an easy solution...UPS management doesn't care if your goods are damaged, 99.9% of the time customer service will either look for a loophole in the terms of the insurance policy (it isn't packed well, isn't worth that amount (be especially careful about this when buying collectors' items), you can't prove you paid that amount for it, etc), or flat out lie (claiming that the item isn't worth that amount and ignoring any proof you can provide about its value), in order to screw you over, and there ends up being about nothing you can do about it. Are you going to pursue legal action over a smashed $400 iPod? Not likely. That's why it's important to make sure you buy from a vendor that packs their items well. While the competition is limited as far as choice of shippers, there are still plenty of vendors to buy from, most of which (in my experience) pack the items well. It's unfortunate that companies in every industry are growing bigger and less numerous, eliminating competition all round. Whether you're a consumer or a worker, your choices are fast becoming either suck it up at take whatever treatment they're willing to give you, or join the guys who hanged themselves in the back of their trucks. That's kind of a sore spot for me right now, because, as of yesterday, I'm unemployed because our bus company of about 50 employees was bought by a bus company of about 35,000 employees (which is a subsidiary of a much larger firm), as are most of the competitors in the area. Also, as for what I said about not having packages delivered to areas difficult for UPS to get to, I'm not saying it's right or wrong for UPS drivers to smash your packages, but take it into consideration and realize that you can't change the way that things work. In a perfect world, management would allot extra time for routes with those kind of stops, but they don't, and there's not a thing you can do about it. So, if your driveway goes through the woods, has several switchbacks, or is on a 30% grade and covered with ice, do yourself and the driver a favor and have your goods shipped to a friend. If you're expecting a package you'll have to sign for...keep an eye on the tracking number, and, on the day you're expecting it, try to be there, and leave a light or two on, and, if possible, a car in front of the place. In other words, make it obvious that you're home.

What I forgot to mention is that much of the damage is also unintentional. UPS does not handle with care...we simply don't have time. Packages are simply thrown in the trucks (and they look like they were sorted by Ray Charles), and thrown around on the belts because speed is the primary concern. An employee who tries to take the time to get the job done "right" isn't going to have his job for very long, that's just a fact.

To reiterate, I'm not saying anyone here is wrong for complaining about it, but, I doubt if most people are truly aware of the reasons why. This isn't a perfect world, and, at least in the US, is becoming more and more dominated by large companies, and there's always less and less you can do about unfair treatment (at least in practice). So, just try to do what you can on your end, choose a good vendor, and hope for the best.

[skou]

I'm not saying it's the consumer's fault...but they do need to be aware of the larger picture, it's not just the driver being a butthole. I doubt those are issues limited to UPS, either, the entire industry is one that creates a lot of stress on the workers...why do you think the US Post Office has become famous for murder sprees and suicides? I don't think that there really is an easy solution...UPS management doesn't care if your goods are damaged, 99.9% of the time customer service will either look for a loophole in the terms of the insurance policy (it isn't packed well, isn't worth that amount (be especially careful about this when buying collectors' items), you can't prove you paid that amount for it, etc), or flat out lie (claiming that the item isn't worth that amount and ignoring any proof you can provide about its value), in order to screw you over, and there ends up being about nothing you can do about it. Are you going to pursue legal action over a smashed $400 iPod? Not likely. That's why it's important to make sure you buy from a vendor that packs their items well. While the competition is limited as far as choice of shippers, there are still plenty of vendors to buy from, most of which (in my experience) pack the items well. It's unfortunate that companies in every industry are growing bigger and less numerous, eliminating competition all round. Whether you're a consumer or a worker, your choices are fast becoming either suck it up at take whatever treatment they're willing to give you, or join the guys who hanged themselves in the back of their trucks. That's kind of a sore spot for me right now, because, as of yesterday, I'm unemployed because our bus company of about 50 employees was bought by a bus company of about 35,000 employees (which is a subsidiary of a much larger firm), as are most of the competitors in the area. Also, as for what I said about not having packages delivered to areas difficult for UPS to get to, I'm not saying it's right or wrong for UPS drivers to smash your packages, but take it into consideration and realize that you can't change the way that things work. In a perfect world, management would allot extra time for routes with those kind of stops, but they don't, and there's not a thing you can do about it. So, if your driveway goes through the woods, has several switchbacks, or is on a 30% grade and covered with ice, do yourself and the driver a favor and have your goods shipped to a friend. If you're expecting a package you'll have to sign for...keep an eye on the tracking number, and, on the day you're expecting it, try to be there, and leave a light or two on, and, if possible, a car in front of the place. In other words, make it obvious that you're home.

What I forgot to mention is that much of the damage is also unintentional. UPS does not handle with care...we simply don't have time. Packages are simply thrown in the trucks (and they look like they were sorted by Ray Charles), and thrown around on the belts because speed is the primary concern. An employee who tries to take the time to get the job done "right" isn't going to have his job for very long, that's just a fact.

To reiterate, I'm not saying anyone here is wrong for complaining about it, but, I doubt if most people are truly aware of the reasons why. This isn't a perfect world, and, at least in the US, is becoming more and more dominated by large companies, and there's always less and less you can do about unfair treatment (at least in practice). So, just try to do what you can on your end, choose a good vendor, and hope for the best.

With UPS having "issues" like this, and FedEx not having the same problems, is there ANY reason to use UPS?

When I buy a product, I PAY to get it shipped properly, not to get it shipped the way you describe. When I sell a product, I am risking MY reputation, on how that product arrives. Do you really think I would put up with mediocrity? (sp?) Or, worse?

If I sell a laptop to someone here, do I want to hear about that lappy showing up in 3 pieces? With tire tracks on the (mangled) box? And, then having to fight with the company I gave GOOD MONEY to ship it?

No, I'll just choose a better shipping company. (Which would be just about ANY shipping company!)

steve

[b1029384756]

With UPS having "issues" like this, and FedEx not having the same problems, is there ANY reason to use UPS?

When I buy a product, I PAY to get it shipped properly, not to get it shipped the way you describe. When I sell a product, I am risking MY reputation, on how that product arrives. Do you really think I would put up with mediocrity? (sp?) Or, worse?

If I sell a laptop to someone here, do I want to hear about that lappy showing up in 3 pieces? With tire tracks on the (mangled) box? And, then having to fight with the company I gave GOOD MONEY to ship it?

No, I'll just choose a better shipping company. (Which would be just about ANY shipping company!)

steve

If FedEx is really much better, then of course that'd be the way to go as a seller. As a buyer, you generally don't have much of a choice, except sometimes when dealing with an individual or smaller company. Of course, you can choose to only buy from those who use FedEx. I've heard plenty of stories of the same thing going on there, though since I've never worked with them or dealt extensively with them, I can't confirm all of that personally, but I wouldn't expect anything different from any of them. Just check the FedEx thread right below this one for an example of a package requiring a signature like I described (or in an area in which the company does not allow packages to be driver released). I've heard of people who've had problems from UPS and not FedEx, and vice versa. One thing it can come down to is which drivers serve your area. If a driver is one that's liked (or at least treated well openly) by management (usually because he's a brown noser or is lucky enough to be friendly with/related to someone in management), he'll have an easy route, with enough time to be careful with the packages and less motivation to destroy them. So, I'd imagine that many of these anecdotes comparing their personal experiences with the two companies are from those whose areas are served by such a driver at one company and not at the other. So, if you're in the position to have a choice on which shipping company to use, go with whichever one has worked well for you in the past. If that's FedEx, so be it. If it's UPS, that's fine too. DHL? Airborne Express? USPS? Whichever works. I'm not defending UPS, since I probably hate them more than any of you, having been there and all, but I'm trying to make people aware of how things are and that, unfortunately, individuals (and even most companies) have little power to change anything that goes on with an organization as large and as powerful as UPS, FedEx, etc.

Edit: Here's the thread I was talking about, where FedEx also skipped a stop.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=471472

[BossBorot]

One thing it can come down to is which drivers serve your area.


So, if you're in the position to have a choice on which shipping company to use, go with whichever one has worked well for you in the past. If that's FedEx, so be it. If it's UPS, that's fine too. DHL? Airborne Express? USPS? Whichever works.

I find this last bit to be true, and much of what you say about the subject. I know I can't fix all the problems inherent in shipping, but I as a consumer try to make the experience better on all ends. I try to know my driver if I can and if I mail a lot of large packages at once I ususally will give the driver a gift certificate or something to make sure he is happy and I continue to recieve my packages in good condition. This way he doesnt remember me as that b*stard who made him carry three fourty pound packages up a flight of stairs, instead he will remember me as the kind person who accually cared about what he did.

If you cant fix the problems you have with a certain shipper in your area just try to avoid them in the future. Large companies quality of service generally varries greatly depending on where you are no matter what type of company it is.

edit: also this would make a great sig for someone who hates ups.
UPS does not handle with care...we simply don't have time. Packages are simply thrown in the trucks (and they look like they were sorted by Ray Charles)

[b1029384756]

I find this last bit to be true, and much of what you say about the subject. I know I can't fix all the problems inherent in shipping, but I as a consumer try to make the experience better on all ends. I try to know my driver if I can and if I mail a lot of large packages at once I ususally will give the driver a gift certificate or something to make sure he is happy and I continue to recieve my packages in good condition. This way he doesnt remember me as that b*stard who made him carry three fourty pound packages up a flight of stairs, instead he will remember me as the kind person who accually cared about what he did.

If you cant fix the problems you have with a certain shipper in your area just try to avoid them in the future. Large companies quality of service generally varries greatly depending on where you are no matter what type of company it is.

Good advice...tipping a regular driver, especially around Christmas time, if you're a frequent customer, is a good way to make sure that not only is he not going to damage anything on purpose (accidents still do happen because of the forced rush), but that you'll be treated better in general. Most of the drivers (with the exception of the "company men" that I desribed in an earlier post) hate the company more than a customer ever could, and it's usually not their fault how the packages end up, but they do tend to get ticked, just like anyone would, when customers who don't understand how things work act like they do and accomplish nothing but headaches for everyone involved.

Also, it's funny that you mention carrying 3 40 lb packages. Drivers, due to insurance requirements, aren't allowed to carry any package that weighs more than 75 lbs alone. That's why the shipping rates go up drastically when you hit that weight, because in theory they need to send a helper. Of course, that didn't stop them from having me carry 4 packages weighing 70 lbs each, as well as just ignoring the rules and having me carry 150 lb packages alone anyway (I can deadlift 400, so that didn't bother me personally much, but most of the people were much smaller than me and that's another example of bad treatment). The obvious solution would be to make several trips carrying one package at a time...guess how management makes it clear how they feel about doing that, without actually coming out and saying so? Or if there's no helper around and a driver refuses to deliver a 150 lb package because of it? Of course, if they get hurt, then they're chewed out, and fired if they can't work because of that, because they were explicity told not to do it (and tacitly told to do it constantly).

[Max0r]

Thanks for giving us the true story. Now I see why those UPS drivers are so strung out on the road. I can see that the entire industry is one in which people are abused. If a vast majority of workers would finally stop and say, "Hey... we need more workers/resources to get this done... stop this **** now or we're gonna make sure this entire operation grinds to a halt..." then things might change for these companies... but I doubt that will happen... especially with violent union guys. I heard of one UPS driver who somehow wasn't union and got his delivery truck brakes cut.

On another note... Fortunately for me, I've never had a problem so far with package handling with UPS... Maybe it is because I'm not too far from the local facility... short drive.

[b1029384756]

Thanks for giving us the true story. Now I see why those UPS drivers are so strung out on the road. I can see that the entire industry is one in which people are abused. If a vast majority of workers would finally stop and say, "Hey... we need more workers/resources to get this done... stop this **** now or we're gonna make sure this entire operation grinds to a halt..." then things might change for these companies... but I doubt that will happen... especially with violent union guys. I heard of one UPS driver who somehow wasn't union and got his delivery truck brakes cut.

On another note... Fortunately for me, I've never had a problem so far with package handling with UPS... Maybe it is because I'm not too far from the local facility... short drive.

No problem. This isn't really an issue for most people looking at the thread, customers that have to deal with the companies, but, I suppose there might be a few curious by now. The union reps are usually good people but simply outmatched. They have to fight for everything from workman's comp pay to the right to go to the bathroom during their shifts (another thing frowned upon, which is why most drivers carry empty bottles in the back of their trucks). The one thing that is very good is the pay. Last time I worked there in 2003, the drivers that have been there for a few years were making $28 an hour, which the company uses to try justify the harsh conditions. They do, to an extent, but forcing us to do things that they could easily deny later in the event of a problem is just ridiculous (I was never a political-minded person, so something like that just seems unnatural and dishonorable to me). I also worked with a driver who wasn't union. He had a very easy route and was making quite a bit more than the union drivers. Most of the violence I've heard of had little to do with union representation but I'm sure that it does happen.

If anyone wants to really see how things work, and you need a job between (roughly) mid-November and Christmas, whether you suddenly find yourself unemployed or work in a seasonal industry such as landscaping, they pay helpers pretty decently (I think it's around $14 an hour now), though it's anyone's guess whether you'll get to work those long hours (if you keep asking for them you'll usually get them - think overtime pay) or get stuck with a company man with a short route (albeit much easier work). You'll get treated every bit as badly, but have plenty of stories to tell. I did it for a couple of years and, despite everything, would do it again if I find myself unemployed at that time of year.

Well, I'm gonna try to keep this thread on topic...if anyone has any more questions about the best way to deal with the carriers as a consumer or as a shipper, ask and I'll do the best I can to answer.

[twEEkerAreUs]

I've known three people that have worked as UPS package handlers, aka at the depot loading trucks up. All three have equally said it was one of the worst jobs they have ever had hands down, all quit within 4 months or less. The whole higher management are power trip nut jobs is true too, but then again which place isn't like that? Dropping things and basically mishandling packages is VERY common.

[Max0r]

I'm sure the various levels of management are treated like crap by their superiors as well too. Probably a whole chain of misery! Ahh... I shouldn't get so mad about shipping troubles when I see what they have to put up with...

[b1029384756]

twEEkerAreUs is describing the "preloaders", they get paid much less than the seasonal (and permanent) helpers. They also have to work with the bosses breathing up their rear-ends all day. I wouldn't recommend that job to anyone either, temporary or permanent.

Max0r, you really should get mad about the service...not at the drivers (usually), but at the company and how they practice business to maximize profit at our expense. It's unfortunate that companies in every industry are combining and getting larger, and driving the smaller ones out of business. The individual has so much less power of choice whether as a consumer or as an employee these days. That's what really bothers me. Oh well.

[Max0r]

Totally agree with you man... except hey.. gettin mad at it ain't gonna do anything. I definately don't like it. Some guy up at the top can add and subtract and multiply and divide a few numbers and say.. "HEY! Our profits will go up by this much if we cut out these.. they're not really necessary anyway... meanwhile EVERYONE gets strained much harder and service continues to get worse."

So for me I'd just be a strategist about it. Stick with the best carrier in my area and never press their hot buttons.

One question... I'm not too far from a UPS facility that I get the packages delivered from... and i've never had a problem with a damaged package. Is this a factor?

[redrumy3]

damn, looks like ur package went to wwIII... i have been using ups all the time since newegg changed to them with the free shipping and i havent gotten a package smashed "yet". i have a powersupply coming from cali ships out on monday ill let u know when i get it and let you know if any damage.

but so far ups has been great

[b1029384756]

One question... I'm not too far from a UPS facility that I get the packages delivered from... and i've never had a problem with a damaged package. Is this a factor?

Not really...much of the damage takes place in the facility itself, packages getting crushed on the conveyor belts, thrown around by preloaders, the only thing missing is the 10-20 mile drive in the truck, where packages do get thrown from the shelves, but usually that isn't an issue when the truck is stuffed floor to ceiling to the doors. Then the usual things take place...packages smashed while trying to sort out the truck, etc.

The one thing that could make it an issue are some of the supervisors who drive around in their own cars to check to make sure the drivers do a lot of the things they're "supposed" to do, such as wearing your seat belt for a 100 foot drive between houses on a dead end street, and setting the parking brake on the truck for 2 seconds while you stop for a stop sign. I'd imagine that they'd be more likely to check on the ones that work closest to the facility, since that's less of a drive for them when they have a million other things to do, so the drivers who work closest to the facility might be more numerous and with shorter routes so that they don't have to rush as much.