UPS Hates Reefers

Robink · Jan 10, 2018

I think my UPS guy hates me. Whenever its a box that says live animal/fish "this side up" he leaves the box upside down. Every time.
One time I was expecting two packages from different vendors and got one. When I asked about the other package he told me there wasn't another and if there was it would be on a different truck (I had checked the website and both packages were listed as out for delivery). About 2 hours later he delivered my other package saying it had come in later and was just given to him by another driver.

I would normally complain, but I'm afraid if I do that he may shake the boxes or worse.

PacificEastAquaculture · Jan 10, 2018

We have been shipping nationwide for over 18 years. 10 years with Fed Ex and 8+ with UPS. Each carrier has areas that are strengths and others are weaknesses. Overall we find UPS to be better and more consistent and we generally have very few problems but we dont ship during peak volume times or in bad weather. Plus, with UPS we pay for additional insurance that covers any delays except due to weather, Fed Ex does not offer this option. It always helps to have your package held for pick up at their local center if at all possible. You can usually get it early in the morning and avoid it going on the truck.

saltyhog · Jan 10, 2018

I'm sure it depends on where you live. Here UPS is much more dependable than FedEx. Usually here by 8:30-9:00 AM.

My way around that (especially in the heat of summer or the cold of winter) is to have the box held at the local customer service store. I can pick it up at 8:15 and it avoids any unnecessary time on the non climate controlled truck.

tdileo · Jan 10, 2018

TheEngineer said:
That’s a lot of delays! What is their reason for the delays?

I’m guessing all of the snow, but not sure why it was delayed 5 days. I would understand the first 2 or maybe even 3, but the snow is long gone and it’s been almost 60 for 2 days now

tdileo · Jan 10, 2018

saltyhog said:
I'm sure it depends on where you live. Here UPS is much more dependable than FedEx. Usually here by 8:30-9:00.

My way around that (especially in the heat of summer or the cold of winter) is to have the box held at the local customer service store. I can pick it up at 8:15 and it avoids any unnecessary time on the non climate controlled truck.

It probably is where I live. I’ve never gotten a UPS package before like 7PM, and that’s pretty early for me. I’m used to doorbell rings at 9:00 thinking somebody is here and it’s just a package lol!

PopaSmurph · Jan 10, 2018

I work with a lot of freight carriers at work (non reef related) and I've got to say UPS is the worst one of the 8 carriers we deal with. It all starts with UPS being a union company of teamsters. The union pension fund is not looking good for a lot of teamsters companies in my area but, UPS has their own fund set up (which is nice from what I hear) from their 1996 strike or something that gives them a better pension then other teamsters and still reap the benefits of being a union company. Don't get me wrong a lot of good was done in that strike in 96 but in today's society with a lot of people's work ethic and them being union, it doesn't get things done fast or efficient. Just speaking from my experiences and conversations with their drivers and it goes deeper then that..... much deeper lol. Anyway thats why FedEx is great, timely, and efficient in most cases and why I prefer my coral in their care. And I have nothing against union or UPS workers for anyone having a bad day lol.

ewcc1993 · Jan 11, 2018

i had two shipments with UPS and they both arrived before 10:30 am

california btw

Betty1964 · Jan 11, 2018

This is exactly opposite of my experience. My UPS guy is like clockwork and my Fedex guy destroys everything. Not one Christmas package that I shipped via FedEx arrived intact...totally smashed and ruined or lost.

ETBReefer05 · Jan 11, 2018

I sold a $250 skimmer a year back on fleabay and shipped it via USPS. Never again. It arrived to my buyer in a million pieces and the box looked like it was dragged behind the truck. You better bet I was in the Post Office the same day filing my insurance claim.

el_ote · Jan 11, 2018

Robink said:
I think my UPS guy hates me. Whenever its a box that says live animal/fish "this side up" he leaves the box upside down. Every time.
One time I was expecting two packages from different vendors and got one. When I asked about the other package he told me there wasn't another and if there was it would be on a different truck (I had checked the website and both packages were listed as out for delivery). About 2 hours later he delivered my other package saying it had come in later and was just given to him by another driver.
I would normally complain, but I'm afraid if I do that he may shake the boxes or worse.

we must have the same driver, upside down every time.

Daltrey · Jan 11, 2018

Just do what I do and have them stop by for a delivery everyday. I see the ups driver more than the postal carrier.

dede · Jan 11, 2018

First time ordering fish from Live Aquaria and of course UPS delayed the shipment a day. The driver never knocked and left the package on the snow. Good thing my dog let me know someone was around and I was also anxiously waiting for the delivery so kept checking outside for it. Surprisingly the fish were still alive and I just floated the bags right away and matched the salinity which was quite low at 2.015 and put them right in as was recommended on this site.

Now 16 hours later and both the midas blenny and diamond gobie are still alive so it is a wait and see and proceed with quarantine and any indicated treatments. This was extremely stressful as I also had a large shipment of corals from another vendor scheduled the same day. Had to schedule it that way as we had a small window of good weather.

So corals coming from New York through Fed Ex arrived on time, but fish from Live Aquaria coming from Ca using UPS got delayed a day. I too wish that vendors would give you the option of shipping company as many have said they have better experiences with one or the other given their location.

scottbapilot · Jan 11, 2018

This is a perfect thread, Right now I have ten frags on there truck that was delayed an extra day for God know's why.

TheEngineer · Jan 11, 2018

Big up to Live Aquaria. They’re cancelling all deliveries via UPS for delivery tomorrow. Icing conditions in Kansas City apparently.

Newb73 · Jan 11, 2018

I also get a lot if opened packages which i suspect are being opened by some secret homeland or postal inspector.

Tunze nano ATO was so bad i made retailer give me the open box price.

Marine depot also gave me an open box discount on a protein skimmer that looked almost like it had been not only opened but assembled at some point.

A set of AI rails open with missing parts.

The list goes on, i have forgotten a good bit.

Just this week...some spectrum marine pellet food that had obviously been opened, had the saftey seal punched through, tested (for what??? Drugs?) And then wrapped up in a bag. (After being delayed for like 2 weeks).

I am often having a "what the heck really" moment when i go to my mail box.

It has gotten rather ridiculous

TheEngineer · Jan 11, 2018

That's weird! Have you spoken with the postmaster for your area?

don_chuwish · Jan 11, 2018

Newb73 said:
I also get a lot if opened packages which i suspect are being opened by some secret homeland or postal inspector.

Tunze nano ATO was so bad i made retailer give me the open box price.

Marine depot also gave me an open box discount on a protein skimmer that looked almost like it had been not only opened but assembled at some point.

A set of AI rails open with missing parts.

The list goes on, i have forgotten a good bit.

Just this week...some spectrum marine pellet food that had obviously been opened, had the saftey seal punched through, tested (for what??? Drugs?) And then wrapped up in a bag. (After being delayed for like 2 weeks).

I am often having a "what the heck really" moment when i go to my mail box.

It has gotten rather ridiculous

Do they know you personally?

Daltrey · Jan 11, 2018

I pick up my packages at the ups hub sometimes. They tell you when you ship something you should be able to drop the package from waist height with no damage. That's quite the understatement after you see how they throw the boxes around the conveyor belts there.

In actuality it needs to be packed like it was just snapped to Adam Vinatieri for the super bowl winning field goal kick in double overtime.

tdileo · Jan 11, 2018

Daltrey said:
I pick up my packages at the ups hub sometimes. They tell you when you ship something you should be able to drop the package from waist height with no damage. That's quite the understatement after you see how they throw the boxes around the conveyor belts there.

In actuality it needs to be packed like it was just snapped to Adam Vinatieri for the super bowl winning field goal kick in double overtime.

This made me laugh out loud. I agree too, my Amazon packages were fine but for example my brand new lights looked so beat up from the outside looking at the box I was a little nervous they were broken.