What will a UPS strike mean for the hobby?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Saw at least one vendor talking about the impending UPS strike and how that is likely going to impact their ability to ship coral for the time being (if it happens), and it got me to wondering how many other reef businesses this is likely to impact. How bad would the impact of this strike be?

 

[shakacuz]

i can imagine this will greatly impact vendors, but there are other methods of shipping too? They can use FEDEX/USPS albeit perhaps not as consistent as UPS..

 

[KStatefan]

It will hurt everyone. FedEx dose not have the capacity to make up the difference

 

[StatelineReefer]

A lot of late FedEx packages and a lot of DOA credits.

 

[ronnie]

industry will take a massive hit. The overall implications are big enough that the strike should not happen, IMO. We’ve become a society dependent on fast shipping.

 

[PhishMonger84]

i saw a post where reefbeauties may shut down if UPS doesn't step up the contract needs. that may also be a ploy to sell more fish in July who knows.

i def prefer to take shipments from UPS than Fedex, more reliable and timely where i live

 

[vetteguy53081]

Saw at least one vendor talking about the impending UPS strike and how that is likely going to impact their ability to ship coral for the time being (if it happens), and it got me to wondering how many other reef businesses this is likely to impact. How bad would the impact of this strike be?

I just had a delivery 40 mins ago - a day early and the UPS guy said they so far have no action or intended action to stop deliveries thus far and shippers who attempt ladling have been warned of "Impeding strike"

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

i can imagine this will greatly impact vendors, but there are other methods of shipping too? They can use FEDEX/USPS albeit perhaps not as consistent as UPS..

Problem with this is that with overnight shipping especially USPS uses UPS metal (aircraft) to move packages. FedEx (former employer) is cost cutting hard, thus I wouldn't trust them (for critical shipping) as far as I can throw them currently.

 

[Cell]

Massive impact. Like billions of dollars lost. No other courier compares or can pick up the slack if it happens.

 

[shakacuz]

Problem with this is that with overnight shipping especially USPS uses UPS metal (aircraft) to move packages. FedEx (former employer) is cost cutting hard, thus I wouldn't trust them (for critical shipping) as far as I can throw them currently.

might be time for us, to band together and make our own shipping company. call it the R2R express.

 

[exnisstech]

A lot of late FedEx packages and a lot of DOA credits.

Unfortunately this is already an issue with fedex, at least in this area it is. Also most vendors don't issue doa credits for shipping delays.

 

[Cell]

I think the shipment of live animals or perishable goods is going to come to a screeching halt. Even if a vendor does not use UPS, it's preferred courier will likely be backed up picking up UPS business making it a risk to ship regardless of courier.

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

I just won't order things for a while if it happens. UPS workers have a right to strike, I think that them having the collective ability to improve their working conditions is more important to me than ordering new things for my tank.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

might be time for us, to band together and make our own shipping company. call it the R2R express.

Sounds great ....

Until we saw the 'nuts & bolts' of it, along with the raw costs and everyone will run. We're reefers, we are inherently cheap.

 

[Cell]

I just won't order things for a while if it happens. UPS workers have a right to strike, I think that them having the collective ability to improve their working conditions is more important to me than ordering new things for my tank.

Unfortunately, the strike is not just going to affect your ability to get your hands on the latest Amazon purchase. Many small businesses these days absolutely rely on online sales and delivery to sustain their business. So you not ordering to support the UPS workers could also be burying your preferred online vendors.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I just won't order things for a while if it happens. UPS workers have a right to strike, I think that them having the collective ability to improve their working conditions is more important to me than ordering new things for my tank.

I agree. I also agree that waiting to get items won't be a big deal for me personally. I just worry more about the other businesses that this will impact. I'm thinking about families that will be hurt by loss of income. Bad situation for sure.

 

[PhishMonger84]

i have 3 packages due this week, hopefully before any hard stops occur.

 

[Cell]

The UPS workers have more leverage if you keep ordering stuff. You aren't really helping the cause if you are decreasing shipping demand. The best way to support all involved is to purchase more than ever, but be completely content with waiting however long it takes to receive the items.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

I just won't order things for a while if it happens. UPS workers have a right to strike, I think that them having the collective ability to improve their working conditions is more important to me than ordering new things for my tank.

What is interesting about this though...it may also mean that you wont be able to get things from your local fish store..as they are bound by overnight shipping dependencies as well. I could see this being a HUGE catastophe to our industry.

I am intentionally not addressing anything other than the delivery issues...trying to keep this apolitical.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

What is interesting about this though...it may also mean that you wont be able to get things from your local fish store..as they are bound by overnight shipping dependencies as well. I could see this being a HUGE catastophe to our industry.

I am intentionally not addressing anything other than the delivery issues...trying to keep this apolitical.

As it should be, but some folks will always make it political.