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Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
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Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?

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Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?

(6 Replies / 0 Views)
ilyaz73 (49 ) View Listings
ilyaz73
Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 09:17 AM
I am fairly new to eBay selling and still trying to figure it all out. I usually ship things withing the 48 states that are relatively small (under 20 lbs) so I tend to use USPS Parcel or Large Envelope rates. Now I need to ship a large and heavy box (about 140 lbs) so I presume it's going to be UPS Ground of FedEx ground. I am curious whether there are any rules of thumb that would help me determine which carrier is cheaper. Sure, I can go to their individual sites, punch in the numbers and get exact rates. But I was wondering if there are any general rules like "if package's weight/size is within this range then use this carrier". This might help me figure out such things as whether it's better to split a large shipment in two, how to package it etc.

Thanks!
Last Post
Jun 3, 2011 03:18 AM
by fashionbyandrew (63 ) View Listings
fashionbyandrew (63 ) View Listings
fashionbyandrew
(6 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 3, 2011 03:18 AM
hubel458 wrote:
The 140 lb package will be the best price via fedex ground (home delivery if a residential address).

Setup an account on their website to get the best rate.

If the item(s) can be packaged in several identical boxes rather than 1 large box the rate will still be the same and there is less chance of damage. Insurance will also be cheaper because they include $100 per box at no charge.

You will want to find a fedex ship center or a fedex kinkos so you know ahead of time where to drop off the package.You can also setup a one time or recuring pickup for an additional fee.

For the ebay listing using calculated shipping just use ups as the base rate.
The savings via fedex will be about 30-50% lower than ups.After the sale you can choose to keep that as handling or invoice the buyer with a s/h discount.


This info is wrong on a couple of accounts....

A... a 140 lb package can not be delivered by FedEx Home, they do not deliver anything over 70 lbs. Anything over 70 lbs must be handled by FedEx Ground.

B... Several boxes will not be the exact same rate, depending on surcharges it may be more. However there is a surcharge for being over 70 lbs, so breaking it down into 2 70 lb packages would cost less than a single 140 lb package.
hubel458 (2162 ) View Listings
hubel458
(5 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 06:52 PM
The 140 lb package will be the best price via fedex ground (home delivery if a residential address). Setup an account on their website to get the best rate. If the item(s) can be packaged in several identical boxes rather than 1 large box the rate will still be the same and there is less chance of damage. Insurance will also be cheaper because they include $100 per box at no charge. You will want to find a fedex ship center or a fedex kinkos so you know ahead of time where to drop off the package.You can also setup a one time or recuring pickup for an additional fee. For the ebay listing using calculated shipping just use ups as the base rate. The savings via fedex will be about 30-50% lower than ups.After the sale you can choose to keep that as handling or invoice the buyer with a s/h discount.


USPS scan form 5630, make your delivery confirmation work hard for you, and yes it is "tracking"
fashionbyandrew (63 ) View Listings
fashionbyandrew
(4 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 12:49 PM
ilyaz73 wrote:
I am fairly new to eBay selling and still trying to figure it all out. I usually ship things withing the 48 states that are relatively small (under 20 lbs) so I tend to use USPS Parcel or Large Envelope rates. Now I need to ship a large and heavy box (about 140 lbs) so I presume it's going to be UPS Ground of FedEx ground. I am curious whether there are any rules of thumb that would help me determine which carrier is cheaper. Sure, I can go to their individual sites, punch in the numbers and get exact rates. But I was wondering if there are any general rules like "if package's weight/size is within this range then use this carrier". This might help me figure out such things as whether it's better to split a large shipment in two, how to package it etc.

Thanks!

There are a lot of factors.
Zone is but one factor.

But generally speaking, if it is over 5 lbs, it goes via our FedEx Account, Under 5 lbs is cheaper with our USPS rates. Those weights would vary from zone to zone, as well as package size being taken into account.
nowibuystuff (384 ) View Listings
nowibuystuff
(3 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 10:25 AM
I am fairly new to eBay selling and still trying to figure it all out. I usually ship things withing the 48 states that are relatively small (under 20 lbs) so I tend to use USPS Parcel or Large Envelope rates. Why only the 48 states? No extra charge to ship to Maine and New Hampshire You can even ship to Guam and Puerto Rico for the same price


Delivery Confirmation is confirmation of delivery, not tracking.
USPS scan form 5630 Guarantees you an acceptance scan and NOTHING else

ilyaz73 (49 ) View Listings
ilyaz73
(2 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 09:52 AM
4a$or2 wrote:
Sure, I can go to their individual sites, punch in the numbers and get exact rates.

Be very, very careful. Beware of surcharges and understand that a UPS Store isn't UPS. They don't have to charge you UPS rates.


Didn't know that, thanks! Is it the same deal with FedEx stores? I called one near me (former Kinko's) and asked if their rates are the same as on the FedEx site, the guy said yes but he also kept asking me what zip it's going to etc even after I told him it's within the 48 states, so I am not sure he knew what he was talking about.
4a$or2 (3841 ) View Listings
4a$or2
(1 of 6)
Re: Any rules of thumb for selecting carrier: USPS/UPS/FedEx?
Jun 2, 2011 09:44 AM
Sure, I can go to their individual sites, punch in the numbers and get exact rates.

Be very, very careful. Beware of surcharges and understand that a UPS Store isn't UPS. They don't have to charge you UPS rates.
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