Which 'Shipping carrier provides the best overall

None of the major carriers. They simply handle too many packages to provide great care with any individual package. I've had the best experience with Federal Express but that is probably simple chance. UPS has really gone down hill in that
last few years. They've also clearly implemented a policy to deny all claims as "insufficient packaging" and you really have to fight to be reimbursed. I suspect the safest would be
overnight with one of the smaller carriers. They handle fewer packages and overnight gives them less time to cause damage. There really isn't a good answer. The networks have done stories on the the big three (UPS, USPS and Federal Express) and they all seem to be equally bad.

I have sent & rec'd several item via FedEx with no issues. Ground service transit time is 3 days from west coast or east coast to Texas. Pricing is a bit less than UPS and you can ship FedEx from any Kinkos. I have never rec'd any damaged boxes/items. I did have a seller go to a privately owned shipping center and I was charged about double standard FexEx rates due to the mark up of the store.

UPS has about the same transit times but is much more careless with packages in my experience.

USPS took over a month to deliver a piece of vinyl from L.A. once.

Good luck,

Burton

Let's break it down, because it really depends what it is you're shipping (and I don't use UPS....period!) Assume double-boxing in all cases with the exception of cables under 3m.

1.) Big, or heavy stuff that's not particularly fragile (amp stands, racks, even speakers as long as well packed or crated) use FedEx Ground. Now here's something interesting about FedEx Ground (as opposed to UPS Ground) that many people may not know: If it's a relatively short distance (say two or three states away) it will probably only take two or three days tops (UPS takes 5 days no matter) One caveat though, FedEx Ground only leaves origin points twice a week except in the largest cities. So find out when, so your item doesn't have to sit around for five days.

2.) More fragile components, etc. use FedEx Express Saver (3 days, air, up to 150#) It will arrive in most major cities in two days and represents a significant savings over their 2nd Business day service. (this service doesn't appear on their website for rate calculations, you have to call)

2a.) If it's small (under a pound) and expensive (cartridge) use FedEx next business afternoon. Flat rate and relatively cheap insurance. And always insure stuff for at least the transaction amount.

3.) Cables, software, small acessories, etc., I use USPS Priority Mail Insured. Quick and cheap, never had a problem.

A nice thing about FedEx (Air not Ground) if you want to use COD, is they will (for a couple bucks) collect a cashiers or certified check at the destination and overnight it back to you at no additional charge. If you have doubts about forged cashiers checks (a big problem today) ask the seller to fax a copy of the check beforehand so you can check with the issuing bank for authenticity.

Two little tips re FedEx: Always write "ARS" on the signature waiver line. It stands for "adult signature required" (they also have stickers available) That eliminates lazy drivers from just leaving the package without getting a signature. And time your shipment so it won't have to sit in some wearhouse over a weekend/holiday.

Hope this helps.

.

here's my 2 cents,whats really important is not who is the fastest or the cheapest or even who has the best track record for getting gear to its destination undamaged,whats most important is which shipping company gives you the least hassle & is going to pay off a claim after some boob on a hi lo stabs his forks straight thru your package on the loading docks.

without a doubt in my mind ups is the way to go,ive had 9 items damaged durring shipping with ups & each time they paid me in full even when the damage claim was questionable.

now with fedex ive only had 3 damage claims & im 3 for 3 with fedex,deny deny deny even when the package arrived with water running out of it from being left in the rain on the loading docks.

its pot luck when your shipping gear & most of the time we get lucky & the package arrives safe but when it arrives in peices im always glad when its ups,i know im getting reimbursed.

mike.