Which 'Shipping carrier provides the best overall

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.

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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.

Bigjoe-

My experience has been the opposite. UPS claims have been long, drawn out, niggling torture sessions. I am 1 for 3 with UPS though the independent store that shipped UPS in one case paid up and said they would settle with UPS so overall 2 for 3.

Fedex I am 2 for 2 with each claim paid in 2 weeks or less.

I have had UPS damage more goods that I have shipped and that have been shipped to me so I ship FedEx Ground almost exclusively for anything of size. Generally cheaper than UPS and arrives quicker.

I will give a plug for "Craters and Freighters" that got a pair of Silverline Sonatas with no boxes packed and shipped from Virgina to Nebraska unscathed.

FedEx Ground at Kinkos gets all my business' business (around 3 boxes a week) because they have a counter nearby. Same prices as the FedEx counter that recently closed. The Kinkos staff seem alot friendlier than the FedEx staff. Twice over three years they've lost a box in a 20-box shipment - simply vanished. Every now and then one gets smashed. Two got smashed this week, but it really is the exception. Both boxes were light too, only six pounds each. The customer says one was pierced. Regardless, they've paid every claim though all of them have been under $100. With claims, respect their procedures, give them exactly what they ask for and they'll come thru.

Ole reliable USPS always delivers but not always on time. One Prioriity mail package took 45 days and arrived in a crumpled ball inside a preprinted USPS apology bag. In another instance, a seller tried to parcel post me a box of old Stereophiles. Some were still in their 15 year old mailers. Sure enough, the box cracked open and the PO delivered the unopened ones back to the seller. The rest never reappeared.

I never use UPS because their only service around here is through those Mark Up, Etc. outlets.

So yeah, it's always a crap shoot. Fortunately the odds are mostly in your favor. Pack well and always ship on Mondays!

Any recommendation for packages over 150 lbs?

I haven't been able to find anyone beside UPS Freight to take them. Most carriers take only packages below 150 lbs. Above 150 lbs, they take only business shipments, not residential ones.

And UPS charges an arm and a leg for packages above 150 lbs, which is the case for most big amps in their crates. For example, a 145 lb package would cost me about $80 with insurance. The same package at 165 lbs would cost about $150 with insurance!