Shipping prices getting outrageous!

[GCS Reptiles]

Well this is starting to get pretty bad. Prices on shipping UPS are nearly double what they were last year. I've shipped out 3 boxes Next Day Air this week and all were over $50 using a 15x11x7 box. UPS has changed their demensional shipping policies shooting the prices through the roof. I charge a flat rate of $40 per box (which used to cover shipping and most packing materials), so I am loosing on average of $15-$20 in shipping charges with the box, heat packs and price hike. I don't want to raise shipping charges for the customer or have them pay actual shipping charges, but man.................... I could go with smaller boxes, but I like the 3/4" Styrofoam and it only comes in the 15x11x7 boxes. In the summer it wouldn't be that big of a deal to have the 1/2" Styrofoam, but in the winter there's no way I'll use it.

I haven't used USPS for years, anyone know if they've gotten any better? They are a lot cheaper. I am considering shipping post office to post office. I never had problems when I did use them except for some shippments are not guaranteed next day to all locations, but I believe post office to post office it is guaranteed next day to most all areas. Plus I wouldn't have to worry about the package spending most of the day on a delivery vehicle getting to the addressee. Any thoughts?

I still believe UPS is the best route as fair as reliability, but am just looking at options.

 

[weswright]

What about fedex? Prob just the same as ups though.

 

[GCS Reptiles]

As far as I know they are about the same as far as pricing. I've never used them to ship anything, but I've had them deliver animals to me and I wasn't impressed at all. They were a day late one time and all of the other times they just left the packages on the porch and never even knocked on the door. :?

 

[Nathan Hall]

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to start charging $45 a box and use the 12" x 9" x 6" box. UPS is really my only option. I won't use USPS.

 

[GCS Reptiles]

I would have to agree. Although I hate to do it, raising shipping prices and using smaller boxes is the only option. UPS is by far the best for reliablility and I'm not going to chance using someone else.

 

[oscar]

has anyone tried DHL? i think they are a national brand and i know they are busting their butts trying to compete with FedEx and UPS. i could only assume that one of the ways they are trying to compete is by offering better rates.

i just did a quick rate estimate using their website. i shipped a 7# package 12 x 9 x 6 from Houston (Nathans approximate point of origin) to New Haven, CT (my destination) and it came to $57 and change. maybe i did something wrong.. well hopefully i did.

if anyone wants to test this by shipping me some geckos, i'll be glad to help you out. :mrgreen:

 

[chuckpowell]

The post office is still a good deal, but their overnight shipping seldom is anymore. I'd guess about half the packages I ship they will only guarantee for two days. And right night I have a two day package which is late. It's alot cheaper, generally under $30 and if you double box (like I usually do) two days shouldn't be a problem, but there's got to be something better.

Best,

Chuck

 

[GCS Reptiles]

I guess DHL sucks big time. I've never used them personally (and never will), but there are tons of horror stories about them on the FaunaClassifieds.

 

[Geckoworld]

Consider yourself lucky. Here in the UK we don't have national courier companies willing to courier reptiles, so we have to go to private couriers who will usually charge around £70 per assignment. That's around $130

 

[oscar]

Gene, i hadnt read up on them on Fauna. i didnt realize they were so bad. some of my suppliers use them exclusively, but then again.. i dont deal with live animals.

 

[GeckoFiend]

I have used USPS several times for shipping salamanders(they can handle being in a box for a long time) and the box always got there when planned-either overnight or 2 days if you just send priority. If you don't want them to just leave the box, get delivery confirmation so the receiver has to sign for the box.