Posted by Glenn Strickler on 12/16/08 5:21pm
Msg #272046

Shipping Update

If you took my advice and checked up on the holiday shipping schedule, you might want to check again. Today, both UPS and Fedex announced service cutbacks over Christmas weekend. Many rural areas will not have outgoing packages shipped from December 25th through December 28th, with the first packages out on December 29th for both companies. The best thing to do is to check directly with your local UPS or Fedex office in person as the websites may not be accurate. Plan ahead ......

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/16/08 5:23pm
Msg #272047

I got this notice from UPS:

"2008 Package Holiday Schedule Change

An important change has been made to the UPS year-end holiday operations schedule. Due to the number of businesses expected to be closed on Dec. 26, UPS will not make normally scheduled pickups.

Pickup service will be provided for air and international shipments if prearranged by Wednesday, December 24.* You may prearrange an air or international pickup by calling 1-800-PICK-UPS® or letting your account executive or driver know. Also, on Dec. 26, air and international packages will be picked up via UPS On-Call Pickup® service, at all UPS Drop Boxes, and at locations of The UPS Store®.

The UPS Holiday Schedule has been updated to reflect this change.

*Note: Dec. 26 is a transit day for all air and international packages, and for ground packages picked up before Dec. 24.

Winter Weather Causing Delays

Snow and ice is affecting delivery service throughout the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. A Service Update has been posted to ups.com that lists the states and ZIP Codes that are currently impacted. UPS will update this information as conditions change. "

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/16/08 5:26pm
Msg #272048

I never rely on posted notices or e-mails

They never seem to be accurate - I always double check with the facility where I drop the packages to be sure..

But wow...nothing on 12/26 - there goes EOM....ouch

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/16/08 5:42pm
Msg #272051

Re: I never rely on posted notices or e-mails

Yeah, per the email from UPS, they will not show up anuless you specifically ASK them to do so, so it isn't as if they aren't picking up at all, they're just going to assume you're closed unless they hear otherwise.

The office where I work has a regular UPS pickup everyday at 4pm. We don't always have packages for the driver, but he always pops in and checks just in case. I think the email was referring mostly to companies that use those services...as well as the drop boxes.

I'm pretty sure that all of the UPS stores will still have a pick-up unless they're also closed on the 26th. I know that our office is often open that day...but not this year.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/16/08 5:50pm
Msg #272052

Re: I never rely on posted notices or e-mails

She did say the FedEx was a normal pickup but she had to call UPS to come in....but at least EOM is open around here..

Reply by CF on 12/16/08 6:25pm
Msg #272054

I would not disclose this to my clients....

This could cause me to loose out on an order. This will be an "after the fact" discussion for me. Not that I am worried; I live in a Metro area and 2 miles to Fed Ex HUB and 4 miles to UPS HUB. So no worries on my end....but others should think before telling their clients about it. A company will call other notaries, hire someone else and still be in the same situation and you will have lost the order. JMHO

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/16/08 6:45pm
Msg #272056

I disagree - I'd rather be up front with those calling me

and remind them of the altered delivery schedules rather than say nothing and then be accused of holding the package, delaying shipping or be asked "why didn't you tell us??"... not like it's under our control - the altered schedules are for everyone in the area, not just me...

Reply by CF on 12/16/08 8:05pm
Msg #272061

Exactly- why would it be YOUR responsibility to tell them of

shipping schedules? Shouldn't they have some accountability to their clients? Why does the Notary need to be the messenger?

Personally, I do not think that it is going to be a bid deal and even if they sign on 12/24-after the last pick up- you can drop on 12/26 and it will get there by 12/29 and Fund that day...there really is no issues. Maybe I am missing something? Just my opinion.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/16/08 8:07pm
Msg #272062

Re: I disagree - I'd rather be up front with those calling me

"and then be accused of holding the package, delaying shipping or be asked "why didn't you tell us??""

I'd rather be accused of holding the package than give up the money I would have gotten for the signing.

If I got a call about not receiving the package I'd simply play dumb, tell them I"ll check into it, then call back 5 minutes later and tell them that UPS told me there was no pickup due to the holiday. If they didn't know on their end, why would we be expected to know on our end?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/16/08 6:47pm
Msg #272057

Besides...it's already disclosed!! Right here and I'm sure

in their own e-mails from FedEx and UPS...

Reply by LynnNC on 12/17/08 9:36am
Msg #272085

You would be making a mistake not to tell them

You won't lose business as you are not setting the UPS and Fed Ex holiday schedule. The companies that you work for would appreciate knowing when to expect delivery. I always email or fax after a closing that it was completed, when I dropped the docs and when they will be delivered.

Reply by LynnNC on 12/17/08 9:32am
Msg #272084

Re: I never rely on posted notices or e-mails

I understand the email to mean that there will still be pick-ups at UPS drop boxes and UPS Stores.

**on Dec. 26, air and international packages will be picked up via UPS On-Call Pickup® service, at all UPS Drop Boxes, and at locations of The UPS Store®.**

I never use the pick-up service as it costs more for the receiver and there are plenty of drop-boxes within four miles from my home.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/16/08 5:34pm
Msg #272049

Just checked with The Mailbox Store, which is where

I normally drop my packages - she's going to have both UPS and FedEx pickups on Friday 12/26 and Saturday 12/27 - anything dropped and shipped on 12/24 will be "in transit" and will not be delivered until Monday...

Reply by SharonMN on 12/16/08 8:21pm
Msg #272063

Not your responsibility to monitor shipping vendors!

Whether UPS and FedEx have holiday deliveries or not is not your concern. Title or SS made a decision to use that vendor. Follow the directions from the hiring entity and drop the package after the signing as you're supposed to. Keeping track of other vendors and their schedules is not your responsibility.

Now, if you can't actually get the package dropped because all the locations are closed and there aren't any drop boxes nearby, that's another thing....

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/16/08 8:32pm
Msg #272065

Re: Not your responsibility to monitor shipping vendors!

<<<Whether UPS and FedEx have holiday deliveries or not is not your concern. Title or SS made a decision to use that vendor. Follow the directions from the hiring entity and drop the package after the signing as you're supposed to. Keeping track of other vendors and their schedules is not your responsibility.>>>

Agree 110% !

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/16/08 9:17pm
Msg #272067

Re: Not your responsibility to monitor shipping vendors!

While I agree with that as a general rule, it does help to stay aware of situation that could have an impact on your bottom line...whether you are directly responsible or not. The lackey in the office hiring you may have no idea about shipping issues, and if you are informed enough to remind them of things such as this it can only to be your advantage in the long run. It makes you look more responsible, professional and informed. It adds a level credibility that could make you stand apart from others. And in a time like this when people are hurting for work, it could mean all teh difference later on after you've made an impression on somebody.