Posted by Bravo on 7/10/09 12:20am
Msg #295258

Courier Companies

I posted this question a couple of months ago but then got too busy to check back for the answer! So, I'll try it again. How do most signing agents handle fedex/ups/cal overnite, etc. packages being sent back to lenders/title co's.? My experience for the last 5 years has been that I am given their account number to use. This works great 97% of the time, but I have had a couple of incidents where I was provided an incorrect account number so the courier company harrasses me for payment. I always refuse until the title company/loan broker, etc. settles the matter with the courier but it can be annoying. I was instructed recently by a courier serve to NEVER put by own name and address on the invoice, that way I can't be harrassed. Can anyone share what their experiences have been? Thanks.

Reply by Shoshana Roller on 7/10/09 1:09am
Msg #295259

Rule #1: Always pick up your airbills at a drop box or FedEx office. Don't order them thru FedEx because they will be tied to your account.
Rule #2: As the courier service said, do not use your name and address on the airbill.
This should keep you out of trouble.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 7/10/09 5:00am
Msg #295263

I agree with Shoshana DO NOT put your name on the label and if you need to sign a release on the ship label scribble it so no one can read it. I was told by UPS if I didn't put my name on the ship label and they can read my signature they will find my account and charge me.
And you can order blank labels thru your account with out recourse. I have a lot of problems with UPS and am very careful with the ship labels.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 7/10/09 5:34am
Msg #295265

Friendly reminder - use the Search feature

Your previous post on this topic that you say you were too busy to check responses on had 11 answers - 11 people took the time to respond with their experience and advice, and it really is discourteous to not even search to read them.

It's also a very common topic, and if you search - it would take hours and hours to read it all.

Reply by kkarate on 7/10/09 7:00am
Msg #295268

I always put the title company or ss down as the sender and the recipent, and I have the account number checked to see if it is valid. My name is only inside the package on the documents.

Reply by PAW on 7/10/09 7:57am
Msg #295272

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. In over 20 years, I've only had one package charged to my account due to a bad account number. And that was because of MY error. I use the vendor supplied software (from FedEx, UPS, DHL and USPS) to send shipments and the airbill always has my information on it as the sender. Prudent checking before sending the package is probably what has saved me. I always verify the account number prior final shipment, even if I have used an account number numerous times previously.

I only bring this up as a different point of reference. Anyone not comfortable with providing their own information on the return label should do it the way that makes them comfortable. I'm comfortable with the way it works for me. YMMV

Reply by Paul2_FL on 7/10/09 8:53am
Msg #295278

I agree with Paul. FedEx has never charge my account but on a couple of occasions UPS did. When that happened I just contacted them and they took care of it. No real problem. BTW - that was before I started creating labels on-line. Haven't had a problem since.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 7/10/09 11:18am
Msg #295308

You can be as prudent as you want to be. UPS is a big offender (for me). The shipping labels are filled out correctly and account numbers and still I get a bill every so often. It's a pain having to call to get it straightened out.

Reply by brass/LA on 7/10/09 5:51pm
Msg #295365

Re: I agree with PAW

Using Fed Ex and UPS's web site to prepare and track shipping labels hasn't resulted in any problems for me. The software verifies that you have entered the correct account number and verifies the accuracy of the address. I'm more than comfortable with this process versus my handwritten entry on a shipping label. JMHO.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 7/11/09 5:12am
Msg #295443

Me, too - same as Paul, never had a problem

Never had a charge-back attempt, lost pkg or any other issue. I also almost always use a drop-box, and I absolutely never worry about any of it.

Reply by Les_CO on 7/10/09 10:34am
Msg #295300

I know that more than 90% of NSA’s disagree with me but you asked........
I have both a FedEx and a UPS account. I never put a return package in a box. (I’m lucky; I have both a Kinko’s an Office Depot, and a UPS store close to me) When I drop the package I take it to a counter (person) have them weigh it, check the account number, and get a receipt. I not only put my name on the label (unless I use the pre-printed label sent with the docs) I put the borrowers name on it also. I believe my potential liability to be much greater if the package is lost than my risk of having to pay shipping costs for some bankrupt, or closed Title Company. At least I can prove I shipped something (with the borrowers name on it) back to Title.

Reply by OR on 7/10/09 12:02pm
Msg #295314

Re: Les I agree with you 100%

I too have account with both FedEx and UPS. I always hand deliver my packages to a live person who check it in. I also put "all" my information on every package. I want everyone to know how to get ahold of me for any reason. I have had that happen to me twice now. I am not worried about getting charged for the shipping, so be it. I will just call and have the charges reversed that symple. I keep intouch with the Docs from the first Call (I jhave a closing in your area) to Email to when the Deed of Trust gets filed and I get paid. Thats is when my job is finished. I dont try to hide just because I might get charged shipping..... justme

Reply by PAW on 7/10/09 1:08pm
Msg #295321

In addition to using the courier software, I also always have the couriers send emails to the recipient and scheduler, as well as my 'tracking' mailbox. I especially like FedEx's Insight system. Even lets me know of incoming FedEx shipments. Great for those [few and far-between] overnight document packages. UPS uses Quantum View, but it doesn't seem to be as robust as Insight.