Posted by Linda_in_MI on 12/8/10 7:25am
Msg #364292

While talking about "new" UPS shipping requirements

Had documents to send back to title a while back using UPS account information that was supplied in the confirmation email. Didn't have pre-printed label, but didn't think it would be a problem since I had account number and address. But when I asked for a waybill at the counter, I was politely told that retail locations--ALL locations--were no longer able to supply blank waybills; but if I wanted to drive some 30+ miles to the nearest hub, they would be happy to supply a waybill AND accept my package. This was in response to people without accounts that could be validated or tracked shipping nasties using UPS. The workaround that was "suggested" by the counter person was that if I were to locate a blank waybill, say at a drop box, and complete the information they would be happy to send the package on it's way.

So either make sure you have plenty of blank UPS waybills in your car or make sure you have a pre-printed label. Or find another way to ship!

Reply by jba/fl on 12/8/10 7:56am
Msg #364293

I think that it is time for everyone

to insist that the TC supply all waybills, no matter who the shipping company is. It is beginning to be a problem.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/8/10 3:33pm
Msg #364371

Not a bad idea...

I don't know how practical it is short term (some ss will balk at asking anything of their clients), but it sounds like a very good idea to me - especially with UPS.

If I'm understanding this correctly, even if we picked up an airbill at a drop box, to leave a package at a UPS store without a pre-printed label, that we would have to use a shipper address that matches our ID?? On the other hand, we could always refuse to take assignments where the client wants to use UPS! [jk]

I DO very much like the idea of them providing the waybill, though. Most of the time when I see UPS as the preferred shipper anymore, there IS a pre-printed label included. After all this, I will be watching this carefully and will try ask for a pre-printed label from any title co that wants to use UPS if there isn't one included.

Reply by HARRY_PA on 12/8/10 8:54am
Msg #364302

Linda:

Perhaps UPS is tardy in telling me about not providing blank air shipping documents (waybills), but it was not in the instructions I received about requiring government issued id. I am still providing them upon request as I always have.

Harry

Reply by ajd/pa on 12/8/10 9:41am
Msg #364309

The last few times that I have been to UPS to ship, they (at a few different and seperatly owned stores) have told me that they no longer carry the blank waybills but I may find them at a drop box. The last time I did an assignment with UPS as the return carrier, I called the LO, who has so kindly given me his cell number, and asked him to send me a preprinted label as that was the only way that I would be able to ship. Took a few hours, actually overnight, but he got it to me.

Reply by A S Johnson on 12/8/10 9:57am
Msg #364315

It is up to the individual (mom and pop) independent pack and ship store (for "The UPS Store it is UPS Corp policy NOT to suplly) if they supply blank air waybills. One of the money making ideas is to put the "customer' in the need to pay for the retail store to ship the item on thier account. UPS/FedEx only gives the retail store about a $1 for handling any drop off as opposed to "a few dollars more" if you pay them to ship it on thier account.
Having College Park Packa nd Mail for 20 yrs, I have been told that many stores that do FedEx do the same. FedEx Office stores seem to have the same NOT to supply blank air bills.
Yesterday, Dec 7, were notified by UPS to ID all of our shippers. Currently, this applies to our customers not to drop offs.
FedEx will not be far behind in requiring customers in the retail store be IDed.
How long before the Post Office does the same?

Reply by Linda Snell on 12/8/10 9:55am
Msg #364313

My local retail UPS store stopped accepting hand written

waybills more than a year ago due to fraud. Get your own UPS account, use the account number you have been given and print a label. Problem solved.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/8/10 10:15am
Msg #364318

Re: My local retail UPS store stopped accepting hand written

"Get your own UPS account, use the account number you have been given and print a label. "

That's like writing them a blank check to them - they don't need recipient info if they have you on file for the payment. Don't you need to provide a credit card number to open the account?

If I could trust them to follow direction and "bill recipient" I wouldn't have a problem - but they can't so they're not getting any of my info - I don't want any of it coming back to me.

MHO

Reply by Deborah Breedlove on 12/8/10 1:58pm
Msg #364346

Re: My local retail UPS store stopped accepting hand written

I've had my own UPS and Fedex accounts for about 6 years. It is so easy and convenient to prepare and print the shipping label from their website. It also saves all the names, addresses, and account numbers of the title companies that I've shipped to before, so I can just select the name and it populates the form with the saved info. I only fill in a few more items and it's ready to print. It also keeps a history of prior shipments.

I understand that many are concerned about getting a chargeback, and each has to do what they feel is best, according to his or her comfort level. Since I started using their websites about 6 years ago, I have never had this happen to me...not once. Also, when you enter the company name, address, zip code and account number, it checks to make sure the account number is current, valid and correct. There is very little chance of getting a chargeback, and I think it's a small risk compared to the benefits. In my experience, it's been very reliable.

It appears that everyone may be forced into this eventually anyway. The requirement to show ID may be just the beginning.

Reply by snoopdogMs on 12/8/10 2:07pm
Msg #364349

I just received 2 charges from UPS for a

Service Link package although I had their(Service Link's) account number and put Service Link for both addresses on the label. I was charged $23 for the first charge and then another $15 because of the size of the package. UPS said I would be reimbursed for both. I'm going to watch my credit card closely for the money back. No more ordered labels for me. I went to a pick-up box and grabbed quite a few for future jobs.

Reply by kathy/ca on 12/8/10 2:16pm
Msg #364351

"ordered labels"????? n/m

Reply by CopperheadVA on 12/8/10 2:44pm
Msg #364362

You can order blank airbills - but even though they are

blank, they are linked to your account so if the shipment does not get paid for then it will get charged back to you.

Reply by MichiganAl on 12/8/10 10:14am
Msg #364317

I'm not surprised

I suspected that this would be their "solution." UPS stores continue to offer less and less service.

Reply by BestFlCloser on 12/8/10 2:56pm
Msg #364365

Re: I'm not surprised

I've been a UPS customer for many years and I do use their web based system. It's easy, it stores the addresses and account numbers for recipient billing and I have never had a problem with them. I do the same thing for FedEx and again there are no problems. Yes they do have a credit card on file, but I have had not one charge in the years working with them. I ship about 7 - 10 packages a week without any problems. Go for it, become part of the new century.

Reply by Donna McDaniel on 12/8/10 4:36pm
Msg #364380

Same here.

I have both UPS and FedEx accounts. No problems with either so far. For personal use, having an account together with the EC Purchasing discount saves me a lot on shipping charges.

Reply by Sha/CA on 12/8/10 8:43pm
Msg #364410

Re: Same here.

What is the EC Purchasing Discount? Would you please tell me how to get it?

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 12/8/10 4:56pm
Msg #364385

Just for posterity's sake - no prob here either, AND I use

drop-boxes almost all the time although I use the same ones. I just happen to have a late pick-up for both UPS and FedEx within blocks of my house.

Reply by MichiganAl on 12/8/10 5:24pm
Msg #364389

Re: I'm not surprised

No problem with online or drop boxes, it's the UPS stores I'm talking about. Independently run, many won't accept any envelopes to be dropped off, some charge you to leave a dollar or two to take a package. They don't want you in their stores.

Reply by Donna McDaniel on 12/8/10 6:19pm
Msg #364395

Re: I'm not surprised

I have a UPS store just up the road and never have a problem with them. They are always friendly and hold on to my receipts if they are busy and I have to run. I come back for them later. They must be the exception to the rule.
Think I'll bring them some cookies tomorrow.

Reply by HisHughness on 12/8/10 11:22pm
Msg #364422

Re: I'm not surprised

UPS is to customer service as Jeffrey Dahmer is to gourmet dining.