Posted by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 9:24am
Msg #327846

What's up with UPS?

It seems that whenever UPS is the courier of choice, there's a problem.

I HAD an account with them because the UPS store nearby would give me grief whenever I went in for supplies. They told me I should get an account for the supplies and stop taking theirs (no kidding!) So, I got the account and ordered supplies. So far, so good. Problems started from there. When I filled out their form, use would my my account # as the sender, but clearly indicated the Recipient/Third Party should be billed, filling out that requested information. Without fail, I would be billed EVERY time! I would call, tell them they got it wrong, and the charge would be reversed, after a few weeks. So, I stopped using my account # on their packages and closed that account. (Thankfully, I have enough supplies for now.)

This week, I received a call stating that UPS could not read the address on their label, despite it being written on there twice, both as recipient and as party to be billed. (I checked the label and the correct address was clearly written both times on the label.) I even make sure that I PRINT everything so there is no confusion. I spent about 20 minutes trying to straighten this mess out with UPS, most of it on hold. They finally told me they would delivery the package. The title company tells me they were told by UPS it was "lost".

So, I'm wondering if I'm as "lucky" as my husband says I am or is everyone as frustrated with them as I am? I have NEVER had any of these problem with anything sent FedEx (which I find I use more often). I'm beginning to think bad things will happen with every UPS package.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 3/18/10 9:39am
Msg #327848

Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

Get your supplies from a drop box. Never put your return address on a UPS or FedEx pkg. Once in a great while I have a problem with a delivery if there is a new guy on the route.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 3/18/10 9:45am
Msg #327850

+ use the TC 's phone number and contact name

that call should have been to the party to be billed.

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 9:56am
Msg #327854

Re: + use the TC 's phone number and contact name

The call DID go to the TC but because they weren't listed as the shipper, UPS wouldn't talk to them. The TC called the SS who then called me. I started with a CSR who kept telling me to modify the bill of lading (can't do that if it's not my account) and I finally had to ask to speak to a supervisor before this was able to be resolved. Just really poor service all around on the part of UPS in so many ways!

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 9:57am
Msg #327855

Re: Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

I can't get legal-sized envelopes from the drop boxes. I've even asked the guy on the truck if he had any on him and they answer was no. The only way I have ever been able to get them is to go to the store. Other suggestions are welcome.

Reply by A S Johnson on 3/18/10 10:02am
Msg #327860

Re: Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

Order your suplies from UPS. Just do NOT order shipping forms.
The best way is to create your shipping label is to do it on line.

Sid Johnson
Weatherford TX

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 10:07am
Msg #327863

Re: Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

I might just try that, although based on what I read below about the tracking #'s, etc., they would probably still end up charging my account.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/18/10 10:09am
Msg #327865

Re: Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

I stopped preparing my labels online after I got charged back for one. I only use handwritten labels from a dropbox, and my info is nowhere on that label.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/18/10 3:22pm
Msg #327913

Just curious Sid, how do you complete waybill w/o logging on n/m

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 9:58am
Msg #327857

Re: Never , ever put your account number on a UPs or FedEx pkg

I can't get legal-sized envelopes from the drop boxes. I even asked the guy on the truck for some and he doesn't carry them, either. The store has been the only place I've been able to get supplies, but not without a hassle. Other suggestions are welcome.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/18/10 10:16am
Msg #327870

Mailbox Store, Goin' Postal, Postal Net

Office Max, Staples, Office Depot - many office supply stores are authorized shippers....

Or, as Sid said, continue to order your supplies online so you have the correct size envelopes for shipping - but I wouldn't create the airbill online - it still connects you to the package - get airbills from the drop boxes or above mentioned facilities and handwrite all your airbills.

MHO

Reply by A S Johnson on 3/18/10 9:50am
Msg #327852

If you are usin the "UPS Shipping Document", Red form, which you ordered for your account?
Does The pfre-printed "Tracking Number" start with "1Z"?
Those froms you ordered on your account has your account number imbedded in that pre-printed "Tracking Number" and bar code at the bottom of the page. Thus "no matter" how you fill #8 and or #9 out the scanners/bar code readers pick up your account # and charge it to your account.
Simple answer, "Rob" the UPS drop boxes as you see them. You will notice the Tracking # is much smaller, generally a letter and 10 numbers.
Distory the one you were sent by UPS.
The way to read a UPS account number which as your account number embedded in the tracking number;
1Z tells the computer this is a customize tracking number
the next 6 numbers/letters is your account number.
the next 2 numbers (i e "01" = Next Day/Air) is the level of service.
the last 8 numbers is the individual package #.
Now you know more that you ever wanted to know about UPS tracking #s.
And really their is much more.
Sid Johnson
Weatherford TX

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 9:54am
Msg #327853

Yes, I'm using the Red form. No, the tracking number does not start with 1Z.
I cannot rob the UPS boxes as they do not contain the legal sized envelopes (believe me, I tried).
Thanks for the primer on reading their #. This is the place to go for answers!

Reply by Teresa/FL on 3/18/10 9:59am
Msg #327858

I don't know of any UPS boxes that have legal envelopes in their stock of supplies.

What Sid was suggesting is that you get the Next Day Air labels from the boxes. It is the labels that can be traced back to you if you order them directly from UPS using your account. The ones in the boxes are not specific to anyone's account, therefore they cannot be traced back to you as long as you don't put your information as the shipper and use the TC's information instead.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/18/10 10:05am
Msg #327861

I agree with the other posters.

Call UPS and order your legal size envelopes over the phone. Ask them to fax you an order form so all you have to do in the future is print a copy, fill it out with the supplies you need, and fax it back to them. I write at the top in big letters:

"I ship third party with labels supplied by my clients"

Last time, I ordered a large amount of supplies because it's such a PITA. I only order legal size envelopes and airbill pouches (I have found the envelopes that have the integrated plastic pouch are flimsier than the regular envelopes, and UPS envelopes are flimsy enough already!) I get the o/n shipping labels from drop boxes and also grab a few letter sized envelopes for the occasions that I need them.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/18/10 10:07am
Msg #327862

Forgot to add, order over phone without a UPS account n/m

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 10:09am
Msg #327866

Re: Forgot to add, order over phone without a UPS account

Thanks for the info. This sounds like the best preventative course available.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/18/10 11:06am
Msg #327892

Correction...

Correction - both types of UPS legal envelopes are equally flimsy! I order the ones WITHOUT the integrated plastic pouch because they seem to be slightly bigger, thus accommodating the docs a little better. I also order the UPS plastic pouches and stick them on each envelope.

Reply by JandB on 3/18/10 9:58am
Msg #327856

I have an account with UPS so I can order supplies. I always order the blank forms online although the last time I tried I could not identify them online so I picked up a handful at the Pack and Ship. The supplies in the drop box, if there are any, are always too beat up to use. I have had the same problem with people at the UPS store so I seldom go in there.

Reply by PAW on 3/18/10 10:17am
Msg #327872

I know many others say to never use your own name, address, etc. on a UPS airbill. If you are handwriting the airbill, then I would agree. However, if you use their on-line shipping system, there should be no problem. I've been using the on-line webware for well over 15 years and never had a shipment billed to me when I specify bill recipient or third party. I ensure the account number of the recipient (or third party) is still accurate, by calling the title company (recipient). Then, when entering the shipping information, be sure to select the appropriate option to bill the recipient or third party.

Reply by A S Johnson on 3/18/10 10:26am
Msg #327874

An Aside:
Thanks for reporting the "problems" with The UPS Stores. It is thier policy not to have supplies for "customers" to "push" the customer to pay them for the shipment.

Do understand, I have a 20 year old independent Pack and Mail store and a TUPSS openned up near me about a year ago, so the are my competition.

Reply by Sandra Kurtz on 3/18/10 10:48am
Msg #327886

I wonder if there is better service depending on the part of the country you live in? It would appear that no matter how I "change things up" and try to prevent UPS from being their own worst nightmare, they find a way to beat themselves.

The final word from UPS on this latest fiasco was "the driver couldn't read the address". I showed the label to my hubby (who should wear readers himself) and he had no trouble reading the address. So, I'm wonder why the driver being unable to read is working out for them? Hopefully, no one gets hurts by the driver's apparent inability to read and/or vision problems. I'm going to be very careful when I see their truck heading my way from now on!

Thanks to all for the suggestions and information. I've learned a few new things today. Hopefully, there's beautiful weather where you live today and you have a chance to enjoy it!

Reply by SharonMN on 3/19/10 9:25am
Msg #327984

I always put N/A in the spot for sender's acct #, even though I have one.