Posted by HisHughness on 6/22/12 6:45pm
Msg #424381

UPS strikes again

I use two forms of insulin, which I received in 90-day increments through an internet pharmacy. The shipments need to be refrigerated.

Several days ago, I used the last vial of one form of the insulin, and went to the fridge to get another. There were none there. Went on line, found that I had ordered a new supply June 4, it had shipped June 5, and was delivered June 7 -- to the office in my complex.

I had received no notice of attempted delivery; the deliveryman had simply gone straight to the office to drop off the package. The office will accept packages for residents, but assumes no responsibility for notifying residents that a package is being held.

The insulin sat at room temperature from June 7 to June 20. Its shelf life at room temperature is 31 days, so of the seven vials, six are now unusable.

Total cost of the shipment: $432. Unusable portion: $370.

When books are written on the decline of customer service in this country, UPS will be the prime example cited.

Reply by Lee/AR on 6/22/12 7:00pm
Msg #424382

OK. I'm confused...

What am I missing? Today is 6/22. From the ship date of 6/5 to today (6/22) is only 17 days--NOT 31 days. So why aren't these still good?

Not that that solves the UPS problem at all.

Reply by HisHughness on 6/22/12 7:09pm
Msg #424383

Re: OK. I'm confused...

The pharmacist tells me the entire batch needs to be discarded July 7. I don't quarrel with my doctor, my pharmacist, my bookie or any ex-wife. All are far smarter than I, as the latter have noted for me on many occasions.

Reply by sueharke on 6/24/12 12:57pm
Msg #424512

Re: OK. I'm confused...

Insulin once a bottle is opened lasts 28 days. If there is anything left in the bottle, it must be discarded. Unopened bottles of insulin are good until the expiration date on the package if it is refrigerated. If not refrigerated, it lasts 28 days and must be discarded. I have a diabetic dog and this is a constant discussion on the dog diabetic group.

Reply by Barb25 on 6/22/12 8:31pm
Msg #424390

Has the package been opened?

You may be able to refuse delivery.... NO? It was not delivered to you. In which case you can reorder and get a currently dated order. Worth a try.

Reply by MikeC/TX on 6/23/12 4:17pm
Msg #424456

You ordered them on 6/4 and didn't check until 6/20? Did you just forget you ordered them? Doesn't the internet pharmacy send you a notice with a tracking number when the meds ship?

I've had similar experiences with Ensenda - one of the drivers flat out refuses to find the apartments in the complex and drops everything at the office. Then he sends a text message to alert you (which works fine, if you have a phone that accepts text messages). Have never had a problem with UPS, either here or in NY; all the drivers I dealt with were excellent. I guess it's the luck of the draw...

Reply by sueharke on 6/24/12 1:03pm
Msg #424513

I think this is more a management problem with the apartment complex that does not notify residents when a package has been received. I think it might be smart to get another mailbox, a private one with a mailbox store that accepts packages for you and notifies customers when they have a package that has arrived. I bet you can get the second mailbox as a medical expense because of this recent event (or at least part of the monthly service bill).

Reply by HisHughness on 6/24/12 1:37pm
Msg #424515

***I think this is more a management problem with the apartment complex that does not notify residents when a package has been received.***

Hardly a management "problem," certainly not a management failing. The office <as a courtesy> accepts dropoffs for residents. Management could refuse to extend that courtesy, and would be well within its rights to do so. Like most multifamily management, they assume no responsibility for notifying residents, and the reason for that is quite plain in this incident. I do not expect them to assume the responsibility UPS has for delivering to the addressee.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/25/12 7:21pm
Msg #424642

how hard is it to pick up phone and call you letting you

know that your meds were there? At the very least, they should've done this. I'd certainly cuss them out..but that's just me.

What should NOT be expected of your management company is for them to actually bring your delivery up to your door, as this was UPS job and they failed.

So now that you're out all that much needed meds and mula, what are ya going to do about that?

Finally, everything your ex-wife says is absolutely true!