[Elecraft] OT: What's The Best Way To Shp

[w7aqk]

Every so often someone asks what the best way is to ship equipment.  I 
question whether UPS is the right answer!

Some day maybe I'll better understand UPS's delivery system!  I recently 
received a package that came from Virginia via UPS.  Its 3rd stop was in 
Louisville, KY, where it then sat for 49 hours!  Its 5th stop was in 
Phoenix, AZ (120 miles north of me), where it sat for 29 hours!  Somewhere 
in between it apparently sat in the rain, as much of the "popcorn" packing 
was compressed and hard as a rock, and the documentation inside was stained, 
when I opened the package.  Fortunately, the contents were well wrapped with 
waterproof material, so no apparent damage.  It's as if UPS wanted to make 
absolutely sure I didn't get my package quickly, or heaven forbid, early! 
Being somewhat cynical, I wonder if the extra delay in Phoenix was so they 
could let the box sit in the Arizona sun and dry out!!!

I may be overlooking something, but my best experiences, by far, have been 
with USPS, and particularly Priority Mail.  Unless a Sunday intervenes, I've 
never had anything take more than 3 days when shipped Priority Mail!  If you 
can fit it into one of their flat rate boxes, you probably are way better 
off.  Also, I've never had a Priority Mail package arrive with crushed 
corners as this one did!

Anyway, shipping these days is expensive and risky!  It still galls me that 
we have to pay premium charges for insurance against THEIR incompetence!

Dave W7AQK