[R-390] FedEx

[Cecil Acuff]

I learned something this morning reading the local paper that may explain 
why I've seen such a disparity between the quality of service provided by 
FedEx across the country.  Many of you have mentioned your preference for 
FedEx in the shipping of heavy radio gear and many have had less than 
positive things to say about UPS.  My experience here has been for run of 
the mill items FedEx does a pretty good job....no better or worse than UPS 
or USPS for that matter.  But when large heavy items are shipped I have had 
some real problems with FedEx.  I have mentioned before the guy that came 
down the driveway and sidewalk to my door with a packaged boatanchor 
spilling parts all along the way from a tear in the side of the box.  The 
delivery guy didn't think anything of it...just wanted a signature to verify 
delivery.

Learned this morning that FedEx drivers are actually contract employees. 
They own the trucks they drive and have them Logo'd to the FedEx standard. 
(sometimes).  I have noticed that at times my deliveries are made in 
unmarked vehicles such as Chevy vans or even SUV's at times.  Had one lady 
pull up in a Honda car and pull a package out of the trunk.  Their dress is 
always varied as well....  All of this points to confirm the newspaper 
articles enlightening info about how FedEx works.

The article was mainly about a driver that was arrested for making a drug 
delivery on his route.  The delivery was not part of the contracted package 
delivery but was disguised as being official because he was on his route and 
driving a marked truck that also contained FedEx packages for delivery, so 
all looked like business as usual.

Interesting stuff....might help explain the difference in quality of service 
provided by them....

I still believe the best defense is the quality of your packaging.....get 
that right and the rest becomes less important.

Cecil....