UPS does not deliver packages to FedEx due to the separate infrastructures and competitive nature of these two shipping giants. Each company handles its own shipments, with UPS not accepting FedEx packages at its locations. However, in rare situations such as natural disasters or severe weather conditions, the two companies may temporarily combine services to overcome service interruptions.
Why Might Someone Want UPS to Deliver to FedEx?
For some shippers, it’s a matter of convenience. The nearest FedEx store can be too far for them to visit. On the other hand, a UPS store may be just a few blocks away, making it convenient for them to drop the package there as some customers think both companies are related. However, customers should take their FedEx packages to FedEx locations and not leave them at their competitor’s location. UPS forbids its workers from taking packages over to FedEx.
That said, a few unexpected scenarios can cause UPS and FedEx to temporarily club their services to overcome service interruptions. Such situations can arise due to natural disasters, unanticipated system failure, severe weather conditions, and things along the same lines. In such cases, customers may want to use the most accessible UPS location for FedEx orders so that their package can be routed to FedEx as a part of the specialized arrangement.
What are the Challenges with UPS Delivering to FedEx?
The UPS stores are set up for UPS operations. They are not designed to accommodate packages from FedEx. Usually, FedEx packages dropped at UPS locations arrive late. Worse yet, the UPS staff cannot track them when customers complain because they do not have a tracking record for a FedEx package.
Even if UPS attempts to deliver FedEx orders, there can be concerns regarding theft or mishandling as well. Since UPS takes its reputation seriously, the company would not like to risk it by delivering packages for its competitors. Since fulfilling such orders can cause a lot of delays, it can also ruin customer experience.
What are the alternatives to UPS delivering to FedEx?
As you can tell by now, UPS is not the best option to send FedEx packages. Here are some alternatives to consider:
FedEx
To send a FedEx package, it’s best to use FedEx in the first place. If you cannot visit their location, you can schedule a pick-up by calling them directly. Your shipment can be collected from your residential or office address.
Local Courier Companies
Your local courier companies may accept FedEx packages within a certain geographic location. This cannot be said for all local courier companies, though. Therefore, you may have to check with the chosen company beforehand to inquire about this.
Freight Forwarding Services
Most freight forwarding services usually deliver packages to FedEx. They have the necessary infrastructure to handle packages from multiple carriers, including FedEx.
What are the Rules for Shipping Packages with UPS?
The following are the key considerations to remember when shipping packages with UPS.
Get the Basics Right
To ensure a seamless delivery, you should follow proper product packaging guidelines. UPS provides packaging guidelines if needed. As a shipper, you should use a sturdy box or container. For fragile items, use proper cushioning materials as well. Filling out all the necessary information on the shipping label is equally important. Furthermore, the shipping label must be clearly visible on each package.
Product Restrictions
For safety or legal reasons, UPS has certain rules about what goods they can transport for you. You cannot ship items like firearms, ivory, marijuana, bank bills, hazardous waste, human remains, shark fins, and certain perishable items, among others. To view the entire list of restricted items, you can visit their official website to ensure that you are not violating any of their shipping rules.
Product Dimension Limits
UPS has size and weight limits for packages. Unless you are using a shipping service meant for heavy packages, the weight of the package should not exceed 150 lbs. Certain size restrictions are also applicable in relation to the package’s weight. UPS may charge additional handling fees for packages exceeding the weight or size limitations.
International Regulations
When shipping items internationally, the recipient is expected to pay the duties and other fees levied by the customs. Certain items may require export licenses too. It’s advisable to do proper research about the things you are shipping internationally to ensure that you comply with international shipping regulations. That said, UPS provides appropriate guidelines regarding custom procedures for international shipments.
How Can You Track a Package Sent via UPS?
When you ship using UPS, you will receive a tracking number, which will show you the whereabouts of your package as it moves from one place to another. If you did not receive the tracking number when you initiated the shipping process, you can check your email to obtain it.
Once you retrieve the tracking number, you can track your item by entering the tracking number in the designated tracking field on their official website, www.ups.com. Upon search, the website will display the item’s current location, projected delivery date, and a log of tracking updates.
They also have an SMS alert facility to provide delivery updates on your phone. You can even sign up for their email alerts. The best part is that UPS updates tracking information almost in real-time. UPS packages can also be tracked through their mobile app or third-party affiliated websites.
Individuals uncomfortable with online tools can call their customer care to obtain detailed delivery updates. Once on the call, you must provide them with the tracking number to get a real-time update. They will tell you where the package was before and where it is now.
How Do UPS and FedEx Compare in Terms of Service and Pricing?
UPS has more than 1,00,000 delivery trucks in operations within the United States, almost 12,000+ more ground vehicles than FedEx. Given the larger fleet of ground vehicles, UPS delivers packages sooner than its rival. Moreover, UPS charges less than FedEx for domestic ground shipping services. Hence, UPS is generally the preferred choice for domestic deliveries within the United States.
On the other hand, FedEx dominates the global air freight market because it has a larger fleet of airplanes than UPS (almost double). The international shipping price is higher than UPS, though. However, only FedEx offers guaranteed delivery services within a specific time window. FedEx truly excels in overnight shipping services. Therefore, customers often consider FedEx over UPS for time-sensitive international shipments that require urgent delivery.
