how to I become a shipping ninja?
May 6, 2010 4:21 PM Subscribe
I'm in a fairly new job where I'm preparing packages to be shipped, perhaps hundreds in a week. I hand them off to people who send them out via Fedex and US Mail, both domestic and international. I have to assess the best price to ship, get it packaged and hand it off. I'm getting blowback from not getting this right. What can I do to learn to be a shipping ninja?
My company is a small manufacturing concern selling accessories in the bike industry. On any given day I may be shipping 1 small letter sized tiny widget, to several angular items, to suitcase sized boxes stuffed to the gills.
I have to figure out the best way to package this stuff, and then how to ship it all over the US and the world, and do it quickly and effectively.
Size, price, method, packaging, shipping. We only use Fedex and US Mail-Domestic/Intl.
Really my problem is I am handing off packages to the people who have to mail them and they aren't sufficiently prepared. I have trouble getting them packaged correctly, and assessing what the best price and ship method would be.
I have no budget for software, just what we already have. I have a dearth of solutions to help me master this realm. I could use a walk-through course in basic shipping, 101. What boxes and materials to have handy, how to measure for size and pricing, best packaging methods. If there's a minor expenditure involved, no problem if it would help me get better at this.
My company is a small manufacturing concern selling accessories in the bike industry. On any given day I may be shipping 1 small letter sized tiny widget, to several angular items, to suitcase sized boxes stuffed to the gills.
I have to figure out the best way to package this stuff, and then how to ship it all over the US and the world, and do it quickly and effectively.
Size, price, method, packaging, shipping. We only use Fedex and US Mail-Domestic/Intl.
Really my problem is I am handing off packages to the people who have to mail them and they aren't sufficiently prepared. I have trouble getting them packaged correctly, and assessing what the best price and ship method would be.
I have no budget for software, just what we already have. I have a dearth of solutions to help me master this realm. I could use a walk-through course in basic shipping, 101. What boxes and materials to have handy, how to measure for size and pricing, best packaging methods. If there's a minor expenditure involved, no problem if it would help me get better at this.
Your source for this are the shippers. Get a UPS rep in there to work with you and talk about how to ship using UPS.
Do the same thing with Fedex and with DHL.
They really want you to get their methods down right (and to use them as a shipper, of course). I've found shipping companies to be extremely good trainers and resources for my customers.
And if you can take it a step farther, if you can meet volume requirements, Fedex and UPS both have discount programs to get you computers, scales, printers, and all manner of shipping supplies if you meet their numbers. Dell has a program where UPS will give you a voucher toward equipment (I've seen this as high as $3,000).
If you're shipping hundreds in a week, you should have no problem with their numbers, at all.
posted by disclaimer at 4:31 PM on May 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
Do the same thing with Fedex and with DHL.
They really want you to get their methods down right (and to use them as a shipper, of course). I've found shipping companies to be extremely good trainers and resources for my customers.
And if you can take it a step farther, if you can meet volume requirements, Fedex and UPS both have discount programs to get you computers, scales, printers, and all manner of shipping supplies if you meet their numbers. Dell has a program where UPS will give you a voucher toward equipment (I've seen this as high as $3,000).
If you're shipping hundreds in a week, you should have no problem with their numbers, at all.
posted by disclaimer at 4:31 PM on May 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
(and I don't know if you have a contractual reason to not mention UPS but they're pretty helpful anyway)...
posted by disclaimer at 4:32 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by disclaimer at 4:32 PM on May 6, 2010
For Canada at least, definitely offer USPS. The UPS brokerage fees are extortion, not to mention delays at customs and having to go all the way to the hub if you happen to work during the day, before they return it to the sender.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 5:12 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by hungrysquirrels at 5:12 PM on May 6, 2010
This is a very difficult question to answer without knowing what you are doing now, with which equipment and supplies.
Let's assume you have a computer and printer, a scale (or probably one small, precise scale and one big, not so precise scale) some sort of measuring tape, and a tape gun (if not, get those things). Let's assume you have accounts with USPS and Fedex (if you don't, then your company is paying too much for shipping and you need to get accounts set up now). Call them up and ask for their help. Ask for shipping supplies (Fedex should be willing to give you boxes and Tyvek envelopes, USPS will give you Priority Mail boxes). Ask for shipping software (unless you have something that already integrates with Fedex and USPS). Ask to arrange for scheduled pickups (I don't really understand why you are handing things off to be shipped unless you are in the middle of nowhere). Make sure you have lots of shipping supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, newspaper to crumple: it will get easier to judge what to use once you get more experienced, so just try different things for now).
Now, when it comes time to start the day's shipping work, print off all your packing lists, and start picking and packing (you'll have to figure out as you go if it is better to pick everything first and then pack, or to pick as you go or to pick and pack in waves). Make sure items that can be damaged are well protected (from the outside and from other objects in the box). In general, objects should not move within the box. Don't be afraid to double box fragile items. Remember that you'll pay more for light items in big boxes, so try to minimize box size for those items.
Now, start weighing your boxes and inputting the weight, dimensions, and zip code (or country) into your shipping software. For now, you'll just have to try both USPS and Fedex (and various methods for each), but you will very soon be able to guess the best method to ship each box through experience. When you've decided how to ship each item, print off the shipping label, attach it, and move on. Once you've finished for the day, print whatever paperwork you'll need to give to the drivers and then wait for them to arrive.
posted by ssg at 5:37 PM on May 6, 2010
Let's assume you have a computer and printer, a scale (or probably one small, precise scale and one big, not so precise scale) some sort of measuring tape, and a tape gun (if not, get those things). Let's assume you have accounts with USPS and Fedex (if you don't, then your company is paying too much for shipping and you need to get accounts set up now). Call them up and ask for their help. Ask for shipping supplies (Fedex should be willing to give you boxes and Tyvek envelopes, USPS will give you Priority Mail boxes). Ask for shipping software (unless you have something that already integrates with Fedex and USPS). Ask to arrange for scheduled pickups (I don't really understand why you are handing things off to be shipped unless you are in the middle of nowhere). Make sure you have lots of shipping supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, newspaper to crumple: it will get easier to judge what to use once you get more experienced, so just try different things for now).
Now, when it comes time to start the day's shipping work, print off all your packing lists, and start picking and packing (you'll have to figure out as you go if it is better to pick everything first and then pack, or to pick as you go or to pick and pack in waves). Make sure items that can be damaged are well protected (from the outside and from other objects in the box). In general, objects should not move within the box. Don't be afraid to double box fragile items. Remember that you'll pay more for light items in big boxes, so try to minimize box size for those items.
Now, start weighing your boxes and inputting the weight, dimensions, and zip code (or country) into your shipping software. For now, you'll just have to try both USPS and Fedex (and various methods for each), but you will very soon be able to guess the best method to ship each box through experience. When you've decided how to ship each item, print off the shipping label, attach it, and move on. Once you've finished for the day, print whatever paperwork you'll need to give to the drivers and then wait for them to arrive.
posted by ssg at 5:37 PM on May 6, 2010
You have three concerns:
1) How fast you need it delivered (service level);
2) weight;
3) size (expressed as dimensional weight).
Service Level:
First, become familiar with the service levels offered by FedEx and USPS. Understand the difference between FedEx Overnight, 2Day, Express Saver (3-day) and Ground / Home Delivery services. Also learn about USPS Express Mail, Priority Mail, First Class Mail and Parcel Post. Be sure to note the sizes and costs for USPS Flat Rate Envelopes and Flat Rate Boxes.
So you have a given package. How soon does it need to be delivered? For a package that can be delivered in a week, all options are on the table and you'll need to find the cheapest one. For a package that needs to get there in 2 days, you'll have a limited set of options.
When choosing a service level, note that even FedEx ground will deliver overnight if it's just 50 miles away. Check the transit time estimates so you can make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for the same transit time.
Weight:
Next, determine which options are most cost effective for the service level you need.
If your package is 13 ounces or less, ship it USPS First Class Mail unless you need overnight or guaranteed 2-day service. First Class mail tops out at about $3.50 for a 13-ounce package headed across the country and takes 2-3 days (or sometimes longer; no guarantees). FedEx won't take anything for that price.
If it's under 2 pounds, consider Priority Mail even if you can wait for ground service. A 2lb Priority Mail package is often cheaper than a 2lb Parcel Post package.
If you need it overnight, consider Express Mail. It has guaranteed delivery just like FedEx and is often much cheaper. Sometimes Express Mail takes 2 days for outlying areas, so check Express Mail Service Commitments first and be sure you can get it to the appropriate Post Office in time.
When you're talking about moving heavy packages slowly, FedEx Ground likely has a cost advantage (and maybe a day quicker) over USPS Parcel Post.
If what you're shipping can fit into a USPS Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, be sure to take this into account when you check prices! It can often save a ton of money and get the items to your customers faster as well.
As a rule of thumb, packages less than 4lb are often a better deal with USPS.
Size:
All major carriers now take the dimensions of your package into account. This is because if your package is only 5 lbs but takes up half a truck, they want you to pay for that space. This means you need to be aware of dimensional weight when you ship. If you fail to take dimensions into account, FedEx will automatically measure dimensions and charge your FedEx account accordingly. USPS doesn't do this automatically but they will return packages for insufficient postage when they find them.
This means your packaging of an item can have a huge impact on the cost of shipping. Learn the dimensional requirements from USPS and FedEx. Both have different variations but they both take into account how big it is (eg only applies to boxes 2 cubic feet or larger) and how far it's going (eg only applies to packages going to Zone 4 or beyond). You may find cases where if you can fit a lightweight item in a smaller package you'll cut the shipping price in half.
= = = = = = =
International:
USPS is going to be your most economical option, hands down. If you need it delivered overnight to China or 2-days to Europs, consider FedEx or USPS Global Express Guaranteed (actually airlifted by FedEx). This is typically prohibitively expensive unless you're shipping something mighty valuable.
• USPS First Class Mail is limited to 4 lbs and can be slow. No tracking available.
• USPS Priority Mail International takes 1-2 weeks and includes tracking.
• USPS Express Mail International takes 3-5 days with tracking.
If you can fit it in a Flat Rate Envelope for international shipping you'll save money every time. Flat Rate boxes for international service don't provide a savings until you reach at least 5-7 lbs.
= = = = = = =
Miscellaneous:
USPS does not offer guaranteed delivery except for Express Mail. Priority Mail is advertised as "2-3 day" service, but if your package is missing after 5 days you can't get a refund or get anyone to search for it. If FedEx misses their 2-Day delivery commitment you're entitled to a refund. Then again, you're not going to get FedEx to deliver a letter in 2 days for $4.75 like USPS does most of the time.
If you're shipping hundreds of items a week you should be entitled to a discount from FedEx. Make sure your company is setup to get that discount and that the method you use to estimate prices takes your account-specific rates into consideration (ie you can't just check on FedEx.com without being logged in).
If you describe the software you're using we might be able to give you more specific ideas. Let me know if you'd like clarification on any of the points above.
posted by reeddavid at 5:54 PM on May 6, 2010 [4 favorites]
1) How fast you need it delivered (service level);
2) weight;
3) size (expressed as dimensional weight).
Service Level:
First, become familiar with the service levels offered by FedEx and USPS. Understand the difference between FedEx Overnight, 2Day, Express Saver (3-day) and Ground / Home Delivery services. Also learn about USPS Express Mail, Priority Mail, First Class Mail and Parcel Post. Be sure to note the sizes and costs for USPS Flat Rate Envelopes and Flat Rate Boxes.
So you have a given package. How soon does it need to be delivered? For a package that can be delivered in a week, all options are on the table and you'll need to find the cheapest one. For a package that needs to get there in 2 days, you'll have a limited set of options.
When choosing a service level, note that even FedEx ground will deliver overnight if it's just 50 miles away. Check the transit time estimates so you can make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for the same transit time.
Weight:
Next, determine which options are most cost effective for the service level you need.
If your package is 13 ounces or less, ship it USPS First Class Mail unless you need overnight or guaranteed 2-day service. First Class mail tops out at about $3.50 for a 13-ounce package headed across the country and takes 2-3 days (or sometimes longer; no guarantees). FedEx won't take anything for that price.
If it's under 2 pounds, consider Priority Mail even if you can wait for ground service. A 2lb Priority Mail package is often cheaper than a 2lb Parcel Post package.
If you need it overnight, consider Express Mail. It has guaranteed delivery just like FedEx and is often much cheaper. Sometimes Express Mail takes 2 days for outlying areas, so check Express Mail Service Commitments first and be sure you can get it to the appropriate Post Office in time.
When you're talking about moving heavy packages slowly, FedEx Ground likely has a cost advantage (and maybe a day quicker) over USPS Parcel Post.
If what you're shipping can fit into a USPS Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, be sure to take this into account when you check prices! It can often save a ton of money and get the items to your customers faster as well.
As a rule of thumb, packages less than 4lb are often a better deal with USPS.
Size:
All major carriers now take the dimensions of your package into account. This is because if your package is only 5 lbs but takes up half a truck, they want you to pay for that space. This means you need to be aware of dimensional weight when you ship. If you fail to take dimensions into account, FedEx will automatically measure dimensions and charge your FedEx account accordingly. USPS doesn't do this automatically but they will return packages for insufficient postage when they find them.
This means your packaging of an item can have a huge impact on the cost of shipping. Learn the dimensional requirements from USPS and FedEx. Both have different variations but they both take into account how big it is (eg only applies to boxes 2 cubic feet or larger) and how far it's going (eg only applies to packages going to Zone 4 or beyond). You may find cases where if you can fit a lightweight item in a smaller package you'll cut the shipping price in half.
= = = = = = =
International:
USPS is going to be your most economical option, hands down. If you need it delivered overnight to China or 2-days to Europs, consider FedEx or USPS Global Express Guaranteed (actually airlifted by FedEx). This is typically prohibitively expensive unless you're shipping something mighty valuable.
• USPS First Class Mail is limited to 4 lbs and can be slow. No tracking available.
• USPS Priority Mail International takes 1-2 weeks and includes tracking.
• USPS Express Mail International takes 3-5 days with tracking.
If you can fit it in a Flat Rate Envelope for international shipping you'll save money every time. Flat Rate boxes for international service don't provide a savings until you reach at least 5-7 lbs.
= = = = = = =
Miscellaneous:
USPS does not offer guaranteed delivery except for Express Mail. Priority Mail is advertised as "2-3 day" service, but if your package is missing after 5 days you can't get a refund or get anyone to search for it. If FedEx misses their 2-Day delivery commitment you're entitled to a refund. Then again, you're not going to get FedEx to deliver a letter in 2 days for $4.75 like USPS does most of the time.
If you're shipping hundreds of items a week you should be entitled to a discount from FedEx. Make sure your company is setup to get that discount and that the method you use to estimate prices takes your account-specific rates into consideration (ie you can't just check on FedEx.com without being logged in).
If you describe the software you're using we might be able to give you more specific ideas. Let me know if you'd like clarification on any of the points above.
posted by reeddavid at 5:54 PM on May 6, 2010 [4 favorites]
I used to work at a Mailboxes Etc (now UPS Store), where we'd pack and ship dozens, sometimes hundreds of boxes a day. We did business with UPS, USPS, Fedex, DHL, whatever.
Things have probably changed since I was doing this somethingsomething years ago, but we had rate charts based on zone (distance) and weight; eventually we got software that automated this process, so we'd throw the package on the scale and the screen would show us all our options. So #1, you need a rate chart from each of your shippers. You can almost certainly find one online for USPS; Fedex you want to talk to a rep and have them send you one. While you're talking to the rep, ask them what else they have to make it easier for you to ship lots of packages with them.
SSG does a good walk-through of what you need, but I'd add large volumes of packing peanuts. They're normally sold in 20 cubic-foot bags (approximately the size of Mr Creosote). Ideally you'll also want a dispenser, which is a gigantic hopper that hangs from the ceiling. Peanuts are kind of an environmental problem, although there are also cornstarch ones, but they are much faster for filling boxes than crumpling paper, and protect much better.
To pack a box, close the bottom and tape all the seams. Never cloverleaf the flaps, always fold the long flaps last. If the mailpiece is breakable, float it in a box that allows 2" clearance on every side. Always pack the box very full (filling voids with packing material) then tape the top same as the bottom. You should be able to jump on the box without upsetting the contents: the shipper may be stacking up to 200 lb on top of your box. Don't tape your label across a seam if you can avoid it.
I could go on. MeMail me for more.
posted by adamrice at 6:03 PM on May 6, 2010
Things have probably changed since I was doing this somethingsomething years ago, but we had rate charts based on zone (distance) and weight; eventually we got software that automated this process, so we'd throw the package on the scale and the screen would show us all our options. So #1, you need a rate chart from each of your shippers. You can almost certainly find one online for USPS; Fedex you want to talk to a rep and have them send you one. While you're talking to the rep, ask them what else they have to make it easier for you to ship lots of packages with them.
SSG does a good walk-through of what you need, but I'd add large volumes of packing peanuts. They're normally sold in 20 cubic-foot bags (approximately the size of Mr Creosote). Ideally you'll also want a dispenser, which is a gigantic hopper that hangs from the ceiling. Peanuts are kind of an environmental problem, although there are also cornstarch ones, but they are much faster for filling boxes than crumpling paper, and protect much better.
To pack a box, close the bottom and tape all the seams. Never cloverleaf the flaps, always fold the long flaps last. If the mailpiece is breakable, float it in a box that allows 2" clearance on every side. Always pack the box very full (filling voids with packing material) then tape the top same as the bottom. You should be able to jump on the box without upsetting the contents: the shipper may be stacking up to 200 lb on top of your box. Don't tape your label across a seam if you can avoid it.
I could go on. MeMail me for more.
posted by adamrice at 6:03 PM on May 6, 2010
If you don't have much of a budget, a rate calculating scale would help you "weigh" your options between UPS, FedEx and USPS.
I agree that it would be worth reaching out to FedEx, UPS and Endicia to see how much a commercial account would be. You will likely receive a large discount off of posted rates if you maintain a certain shipping volume. They want customers with your problems!
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 6:50 PM on May 6, 2010
I agree that it would be worth reaching out to FedEx, UPS and Endicia to see how much a commercial account would be. You will likely receive a large discount off of posted rates if you maintain a certain shipping volume. They want customers with your problems!
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 6:50 PM on May 6, 2010
Hey! I was you many years ago. I ran hectic shipping department myself with a minimum a training, shipping thousands of shipments from tiny packets to massive skids to complex distributions; locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, using at least six different couriers at the same time.
And every day, the boss always complained that something was either too slow, or too expensive.
And you know what? Tough shit. If your boss is too cheap to allot for proper staffing/training, then there will be problems, and it is not your fault.
If there's a minor expenditure involved, no problem if it would help me get better at this.
Shipping can be a harsh craft which requires time and focus, and if your boss isn't making it simpler for you to make him money, then he has a problem.
2 things I learned:
For any package, a custom printed label with FULL sender AND receiver contact information, including both telephone numbers, stuck on every single goddamn thing which leaves the building.
For international shipments, four photo-copies of detailed customs forms stuck into the clear plastic sleeve of every single package. Each copy has that "custom printed label with FULL sender AND receiver contact information, including both telephone numbers" on it.
(My experience was the videotape industry. For the shipping into the US customs forms, I always added: "THIS IS NOT PORNOGRAPHY!" It seemed to make the customs officers feel safer).
(You know who I really hated? For inbound traffic, stupid clients in another fucking country who would tell the sales rep: "Just send someone over here to pick it up." Man, I really hated those assh0les.
posted by ovvl at 8:15 PM on May 6, 2010
And every day, the boss always complained that something was either too slow, or too expensive.
And you know what? Tough shit. If your boss is too cheap to allot for proper staffing/training, then there will be problems, and it is not your fault.
If there's a minor expenditure involved, no problem if it would help me get better at this.
Shipping can be a harsh craft which requires time and focus, and if your boss isn't making it simpler for you to make him money, then he has a problem.
2 things I learned:
For any package, a custom printed label with FULL sender AND receiver contact information, including both telephone numbers, stuck on every single goddamn thing which leaves the building.
For international shipments, four photo-copies of detailed customs forms stuck into the clear plastic sleeve of every single package. Each copy has that "custom printed label with FULL sender AND receiver contact information, including both telephone numbers" on it.
(My experience was the videotape industry. For the shipping into the US customs forms, I always added: "THIS IS NOT PORNOGRAPHY!" It seemed to make the customs officers feel safer).
(You know who I really hated? For inbound traffic, stupid clients in another fucking country who would tell the sales rep: "Just send someone over here to pick it up." Man, I really hated those assh0les.
posted by ovvl at 8:15 PM on May 6, 2010
Call up UPS & fedex and explain what you are up to. My org went with UPS, they provided with a scale, a magic label printer (WATER PROOF!*) and then gave us a discount for shipping with them. The software worked pretty decent but I would suggest make & keep the printed backups of your shipping reports though.
*not really magic. thermal, which is a minor sort of trick.
posted by zenon at 9:47 PM on May 6, 2010
*not really magic. thermal, which is a minor sort of trick.
posted by zenon at 9:47 PM on May 6, 2010
Oh - the software was free. And Fedex & ups charge most everything by weight and speed - all you need is a scale which are very cheap. Without a scale - no dice, it is simply essential to your job.
As for prepping things for shipping: Clink wrap. Really. I've used it on pallets of things like Kilns & computers & industrial building supplies. and 1 book. Itz amazing. A few sizes of boxes- UPS generally doesn't care about the shape w/in limits, so that's why amazon always ships you half empty boxes- with a book CLING WRAPPED to a piece of cardboard.
posted by zenon at 9:54 PM on May 6, 2010
As for prepping things for shipping: Clink wrap. Really. I've used it on pallets of things like Kilns & computers & industrial building supplies. and 1 book. Itz amazing. A few sizes of boxes- UPS generally doesn't care about the shape w/in limits, so that's why amazon always ships you half empty boxes- with a book CLING WRAPPED to a piece of cardboard.
posted by zenon at 9:54 PM on May 6, 2010
Response by poster: Okay, this is great stuff. To clarify, I'm pulling items from inventory, and prepping them for shipping, then handing them off to shipping, one person for Fedex, another who does USPS. I have a minimal amount of packing materials, scales, and information on my end. My employer is cooperative but getting things through the company snake can be problematic. I need to iron out glitches on my side of the process so it goes more smoothly for the people doing the shipping.
We do not use UPS.
I'm sure we have accounts with Fedex and USPS. I have Fedex rate chart software on my pc which I'm starting to learn to use. I'm going to have to find a scale, peanuts, different sizes of boxes and etc. Finding a darn box that fits is a big problem.
If anyone has a suggestion for how/where/what to buy for US parcel shipping, that would be helpful. I ship stuff that can be all sorts of sizes. Generally speaking, it's under 2x2x2'. I could use some rules of thumb for box sizes and a provider.
The shipping process has been a big problem zone for me so far. This thread is really helpful. I may ping some of you individually for more help. Thanks a bunch.
posted by diode at 8:28 AM on May 7, 2010
We do not use UPS.
I'm sure we have accounts with Fedex and USPS. I have Fedex rate chart software on my pc which I'm starting to learn to use. I'm going to have to find a scale, peanuts, different sizes of boxes and etc. Finding a darn box that fits is a big problem.
If anyone has a suggestion for how/where/what to buy for US parcel shipping, that would be helpful. I ship stuff that can be all sorts of sizes. Generally speaking, it's under 2x2x2'. I could use some rules of thumb for box sizes and a provider.
The shipping process has been a big problem zone for me so far. This thread is really helpful. I may ping some of you individually for more help. Thanks a bunch.
posted by diode at 8:28 AM on May 7, 2010
For the volume of boxes you'll probably be getting, you want to find a local vendor for shipping supplies. Look in the yellow pages. They'll have boxes, peanuts, etc. There are online sources, like Papermart or ULine, but shipping a bundle of boxes gets pretty expensive. And forget about shipping a 20-cubic-foot bag of pelaspan by common carrier.
In the MBE where I worked, we had about 100 box sizes, most of them stored in custom shelving so that we had ready access to them; we also had 5 or so sizes of padded mailers. You probably want an assortment of cubic boxes, shallower square-bottom boxes, and oblong boxes. A 2' cube is a huge, unwieldy box. Unless the mailpiece won't fit in anything smaller, it's often a good idea to break it up over multiple boxes.
Once you've got a good variety of box sizes, the problem becomes looking at a few mailpieces and doing the mental 3D puzzle to figure out what box will best fit them. This is something you get better at with time, but in the meantime, a tape measure will help.
Another consideration is insurance. Fedex automatically insures all packages for $100. Adding insurance with the USPS costs from the first dollar. More importantly, processing claims with the USPS is such a pain in the ass that it's not worth it, so if you have a high-value item where you think there's a 0.1% chance you might need to file a claim, it's not worth it to send USPS.
posted by adamrice at 9:11 AM on May 7, 2010
In the MBE where I worked, we had about 100 box sizes, most of them stored in custom shelving so that we had ready access to them; we also had 5 or so sizes of padded mailers. You probably want an assortment of cubic boxes, shallower square-bottom boxes, and oblong boxes. A 2' cube is a huge, unwieldy box. Unless the mailpiece won't fit in anything smaller, it's often a good idea to break it up over multiple boxes.
Once you've got a good variety of box sizes, the problem becomes looking at a few mailpieces and doing the mental 3D puzzle to figure out what box will best fit them. This is something you get better at with time, but in the meantime, a tape measure will help.
Another consideration is insurance. Fedex automatically insures all packages for $100. Adding insurance with the USPS costs from the first dollar. More importantly, processing claims with the USPS is such a pain in the ass that it's not worth it, so if you have a high-value item where you think there's a 0.1% chance you might need to file a claim, it's not worth it to send USPS.
posted by adamrice at 9:11 AM on May 7, 2010
Response by poster: Okay, probably a little late to ask this but is there a software program that can do rate calculations for both USPS and Fedex? It would be a lot more convenient to do a quick calc from a desktop or website than go to both USPS and Fedex sites to see what is cheaper.
Thanks for all the info....very informative thread.
posted by diode at 5:30 AM on May 13, 2010
Thanks for all the info....very informative thread.
posted by diode at 5:30 AM on May 13, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
which is what?
posted by desjardins at 4:28 PM on May 6, 2010