How does one go about getting an estimate for shipping a part? I assume I need to know weight and dimension and address. Does UPS/FedEx provide this online? I can understand packing stuff well, I don't want to overcharge anybody on shipping something.

 

As long as it doesn't contain any hazardous material or weigh over 70lbs the Post Office can ship it. Go to www.usps.com and look at the shipping calculator, it'll walk you right through it. If you print a label online you will get free delivery confirmation and can also schedule your carrier to pick it up for free also. The other carriers cannot touch their prices because they tack on additional charges such as fuel surcharge, residential deliveries, etc.

 

Another vote for USPS, I use it as often as I can, You set up a free account online, give them a credit card number and you can print out shipping labels all day long.

Ask for a free pickup the next day and they will come and get it even from outside your back door if you choose to leave it there. The service for me beats UPS hands down in this area.

The only complaint I have is in their tracking system. You get a tracking number but the package often gets delivered before they update the info on their website.

I pay $8.95 with USPS that would cost me $18.00 via UPS, this means I can pass the savings on to my customers and THAT is what really matters to me

 

I guess this means you've retired the mule train then???

 

The reason for this is the scanners don't have the capability to transmit data unless they're cradled so they have to wait until the carriers return to the office before the information can be downloaded. Hopefully in the next few years this won't be a problem.

 

Thanks a bunch guys. I'll try USPS

 

I received a bunch of shipments over here that were sent with the different carriers-

My vote is USPS. Only ones to be on time, relatively cheap and accurate when doing customs.

I had UPS and DHL deliver smashed parcels, items lost through holes in the packaging and a lot of parcels that where routed USA-Australia-Europe-Austria. (And were a week or two late, smashed and still had to pay the full price for express delivery)

AlpineRAM

 

USPS Flat rate boxes rock! No tracking but, if it will fit in the box, they'll ship it for $8 IIRC anywhere they deliver including APOs.

 

Thanks for the help guys USPS was the best rate. Got it all shipped out.

 

They give you the tracking number but it is no good until the package is delivered. It really doesn't do you much good......