UPS is terrible

[alimac122]

Today I was supposed to receive an overnight shipment of livestock from a respected vendor. The item was shipped using UPS. The guarantee was by 10:30am. At around 9am I received an email saying that they were not going to make the 10:30a deadline but that it would arrive by the end of the day. Almost immediately I received a voice call from the seller who obviously received the same notification. I wasn’t too concerned. I was able to monitor the package and saw the truck close to my house so I figured a short delay but nothing too bad. I continued to monitor the package which stated “almost there” while the truck kept driving near or around my house and then would go a little further away, then back. This happened for hours- still with the message on the screen stating “almost there”. Finally around 3p I decided to call and, after navigating their call tree, got a live person that saw the problem and told me someone would contact me... at 5pm I called back after not hearing anything. After being on hold for 45minutes I got a “manager” who admitted that the package was not on the truck- mind you, while he is relaying this- their site still stated “almost there”. By this time I was livid- all I could think about is the livestock and the unnecessary stress incurred. I offered to go pick up the package and I was told that a manager would contact me when it was located- needless to say- I never heard back and just received an email with my new “guaranteed delivery date” for 12p tomorrow. I’m still processing this terrible experience... Outside of the lack of communication....why wouldn’t they just come clean at the beginning? They must have known it was not on the truck but they continued to make me think it was almost here? Why didn’t they give me some opportunity to help get the livestock safe? The worst part is this is my only recourse... to vent here and hope I can sway as many shippers as possible to consider an alternative to UPS.

This absolutely blows. I am sorry about your corals, I would be livid too.

But also. We're in the middle of a pandemic and everyone is stuck in on stay at home orders. So delivery guys are overwhelmed. I would try to avoid purchasing time sensitive packages for at least a month after these orders are lifted (because of backordered items).

 

[Waynerock]

Today I was supposed to receive an overnight shipment of livestock from a respected vendor. The item was shipped using UPS. The guarantee was by 10:30am. At around 9am I received an email saying that they were not going to make the 10:30a deadline but that it would arrive by the end of the day. Almost immediately I received a voice call from the seller who obviously received the same notification. I wasn’t too concerned. I was able to monitor the package and saw the truck close to my house so I figured a short delay but nothing too bad. I continued to monitor the package which stated “almost there” while the truck kept driving near or around my house and then would go a little further away, then back. This happened for hours- still with the message on the screen stating “almost there”. Finally around 3p I decided to call and, after navigating their call tree, got a live person that saw the problem and told me someone would contact me... at 5pm I called back after not hearing anything. After being on hold for 45minutes I got a “manager” who admitted that the package was not on the truck- mind you, while he is relaying this- their site still stated “almost there”. By this time I was livid- all I could think about is the livestock and the unnecessary stress incurred. I offered to go pick up the package and I was told that a manager would contact me when it was located- needless to say- I never heard back and just received an email with my new “guaranteed delivery date” for 12p tomorrow. I’m still processing this terrible experience... Outside of the lack of communication....why wouldn’t they just come clean at the beginning? They must have known it was not on the truck but they continued to make me think it was almost here? Why didn’t they give me some opportunity to help get the livestock safe? The worst part is this is my only recourse... to vent here and hope I can sway as many shippers as possible to consider an alternative to UPS.

ALWAYS have the package held at the pick up office. It’s kinda a drive for me but I have never lost an item from shipping issues unless it gets snowed in half way. I picked up one this morning and the corals where open and happy as can be in the box. When you get the tracking number call and select track package and when she asks if the delivery option is ok say no and they will give you the option to pick up at the center.

 

[Brian_68]

This absolutely blows. I am sorry about your corals, I would be livid too.

But also. We're in the middle of a pandemic and everyone is stuck in on stay at home orders. So delivery guys are overwhelmed. I would try to avoid purchasing time sensitive packages for at least a month after these orders are lifted (because of backordered items).

There was no 10:30 or overnight guarantee anymore.

 

[DJF]

ALWAYS have the package held at the pick up office. It’s kinda a drive for me but I have never lost an item from shipping issues unless it gets snowed in half way. I picked up one this morning and the corals where open and happy as can be in the box. When you get the tracking number call and select track package and when she asks if the delivery option is ok say no and they will give you the option to pick up at the center.

Agreed- that will be my new mode of operation.

This absolutely blows. I am sorry about your corals, I would be livid too.

But also. We're in the middle of a pandemic and everyone is stuck in on stay at home orders. So delivery guys are overwhelmed. I would try to avoid purchasing time sensitive packages for at least a month after these orders are lifted (because of backordered items).

thankfully, in my case, the corals made the extra day; I’ve since updated my definition of essential~

 

[jcolliii]

I had a package from AquaSD ship via UPS last week. UPS failed to deliver the next day saying there was severe weather in my area. Obvious BS. There was no filed flight plan for the subcontractor for the last leg - I have a student who works for UPS and asked him about it. Found out that that carrier is always understaffed (not just because of this virus). They cite 'weather' for any problem, no matter what. My corals arrived dead 5 days late. Way to go United Package Smashers!

Even though they don't have to, ASD gave me credit for the order - stand up folks there. They will also ship Fedex - all you have to do is ask after you purchase your shipping module. Got my replacement corals without a hitch by Fedex yesterday, and on time.

 

[User1]

I understand and hear the concern the OP is raising. The frustration, anger, beating the head against the wall. I do. There is another thread similar although a bit more hostile towards UPS such that their title says "almost ripped the UPS a new one". Yours is at least better in that regard although a similar issue with delays. Well in their case it said attempted delivery but didn't.

Having said that what I say next more than likely will offend you. I mean not but no other way to say it other than not to sugar coat it. Right now is not the time to be purchasing live stock be it fish or corals online. There, you have it. Right between the eyes...

Seriously though all things flagged mission critical will get a priority which means some things will get bumped. Staff is reduced. Work shifts increased. New rules to mitigate spread change daily. Cleaning building, environment, and so forth being done. All this takes time or increases it to do has safe as possible. All 50 states have been declared disaster for the first time in history. Not WW1, WW2, or any other act of God, Mother Nature, or Godzilla.

By no means am I trying to belittle your feelings or frustration. I am though trying to put it into perspective that we should all be doing our part to not clutter up the system and make things worse regardless of what is still posted on various sites. They too are getting bombarded with information overload on what to deliver, how to deliver, and it is changing daily I'd wager. Call, be polite, and do your best to stay calm. At the end of the day we all have our health and whatever did happen can be corrected one way or another.

Hope it all worked out well for everyone.

 

[DJF]

I had a package from AquaSD ship via UPS last week. UPS failed to deliver the next day saying there was severe weather in my area. Obvious crap. There was no filed flight plan for the subcontractor for the last leg - I have a student who works for UPS and asked him about it. Found out that that carrier is always understaffed (not just because of this virus). They cite 'weather' for any problem, no matter what. My corals arrived dead 5 days late. Way to go United Package Smashers!

Even though they don't have to, ASD gave me credit for the order - stand up folks there. They will also ship Fedex - all you have to do is ask after you purchase your shipping module. Got my replacement corals without a hitch by Fedex yesterday, and on time.

ASD is a loved local shop. I’m glad to hear that Will and team reacted the way they did though I have to admit I’m not surprised~

 

[DJF]

I understand and hear the concern the OP is raising. The frustration, anger, beating the head against the wall. I do. There is another thread similar although a bit more hostile towards UPS such that their title says "almost ripped the UPS a new one". Yours is at least better in that regard although a similar issue with delays. Well in their case it said attempted delivery but didn't.

Having said that what I say next more than likely will offend you. I mean not but no other way to say it other than not to sugar coat it. Right now is not the time to be purchasing live stock be it fish or corals online. There, you have it. Right between the eyes...

Seriously though all things flagged mission critical will get a priority which means some things will get bumped. Staff is reduced. Work shifts increased. New rules to mitigate spread change daily. Cleaning building, environment, and so forth being done. All this takes time or increases it to do has safe as possible. All 50 states have been declared disaster for the first time in history. Not WW1, WW2, or any other act of God, Mother Nature, or Godzilla.

By no means am I trying to belittle your feelings or frustration. I am though trying to put it into perspective that we should all be doing our part to not clutter up the system and make things worse regardless of what is still posted on various sites. They too are getting bombarded with information overload on what to deliver, how to deliver, and it is changing daily I'd wager. Call, be polite, and do your best to stay calm. At the end of the day we all have our health and whatever did happen can be corrected one way or another.

Hope it all worked out well for everyone.

No offense taken. I certainly learned lessons; my main consternation isn’t the delay or the personnel- it has to do with their option to track your package while choosing to go by a virtual scan that it is on their truck. This leads to a false sense of security as they advertise your package is on the truck and “almost there” while the package didn’t make it on the truck. Had the status I was monitoring been accurate, I would have done my part to help.

 

[andrewkw]

While I'm not ordering livestock I have had several other packages delayed one having an unexpected delay the last couple of days in a row. I'm not really sure why courier companies don't consider this option. Have 2 shifts. They would not need any more trucks just a 2nd driver to deliver at night. At least here they can't ask for signatures for packages anymore so everything is dropped at the doorstep. If the demand has increased to the point where everything can't go on the trucks just have a 2nd truck leave at night with whatever couldn't make it on.

 

[j.falk]

The last time I had livestock ordered and delivered by UPS, they delivered it to someone else's house one street over from me...luckily it was to someone I knew who works with my wife...but still...It's a completely different street than what it said on the box. Heh.

 

[nex64]

even before the pandemic, I had an order of live corals worth over $400 scheduled for the 10:30 AM delivery like yours and they didn't arrive until 9 pm that night.

Needless to say the corals were DEAD on ARRIVAL.
Never again with UPS.

 

[nex64]

Oh and it was literally like a 30 mile radius the seller and I were within.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Today I was supposed to receive an overnight shipment of livestock from a respected vendor. The item was shipped using UPS. The guarantee was by 10:30am. At around 9am I received an email saying that they were not going to make the 10:30a deadline but that it would arrive by the end of the day. Almost immediately I received a voice call from the seller who obviously received the same notification. I wasn’t too concerned. I was able to monitor the package and saw the truck close to my house so I figured a short delay but nothing too bad. I continued to monitor the package which stated “almost there” while the truck kept driving near or around my house and then would go a little further away, then back. This happened for hours- still with the message on the screen stating “almost there”. Finally around 3p I decided to call and, after navigating their call tree, got a live person that saw the problem and told me someone would contact me... at 5pm I called back after not hearing anything. After being on hold for 45minutes I got a “manager” who admitted that the package was not on the truck- mind you, while he is relaying this- their site still stated “almost there”. By this time I was livid- all I could think about is the livestock and the unnecessary stress incurred. I offered to go pick up the package and I was told that a manager would contact me when it was located- needless to say- I never heard back and just received an email with my new “guaranteed delivery date” for 12p tomorrow. I’m still processing this terrible experience... Outside of the lack of communication....why wouldn’t they just come clean at the beginning? They must have known it was not on the truck but they continued to make me think it was almost here? Why didn’t they give me some opportunity to help get the livestock safe? The worst part is this is my only recourse... to vent here and hope I can sway as many shippers as possible to consider an alternative to UPS.

this is one reason why I have my live fish boxes waiting at their facility, to avoid that. Some people can do that others can't go pick it up. I can get in there at 6 a.m. and get my package. but again depends on everyone's situation

 

[ca1ore]

Been having my own issues. Ordered a coral from DD Wednesday due to deliver Thursday. Got rescheduled to Friday and than again to today .... so three nights in the bag. Survival iffy I suspect. Not going to rail against UPS because I’m sure they’re doing the best they can in a tough environment. Don’t think I’m going to order any livestock online until things settle down though.

 

[mucky1957]

Today I was supposed to receive an overnight shipment of livestock from a respected vendor. The item was shipped using UPS. The guarantee was by 10:30am. At around 9am I received an email saying that they were not going to make the 10:30a deadline but that it would arrive by the end of the day. Almost immediately I received a voice call from the seller who obviously received the same notification. I wasn’t too concerned. I was able to monitor the package and saw the truck close to my house so I figured a short delay but nothing too bad. I continued to monitor the package which stated “almost there” while the truck kept driving near or around my house and then would go a little further away, then back. This happened for hours- still with the message on the screen stating “almost there”. Finally around 3p I decided to call and, after navigating their call tree, got a live person that saw the problem and told me someone would contact me... at 5pm I called back after not hearing anything. After being on hold for 45minutes I got a “manager” who admitted that the package was not on the truck- mind you, while he is relaying this- their site still stated “almost there”. By this time I was livid- all I could think about is the livestock and the unnecessary stress incurred. I offered to go pick up the package and I was told that a manager would contact me when it was located- needless to say- I never heard back and just received an email with my new “guaranteed delivery date” for 12p tomorrow. I’m still processing this terrible experience... Outside of the lack of communication....why wouldn’t they just come clean at the beginning? They must have known it was not on the truck but they continued to make me think it was almost here? Why didn’t they give me some opportunity to help get the livestock safe? The worst part is this is my only recourse... to vent here and hope I can sway as many shippers as possible to consider an alternative to UPS.

did your order ever arrive and was it all ok ???

 

[alimac122]

Has anyone noticed a decrease in regular mail as well? USPS is only delivering like one envelope every two days for me. No more credit card spam, no more paper coupons. I mean, I'm checking every day for a check, so I am being religious about checking. But I like it. But I dont. I enjoy going to the mailbox and getting mail!

 

[jcolliii]

No, I still get plenty of crap snail mail.

 

[dadnjesse]

Has anyone noticed a decrease in regular mail as well? USPS is only delivering like one envelope every two days for me. No more credit card spam, no more paper coupons. I mean, I'm checking every day for a check, so I am being religious about checking. But I like it. But I dont. I enjoy going to the mailbox and getting mail!

I'm noticing the same, I used to get a mailbox full every day, now maybe two letter each day. I wish I could stop the junk mail.

 

[Gatorheadman]

I’m through with ordering on line if UPS is involved in anyway. Had tons of trouble with them even before the pandemic. Trying to get a live person is a nightmare and when you do, well, you know the country.

 

[DJF]

did your order ever arrive and was it all ok ???

yes- thankfully it worked out & most survived the extra day. I lost some snails.