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Avoid UPS Shipping To/From Canada

Just received a UPS Customhouse Brokerages bill for $19 US for a package that originated in Canada. It's UPS's charge for collecting NO duty and NO tariff on some US manufactured cables. The "entry prep fee" as they call it is a 150% addition to their posted freight. Nice markup for an conveyor automated bar code read and a first class stamp (for the bill).

So now besides their notorious reputation for mishandling electronics and not paying damage claims, you have another reason to NOT USE THEM.

In researching the archives, I see there has been some mention of their rip off brokerage fees before. I think it bears reposting for the unsuspecting. It certainly unpleasantly surprised me having paid nothing extra in the past using Canada's postal system. I'm sure there are other reputable shipping alternatives that other members can recommend.
alexanderj
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
Although Fed Ex may be a bit more expensive, your stuff shows up in one piece and they don't charge a prep fee. If you haven't been burnt by UPS yet, you will be. Pay the little bit more for Fed Ex. Jeff
moonshyn
11 posts
 
Fed X is not all that great at handling electronics either.Shipped some really well packed stuff with them and somehow they still managed to do major dammage.At least they don't rip you off on the brokerage fees though.If you want to save the brokerage fees with UPS have the receiving party pick up the package at their nearest customs house.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
The people at KRELL told me:
Don't ship with UPS!
Richard
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I've also had my issues with UPS, like dropping my subwoofer on some metal I beam! Nice job on the veneer their guys! Forget about collecting. I too have switched, I use Fed Ex or USPS priority mail. USPS is the cheapest of all and gets it there fast, and (supposedly) covers insurance well.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I also got charged extra by UPS for a shipment from Canada. It is no accident. I will only use US Mail and Candian Mail for cross border shipments. Fedex or US Mail within the US.
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