I'm glad to come across this thread. If I have to ship a high-value item I always use FedEx Economy Air and have been delighted with the results.
However several lower-value vintage items are now on their way to me via FedEx ground and USPS. In no less than three simultaneous cases in different parts of the States, the shipper called FedEx ground for a price quote, it was reasonable, sent me the figure, I paid--but when the shipper got the box to the counter he was told the phone quote was wrong and the actual cost would be three times higher.
The packages are on their way now via USPS, insured.
On the other hand, the one package that was ever shipped to me via FedEx ground came through with many fewer hassles than UPS. UPS has always been a disaster for me.
For now, I'm betting on heavy duty packing, insurance and the USPS. We'll see...
However several lower-value vintage items are now on their way to me via FedEx ground and USPS. In no less than three simultaneous cases in different parts of the States, the shipper called FedEx ground for a price quote, it was reasonable, sent me the figure, I paid--but when the shipper got the box to the counter he was told the phone quote was wrong and the actual cost would be three times higher.
The packages are on their way now via USPS, insured.
On the other hand, the one package that was ever shipped to me via FedEx ground came through with many fewer hassles than UPS. UPS has always been a disaster for me.
For now, I'm betting on heavy duty packing, insurance and the USPS. We'll see...