I used to ship everything via UPS ground. After they computerized their shipping outlets, two things happened: First, every package got charged for the full rate including oversize rates, excess length charge, special handling fee, etc. Prior to computerization the person accepting the package was responsible for knowing which rates to charge. Almost always the people working the counter had no clue what the correct rates were and would just weigh the box and charge only the straight rate based on weight only. With the computerized system they just measure three dimensions of every package and enter that into the computer. The computer charges the appropriate rate and never misses any of the aforementioned charges. So UPS got a lot more expensive after they got computerized but at least the shipping charge became predictable.
A short time after the computerized system became effective, "phase two" kicked in. That was an increase in shipping rates of all sorts. Not just the base rate but things like the over length fee which went from $5 to $7. At that point UPS became very expensive, relatively speaking and I decided to check out Fedex ground/ Fedex home delivery. Fedex was way cheaper and they also operated out of my local Kinkos only one block away from home. The Fedex Kinkos is just a Fedex location operating out of the Kinkos store. It charges the same rates as the "regular" Fedex location. In fact I was even able to set up a Fedex account and print shipping labels on my computer at home. All I do is drop off the packages at the Fedex Kinkos, no waiting in line. You could probably set up a UPS account and ship via local UPS stores also but for now UPS is a lot more expensive. That may change in the future. UPS may be forced to lower rates due to the competition. Also, Fedex may begin to raise rates once they have more fully established their ground system. Phil RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
