Shipping Alternatives

In my last article, I discussed preparing your artwork for shipping. As a follow up, here is a discussion on the different shipping options.

UPS
UPS is ubiquitous as far as shipping is concerned. They are relatively inexpensive and provide reliable tracking information. If you ship often enough, you can even schedule regular pickups (for a small fee). The only draw back to that is that you must ship at least $50/per week.

If you are sending a package, they will pick it up for you. However, you must have it completely prepared with payment (cash or check) ready to go. Not only do you have to know how much your package weighs, but also its length, width and height. They have certain restrictions as follows:

• They will ship packages up to 150 lbs. (or 70 kg, 68 kg in Canada), but require special labeling for those over 70 lbs.
• They will only ship packages up to 130 inches (330 centimeters) in length and girth combined.
• The maximum length of a package they will accept is 108 inches (270 cm).
• They also have some restrictions for what constitutes an "oversized" package, for which you will charged extra.

If you would like to insure your work, their rate is $.35 per $100.

Options to ship include variations of next day, 2-day, 3-day select, and ground delivery. 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877)

FedEx
FedEx is also a well-known shipping option. They also offer variations of next day, 2-day, and what they call "Express Saver," which is their freight delivery service. If you're in a real hurry, they will even do same day deliveries in some locations, but for a price.

FedEx considers extra large packages to be those that are less than 151 lbs. but exceed 165 inches in length and girth combined.

If you would like courier pickup of your package, FedEx charges $3 per package on top of their fees. They do, however, have many drop off locations (usually near office centers and hotel lobbies). They are also in the process of making a deal with post offices to offer drop boxes in their lobbies.

If you use their envelopes or "paks," you can only have a maximum declared value of $500. If you use your own packaging, you can claim up to $50,000 as your declared value at a rate of $.50 per $100. They will accept check, money orders or credit cards (except for same day service). 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339)

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