Lost Shipments USPS

[Three Maples]

I seem to be having more lost shipments with USPS and am wondering if it is a trend that others are seeing. I pack well breakage is not a problem but the package just never gets delivered? I get a message "in transit to destination" but it never updates and is never delivered. I am careful not to mention Maple Syrup on the box. Is fedx or ups any better?

[sugarman3]

Been shipping everything ups for 40 yrs,shipped a couple usps,same problem,i think our postal workers get paid so much,they old care less if and when it gets there.

[maplemas]

The one and only time I shipped usps it got "lost" for 14days in route to Arizona

[tcross]

I've shipped twice with ups, across country, and both times the package has been "damaged" and has been thrown out. I packed with plenty of bubble wrap and foam peanuts. not real sure how it could have gotten destroyed both times? my fault for not getting insurance the first time! won't ship with them across country again.

[maple flats]

Almost all of my shipments go USPS since about 4 years ago. I did have one instance where the shipment was damaged in transit, 2 medium flat rate boxes of 2 half gal each, out of a 4 case shipment, (out of over a hundred, likely 200), but all the others got there and in good condition.
I do not use peanuts or bubble wrap, I pack them tight in heavy weight wadded brown paper. I avoided the peanuts because it just seemed they could shift and leave the neck vulnerable
I don't get the insurance, because there is automatically $50 coverage included and the cost to insure the few dollars over $50 is not worth it.
Except for that one damaged in transit, all have been delivered, on the damaged one, they sent back the label in a plastic sleeve with a post-it saying "contents destroyed".
I do use 1" x 3" self stick labels that say "DO NOT DROP, Handle with care" and I stick one on each side (6 total).
I read recently however that FedEx states that they "can not follow those instructions, I'm not sure if USPS does and I've never used UPS (yet).

[Ryan Mahar]

I've used USPS exclusively for many years due to the flat rate box and the $50 insurance you automatically get. I have only had 2 shipments where glass bottles broke. I was reimbursed the $50 coverage within 2 weeks ....... you will have a hard time finding a more reasonable method.....I've never had a package lost.......seems strange........

[Wanabe1972]

Maybe someone at USPS really digs your syrup!

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

We use USPS flat rate shipping and had 1 damaged box this year but all made it to the delivery destination. That is out of probably 30 shipments. IMO, flat rate or priority mail is best......less time in transit and time get damaged, lost, etc.

[maple flats]

If you do get the need for a claim, it must be filed in 15-60 days, before or after will not work. If they are getting lost in transit , I suggest someone is taking the syrup. I've only had 2 claims (both in the same shipment to the same addressee) since I started using USPS. While some take a day or 2 extra, the rest have arrived in good condition and basically on time.

[MISugarDaddy]

We only use USPS flat rate boxes and have never had a problem. We pack them like Dave does with heavyweight paper.
Gary

[jmayerl]

50-75 USPS shipments per year. Many to Alaska per year, have done China and Hawaii both once. NEVER. ONE. PROBLEM. Lucky I guess, never once altered or marked or stamped the outside of the box.

[Moser's Maple]

I seem to be having more lost shipments with USPS and am wondering if it is a trend that others are seeing. I pack well breakage is not a problem but the package just never gets delivered? I get a message "in transit to destination" but it never updates and is never delivered. I am careful not to mention Maple Syrup on the box. Is fedx or ups any better?

I too have this problem every holiday season. Normally 1 or 2 packages "go missing". I normally have maybe 5-6 do this through out the year out. USPS is always very good about resolving the problem. If you buy your postage on line then you just file a claim of lost parcel and they are pretty good about refunding. This is especially the case if you are taking advantage of their priority mail boxes.
UPS I have had nothing but issues with. It could be localized, but I choose to use USPS whenever possible. FYI UPS doe not offer "insurance" it's called something else and if they find any wrong with you package they will deny your claim.
So yes USPS isn't perfect ,like every other shipper, but they seem to be the best option for my business

[Three Maples]

Well I just refunded the purchase after two usps boxes were never delivered. I have had them lose the first shipment but never two in a row. I know the post office will pay but they cannot get back the customer. I guess it is the cost of doing business. Thanks for the input.