Hall of Mirrors

One of creative attractions to see in City Museum, St. Louis, MO

Boracay Island, Philippines

Breathtaking view from a helicopter

My First Snow

A peaceful snowy day of early 2012

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Showing posts with label Fedex SmartPost. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fedex SmartPost. Show all posts

Aug 16, 2012

Fedex SmartPost vs. UPS Shipping

I am expecting two shipments in one order from Amazon.com (free stuff agan because of Swagbucks I know I said was going to post about it lol). One package was sent through UPS and the other package through Fedex Smartpost. It is very interesting to compare the two shipping services as both couriers shipped my items on the same date. So in real time I can compare their services.

I track both packages on Packagetrackr.com - an all-in-one tracking tool for all shipments and what I love about this site is that it includes a visual route of a package using Google Maps. It's a cool way of understanding where and how far your package is. For me, a picture or an illustration is easier to understand than mere updates like scan updates, etc. Below are the screenshots from Packagetrackr.com of my shipment tracking info.

Fedex SmartPost route originated in Indianapolis, IN. Photo insert is the item to be delivered.


UPS route originated in Louisville, KY.  Photo insert is the item to be delivered.

The green computer icons are the shipment scans. As you can see UPS route is slightly further compared to Fedex's route but as of this writing my item from UPS is to be delivered today while Fedex tomorrow based on the tracking details. However, USPS received my item yesterday so I might receive today we'll see.

Here is what I figured out SmartPost takes longer because they utilize USPS which does their own tracking and sorting time so time between that is critical as to when you would actually receive your package. Bottom-line is Amazon.com or any business that uses SmartPost are the ones that fully gain the advantage not the customers.

Jul 18, 2012

Amazon.com Free Super Saver Shipping Review

I am excited to receive my first and free Amazon.com order. Free because I used Amazon gift cards I snagged from Swagbucks. I will have to post about how I got free gift cards and what Swagbucks is. But for now I want to share my experience with Amazon's shipping service -- the Free Super Saver Shipping (SSS). It's free shipping when you order eligible products that reach at least $25.

As you know, it was my first time to place an order online so I'm pretty excited in receiving it. I tried to combine items to take advantage of the Free Super Saver Shipping but I ended up redoing my orders until I settled for one and placed an order on July 10, 2012. The delivery estimate is on July 19, 2012 as shown on the picture below based on my Amazon.com order summary.

I learned that Amazon.com uses various carriers like the USPS, Fedex, UPS and a regional carrier in the area.  For the Free Super Saver Shipping Amazon utilizes Fedex SmartPost where the final delivery is serviced by the USPS. I searched reviews about SSS and Fedex SmartPost most of them are negative reviews -- not a good impression for me. Although I had to give the shipping services benefit of the doubt because a free shipping is obviously going to take days or weeks. If you want free, be ready to wait. Duh.

Anyways, I have been checking the shipping status since it was shipped the next day July 11, 2012 (hooray!) The screenshot below is from Fedex tracking page. So my package just got forwarded to USPS today but I wasn't pleased with the adjusted delivery date a day later than the original delivery date. I don't like how Fedex adjusted the delivery date and still indicate it's on schedule.

I tracked it on USPS site and below is the screenshot. Maybe my package will arrive on time after all. Now it's in the hands of USPS. We'll see...... This post won't be a complete review until I receive my package.


Update: I received my order ON TIME! Yahooo! I was so happy and satisfied with the Free Super Saver Shipping from Amazon. It took 7 days excluding Sunday. So far so good I'm definitely using their free shipping again.