Over the years, I have used FedEx Ground both at work and for personal use.  I have also shipped many packages using UPS Ground.  Both services have their pros and cons.


FedEx Ground Service

The FedEx website provides a map of transit times for Ground shipping.  Just insert your zip code and country to view a map tailored to your shipping location.  This way you can see if the package will take one to five days for delivery.  I like that the map is color coded for easy viewing.  The website also let me print the map out, and I have it posted in my work area for reference.

Another nice feature of the FedEx website is calculating the cost and delivery time for a shipment.  Enter the zip code the package is shipping from, and the zip code it is shipping to.  List the number of packages, weight, the shipment date, if it is shipping to a residence, and if the package needs to be picked up or is being dropped off at a FedEx location.  I like that a list of prices is presented for each service FedEx offers.  This makes for good cost comparison.

FedEx offers a variety of ways to pay for shipments, too.  They accept credit cards, checks, cash and money orders.  FedEx can do electronic money transfers from a bank account.  They will also bill to a FedEx account, bill third party, or charge FedEx Ground Collect.


My Experiences

I have shipped packages through FedEx Ground as well as received packages sent the same way.  The shipments always arrive in good condition.  Comparing FedEx to UPS, I would say that FedEx shipments arrive in better shape.  I have received some boxes from UPS that look as though they traveled through a war zone.  Never have I had to refuse a FedEx shipment due to the condition it arrived in.

One thing I hate is that FedEx tends to drop a package by the front door and run away.  The delivery person doesn’t even ring the doorbell, even when cars are in the driveway indicating someone is home.  The only time I’ve a driver hand me a package is when a signature is required.

Whether I am at home or at work, I frequently track FedEx shipments.  The FedEx website makes tracking a simple process.  All I need to do is type in the tracking number.  The website then shows me the shipment trail from start to finish.  It also provides an estimated delivery date.  If the shipment has already arrived, it lists the delivery date and time and if someone signed for the package, the signer’s name.  This comes in handy when clients ask for an estimated delivery date.  Sometimes I receive queries from clients about a package not being delivered, but the FedEx website tells me exactly when it was delivered so that the client knows the package is somewhere in their building.

I’ve only had one bad delivery, and that was a package sent to me. I had ordered a piece of computer equipment from an online store.  When the package didn’t arrive, I phoned FedEx customer service.  They bent over backwards to help me resolve the issue.  When they ultimately “lost sight” of the shipment (it literally vanished from their system), they suggested I contact the online seller.  FedEx issued me a case number, and when I spoke with a representative from the online store, since I had a FedEx case number, they immediately reshipped the equipment and said they would file a claim with FedEx.  End of story.  I didn’t need to follow up with FedEx or the store; they handled the dispute between themselves.

For my shipping area inMassachusetts, FedEx offers one-day shipping to someNew Englandlocations.  UPS Ground offers one-day service, too … though comparing the two shipping maps (FedEx versus UPS), the one-day territories slightly vary.  If I’m shipping withinNew England, I always choose UPS Ground.  I find it less expensive.

Speaking of costs, as a rule, I find shipping UPS less expensive than FedEx.  If you are looking to save money, go to both websites and enter the package information (“ship from” and “ship to” zip codes are needed).  I recently calculated one shipment, and UPS Ground came in four dollars cheaper than FedEx Ground.


Summary

Overall, FedEx Ground services have worked well for me.  Packages arrive in good condition.  The few times I have had to contact their customer service, they proved helpful.  I will continue to use the service as needed.  If I have a choice, though, I usually pick UPS Ground over FedEx Ground because it costs less money.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Please read my other reviews:

UPS Ground Shipping

Black-Out Self-Inking Security Stamp

Avery White Shipping Labels

Jiffylite Kraft Bubble Mailer with Self-Seal Closure – 8 1/2" x 12"

Jiffy Padded Mailers with Self-Seal Closure – 12 1/2" x 19"

Oxo Good Grips Pro Utility Knife

Stanley Retractable Utility Knife

Copyright 2012 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes