Fed Ex Left Package Outside [Archive]

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Nonsense

06-08-2008, 02:52 PM

my apartment door in brooklyn. which is totally crazy. after tracking the package from another state and seeing that they really did leave a box of RED camera equipment just sitting there, i had a friend go pick it up for me (for which i am eternally grateful)... I guess if RED is delivering to residential address they don't require signed release of package. So uh, note to self if expecting package.

Clint Johnson

06-08-2008, 03:57 PM

Evidently, if FedEx gets a signed release from the occupant that it is ok to leave a package sitting on the stoop... that release is good for the address, not the addressee.

It doesn't seem to be a very smart policy and not one I would have implemented. Maybe it would be fine in a world without bitches and sons-of-the-sames, but in that world there are perpetual rainbows, every little girl has a pony and the only politicians that make into power have our best interests at heart.

In other words it is a world where it is always raining, there is horse crap everywhere and there are no politicians whatsoever.

What was my point again? Oh yeah, rainbows, ponies, politicians and FedEx are bad.

Rob Gardner

06-08-2008, 05:01 PM

I have had Fedex leave lenses at the wrong address, deliver critical animation to the wrong address and miss-deliver half of a two-package shipment. I have had them screw up overseas deliveries too. I don't use them unless there is no other option.
Rob Gardner

C.J.Harvaraj

06-10-2008, 05:15 AM

DHL then?

Rob Gardner

06-10-2008, 08:40 AM

Yes, we use DHL now almost all of the time.

Johann Schulz

06-10-2008, 08:55 AM

DHL is literally half the price and I use them all the time for deliveries here to Taipei, Taiwan. Never a problem! The one time I used Fedex, they returned the package to BHPhoto in NYC without contacting me or even leaving a note on the door of an attempted delivery. They said they weren't 100% sure of my address. Amatuers! I hope I can choose to use them for my RED delivery soon? :>)

Noah Kadner

06-10-2008, 08:57 AM

Yes, we use DHL now almost all of the time.

I wouldn't be so fast- I've received DHL boxes that have clearly been run over by pushcarts and their drivers constantly appear after 6pm- at least in NorCal.

Noah

Johann Schulz

06-10-2008, 09:00 AM

BTW, CJHarvaraj, you may want to really let loose with your wrath upon a company so entrenched and incompetent as FEDEX, instead of treading upon the feet of those trying to rise above the muck!

Charles Angus

06-10-2008, 02:41 PM

Canada Post once sent my overnight-next-day-by-noon Priority Courier package very quickly - back to me! Apparently To: and From: aren't in their vocabulary...

Martin Weiss

06-10-2008, 04:04 PM

DHL messed up some papers and 4 HDcam tapes ended up sitting in the customs for 4 freakin' weeks. (But the invoice came one day after sending the package...)

I had good experiences with UPS. 2 days for a around-the globe package.

C.J.Harvaraj

06-10-2008, 04:42 PM

BTW, CJHarvaraj, you may want to really let loose with your wrath upon a company so entrenched and incompetent as FEDEX, instead of treading upon the feet of those trying to rise above the muck!

i like to search for the best,
best camera , best lens,
best workflow, best policy,
even best delivering companies,
and the best way to do that is,
to ask,to argue,
to believe,to disbelieve,
its part of the process,
of learning and succeeding,
and there is nothing wrong.

but i can be sure,
in few years time,
i'll be better than you,
in knowledge and business,
and be the leader that i want to be,
in this business of capturing reality and fantasy.

P/s: to everybody else,continue with the topic, ricopedra and me had some difference in opinion in other thread.

Jason Ing

06-10-2008, 06:39 PM

This just happened to me yesterday as well. It was the second time. The first time they left the red camera body. I called Fed Ex, both times, and was told, both times, that Fed Ex no longer has a signature release on file policy; although the fed ex email tracking information used this very same terminology as the reason they left it at the door.

I posted the following info in my similar post in the Off Topic thread:

-- There was no declared value on the shipment. Therefore, if it was lost, only $100 would have been given by insurance.

-- If an item that has a declared value of $500 or more, the delivery person cannot leave it. In fact, it is impossible to leave it because the package cannot be scanned; the delivery person "will get a beep" if a scan to leave it is attempted.

-- If there is no direct signature required or the value is below $500, it is up to the delivery person's discretion to leave it or not.

-- It cost 60 cents for every $100 declared.

-- It cost less then $2.50 (or so) to require a "direct signature"; even if there is no declared value. But the shipper must indicate this on the fed ex shipping label.

-- Any value can be declared, even if it's far below the true value (It just won't be covered by insurance)

-- You can call the 1-800 customer service number and request a hold and pick up.

It seems to me that the best way to prevent the Fed Ex delivery person making a mistake or bad judgement call is to declare the shipment's value at $500. This disables their scanner so it's impossible for them to make a mistake. And the cost is the same to the shipper (I think). $3.00?

Can anyone confirm this idea of declaring the value at $500 will be an effective method of keeping the shipping costs low ($3), but increasing the security by forcing the delivery person to get a direct signature?

I still haven't gotten a response about this possibility. I hope Red takes more action. So far, Fed Ex's release on file policy is blamed. But this won't work because you can't turn off the signature release policy because they don't have one!

For now, when I get the tracking info, I'm going to call Fex Ex and have them hold it so I can pick it up myself.

By the way, be careful about depending upon the tracking email. You might not even get one. I didn't get one for my camera body shipment. It just showed up at the door like a baby dropped off by a stork. :)

Johann Schulz

07-04-2008, 07:12 AM

Hey C.J.H: ; >) Careful, we may work together someday if you're going to be THAT GOOD!

I actually wanted to NOT post more than 69 for awhile, because that was my film school class number (turned out to be true for a vast number of us) and of course, it's a good place to be.

Anyway, a lot of the packages I've been getting from the U.S. are actually from UPS - they're the cheap company if you're buying from BandH. I think they've been great, and half the price of "the FEDS". I've sent packs from here in Taiwan to Canada with no problems, too, but using DHL. That' about it.

Jeff Coatney

07-05-2008, 02:33 AM

If you are expecting a RED delivery, you MUST have someone you trust camped out on your doorstep. FEDEX will drop it and run without so much as a how-do-you-do. Your camera may or may not be there when you get home, depending on where you live. I had to call and have someone rush over when mine was delivered and I live in a good neighborhood.

Joseph Hutson

07-05-2008, 06:20 AM

Apple uses DHL

Mark L. Pederson

07-05-2008, 06:31 AM

Apple uses DHL

Fed Ex is a freekin TRAIN WRECK - but DHL isn't exactly what I would call a "great bet" -

CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- The long-awaited plans by DHL to shrink its U.S. package delivery unit, which has lost around $3 billion over the past four years, are expected to provide little short-term lift to rivals.

http://www.careenews.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=223&get=lastx

zak forrest

07-05-2008, 06:24 PM

Mark what shipper do you use?

uncvideowell

07-06-2008, 12:26 PM

All of my FED EX experiences have been positive but I only use them nationally. UPS on the other hand - they couldn't even find their own tracking number last time I called. The guy did say if the package was returned to him a third time he would personally drive it to me from two states away. I might give DHL a shot next after reading your guys posts.
Thanks.

Marc Berger

07-06-2008, 12:37 PM

I made the best experience over here with FedEx. Fastest, most professional with custom and taxpapers.
It seems all of them are more or less reliable,...somewhere...sometimes...
Marc

MiguelOrtega

07-30-2008, 09:58 PM

Brent@RED

07-30-2008, 11:38 PM

As I mentioned the last time this came up, RED requests a signature release on EVERY SINGLE package it sends. Granted, there are some delivery areas where signature release is not an option (I have only encountered it with one of our customers in Toronto, CA, personally).

We'll take the feedback to this forum to FedEx and see if they can come up with any explanations/solutions. RED is always looking to improve the customer experience at all levels - carrier included. Yes, we have talked with Brown and DHL, too....

Also note that RED does insure every package through a blanket insurance policy - not at the package level through FedEx (believe me, WAY CHEAPER for you guys that way). So, you also have protection there....

As far as tracking numbers, they used to be emailed by BOMB SQUAD the morning after they shipped. But, to speed things up, your email on file gets added to the ship alerts so you should get them right when it is scanned in.

Like I said, we'll look into this some more. If you have any questions, concerns, etc, PM me.

BC

J. Eric Camp

07-31-2008, 08:56 AM

If the fed ex drive took it to the wrong door and got a signature, you can not hold RED accountable.

Hell my local FED EX guy drops my packages at my neighbors house. Never did I give my consent for this, but he doesn't care so long as he gets the signature. I'm just glad my neighbor is trust worthy... I think.

Johann Schulz

07-31-2008, 09:17 AM

Dear Brent,

As I'm in Taiwan and soon to get my big honkin' packages, should I PM you instead of philosophising here? Because I may be able to receive through a local film company and save on duty, too.

UPS has been great to me. FEDEX just sent my package back to America when they couldn't see my house number. Maybe it's like a crapshoot. But I'd like to think it's personal, like maybe some people should be fired. Every concern here seems to reek of NO company policy. Of course, this is wrong.

All the huge corporate couriers have rules and regulations, and none would say our concerns are typical or even remotely the norm. And really, for the number of camera pacs shipping now, the flack from this thread is relatively tiny, even miniscule. So it's back to my individual, local hood dealer delivery driver. I think he or she is the culprit, regardless of the stripes they wear.

Brent@RED

07-31-2008, 09:29 AM

ricopedra, FedEx is who we sent packages out with at this time (note, "at this time"). However, if you want to schedule a pickup using a different carrier, just let your BOMB SQUAD rep know and we'll prep your package and have it ready for that pickup. Obviously, if you are making the pickup arangements, once your designated carrier picks it up, RED's responsibility ends so if there are any issues (customs delays, duties, taxes, lost, etc), RED will have no visibility to that fact.

We are willing to work with you, but I have to be up front of risks at the same time.

BC

Brent@RED

07-31-2008, 10:04 AM

im a little worried, i got an email saying my package was dropped off but i didnt receive anything. can this be a mistake? i specifically asked the guys at red to have it be signed for, and they said it was not a problem, that it would be, hell i get my demo reels signed for when i send them to clients, i cant believe they wouldnt do this for a $20,000 package.. but according to fed ex site it was dropped off at door...this must be a mistake or something...

Everyone, I URGE you to call FedEx and see if you have a signature release on file. Even though we request a signature on EVERY delivery (excluding delivery zones where it is not an option), if there is a signature release on file - it overrides our request for signature. Unfortunately, this looks like what happened to Miguel so please, please, call FedEx and check.

Miguel, we'll assist you in everyway to see what can be done.

BC

Johann Schulz

07-31-2008, 10:06 AM

Dear Brent,

Personally, I don't care who the shipper is. I was just trying to understand why some have had bad deliveries, and there can be a wicked difference in price. I've heard the unrealities of $$$$ left on the doorsteps of some here...

But is it true that once it's in the hands of FedEx, it's out of your hands? The reason for this thread says that FEDEX may leave a package anywhere at anytime, regardless of owner or signee.

If you already guarantee that once it leaves your California utopia, until it's in the hands of the purchaser using FedEX no matter where worldwide, that it's insured to the value paid by the purchaser, then there's no problem.

Brent, no harm meant. I'm just trying to clear some muddling.

Johann Schulz

07-31-2008, 10:07 AM

Hmmm, it really could be FedEx....

Chris Pickle

07-31-2008, 07:00 PM

Fedex is getting wickedly expensive, especially Canada to the US. There have been reports that Fedex and UPS are essentially in collusion on rates and billing practices. Notice you can't pay your bill online with amy of them.

I do however, like Fedex's online pickup order system. It saves a phone call at least...

Chris

Frank Weeks

07-31-2008, 07:10 PM

RED requests a signature release on EVERY SINGLE package it sends.

FWIW, I received my EVF yesterday from Fed EX. They rang the door bell and walked away, leaving it at the front door.

It didn't turn out to be a problem but it is confusing.

Brent@RED

07-31-2008, 08:22 PM

Johann, I hear you. Shipping should be the least of everyone's concerns but anytime a RED customer has a bad experience, we are going to look into it. We may not be able to fix it - but it certainly does not fall on deaf ears...

BC

Jan Reiff

08-01-2008, 12:45 AM

for us in europe i think the headache is not really what service it is (DHL, fedex...) - it´s the custom and the clearance.

we are looking forward to the european service station of red :blush:

Johann Schulz

08-01-2008, 07:07 AM

MiguelOrtega

08-04-2008, 02:15 AM

BTW, in my previous rants, I didn't mean anything against RED. I'm strictly questioning couriers here, (and sometimes wondering if they've been hired after being laid off as airport baggage handlers: "Paperwork-shmaperwork! Ya just toss it on the top step from this side-a-da fence like so! :>)....

its not a rant, its pretty serious stuff, my camera is missing, it was left at door and is long gone, reds working with me to get this solved, but this definately is a scary thing.. when fedex drops off what can be compared to the cost of a brand new car in a small box and walks away, without a signature or anything..pretty reckless

Johann Schulz

08-04-2008, 08:57 AM

Hey Miguel,

I'm really sorry about your loss. Obviously it's not your fault; RED has a "must be signed for" policy in place with FEDEX, so what's the deal? The individual courier? That's a crap shoot I don't want to play. I'm in Taiwan - how could my cam ever be found? Well, maybe I'm lucky in that it would be held up in customs and I could make a pick-up and pay deal with them. What country are you in? You're location's unfamiliar to me. ;>)

MiguelOrtega

08-04-2008, 12:14 PM

Johann Schulz

08-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Geez, you're in the dragon's lair! FedEx owns your front door! Sorry, dude.

Jason Ing

08-04-2008, 08:32 PM

A solution is to insure it for a minimum of $500 (I think that's the minimum that will qualify). By doing this, it forces the driver to get a signature because his pda will just beep and not work if he tries to scan it to say it was delivered.

The insurance is low enough to you that it's affordable because I think it's like $1 for every 100 or something like that. I'm sure the red customer won't mind paying that nominal cost for some peace of mind.

Joseph Hutson

08-04-2008, 10:39 PM

dino g

08-04-2008, 11:08 PM

i would trust noah k.

we were next door neighbors for 5 years and he had fedex, dhl, ups, and every ding dong carrier come to his door on a daily basis, i swear he is a drug dealer, but the point here is he knows what's up. personally, i have had a great experience with fedex for over 20 years, ups is good but slow and usps, well if you have two or three weeks and go to church often, use them.

as far as red is concerned, i have received dozen and dozens of fedex's from lake forest, always get tracking info the night before, always arrives on time and is shipped with the utmost care and safety for the product in mind.

but then again i live in a quiet neighborhood with 10 cars going by in a day and someone is always home...so, maybe i am not the best guy to be talking about this...good luck.

Jason Ing

08-05-2008, 09:35 AM

I am sorry, but why pay insurance for something that is offered for free(having a signature required)? It shouldn't take an extra fee.:huh:

If you read the thread, and others like it, Red IS having the signature required and Fed Ex STILL leaves it at the door because it is ultimately left up to the discretion of the delivery guy. "Required" doesn't mean anything.

But "insured" does.

Joseph Hutson

08-05-2008, 10:09 AM

If you read the thread, and others like it, Red IS having the signature required and Fed Ex STILL leaves it at the door because it is ultimately left up to the discretion of the delivery guy. "Required" doesn't mean anything.

But "insured" does.

I DID read the thread and that is the reason why I said you shouldn't pay for something like that if you say required. It SHOULDN'T be up to the deliverer, but mandatory.

MiguelOrtega

08-05-2008, 11:56 AM

i dont know whos fault it is...but once again i find myself waiting for the camera....this sucks:ranting2:

Johann Schulz

08-14-2008, 12:56 PM

Do we need to mass-attack FedEx to make them aware of this problem? It's miniscule as far as their business is concerned because what's getting lost here are a few deliveries to PRIVATE RESIDENCES, I think! Geez, I just came to that conclusion....

I had my RedRock MicroMattebox delivered by FedEx without a hitch a couple of days ago. I was at my studio early (for me) in the morning, there to greet the truck; signed and accepted. The experience was perfect.

Past experience taught me to be there on time. Most packs go to a business address where someone is always there during suit and tie hours. So be aware! If your delivery is coming to your house - be there or be in fear!!!!!!!

Michael "Dorkman" Scott

08-15-2008, 01:42 PM

Well, today I had the opposite problem. FedEx DIDN'T leave my package at the door -- but I only ordered a couple of audio cables!

This next part isn't really RED's fault, but I need to vent: the guy left a "delivery attempted" tag on the door WITHOUT EVEN KNOCKING. The tag says the delivery was attempted at 9:05 this morning and I was sitting by the door reading from 8am to around 10:30. The delivery was NOT attempted, the guy just put a sticker on the door and left.

Neither FedEx nor UPS can be trusted for a goddamn thing when it comes to date-critical shipments. I've never had a "2-day" shipment with either of them take less than a week.

Johann Schulz

08-16-2008, 11:08 AM

Sounds like another case of the individual assman; however with my last experience, once again:

FedEx posted to my junkmail at RRock's request; RedRock provided an inbox ETA and it was met, tracked through FedEx by me all the way. That's why I was there for the delivery and have no complaints.

I've also been there otherwise, but I'm keeping positive as my next biggie is my RED ONE!!! (Why am I hearing a porno soundtrack?!...).

Dennis Southgate

11-06-2008, 07:19 PM

This is like a television show cancelled in mid season, I need to know the outcome. So it's now early November and no word, Miguel did you ever receive your camera? Where was it?

Ian Laurie

11-06-2008, 09:27 PM

I believe i read somewhere that red can track the camera through the meta data. is this right? Anyway, luckily i was home for my red delivery, but i have signed off before so they would leave it and got home the next day with a note telling me that i would have to go to their service center(3 hours away) to pick it up because i missed the delivery. so yeah not so much a fan