TubeNet

FYI from my packet/shipper..
Mark


Did you know?
Shipping rates went up 4.9% & 50 is the new 70

Both FedEx and UPS increased all shipping rates and surcharges. Both carriers decided “independently” to raise rates by an average of 4.9%. Both carriers also decided “independently” to lower the large package surcharge from 70+ lbs to 50+ lbs. Meaning any package with either an actual weight or dimensional weight of greater than 50 lbs will see a much higher cost compared to 2019.

Glad I bought that last Sousaphone in November. Eventually, it may be cheaper to fly and pick up a horn than to ship one via UPS or FedEx.

FedEx only gave a 2% raise to it's full-time employees, which is low when compared to previous years compensation.
Insurance was only raised a fraction, BUT, they instituted a $150 per month addition (penalty) to any employee whose spouse is able to have insurance with their employer but is carried by a FedEx employee. On top of that, the deductible more than doubled.

FedEx GROUND is a contracted service provider whose drivers work independently of FedEx EXPRESS/FREIGHT which is operated directly by FedEx. So, Amazon is copying that way of doing business but doesn't have the infrastructure to ship everywhere (YET). That being said, Amazon does have the money to build the infrastructure and it's only a matter of time until they are providing shipping service much like USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

As a part-timer at FedEx for 2 1/2 years and someone who operated a music store for 7 years, I wouldn't personally ship my tuba or any instrument using the services of FedEx or UPS. If I had to let go of my tuba, I'd try locally or at a conference I attended. I know that is not ideal for everyone, especially businesses, but the amount of items being ordered and shipped these days thanks to internet shopping is overwhelming for the carriers.