PayPal / USPS shipping labels not everything you might expect

eBayguy · Jul 13th, 2008, 01:44 PM

I am sure some know exactly what this is about, but for others, here we go. By the way, I am NOT employed by eBay. I am however, an avid seller whch I know may not be popular, but, for what it is worth......

When using the USPS/PayPal prepaid feature to print your mailing labels there are a few things that you may need to consider. Unless things have changed since eBay Live in Chicago, PayPal and the U.S. Post Offices do not seem to agree on how the program works. In all fairness, Amazon also considers the USPS number as a tracking number which is not the way the USPS sees it.

This is a long statement and I like to interject a little humor along the way. If this I not for you, just consider that the USPS number you receive for tracking is NOT tracking, it is a delivery number.

The way I originally understood it, we pay for our postage through PayPal and get some discounts on tracking and conveniences of being able to drop the packages off at the Post Office or scheduling someone to come pick them up at our home or business. Sounds good, especially during the heavy mailing periods like Christmas, BUT all is not as it appears.

Nothing conspiratorial, but possibly a break down in communication between PP, the USPS and us because the words used do not exactly convey what happens. My issue surrounds this statement from the PayPal website on shipping services “Track and confirm the arrival of your shipments with delivery confirmation” found on this page https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-center. You will probably have to sign in.

I interpreted that to mean that I can track my package and it culminates with the confirmation of it being delivered. This is what I believe the customer thinks also when they receive the number from us after shipping. HOWEVER, the USPS sees it only as a delivery confirmation number and does not require their people to scan the bar code when it comes into the Post Office nor anywhere else, until it is delivered.

This is a bit of a difference. That means that the package that I dutifully carried to the Post Office may not show being received by the Post Office until it is actually delivered to the customer!

I first found this out when a $300.00 insured item was fashionably late getting to the customer. When I checked on it, and my customer checked on it, all we were told was that the USPS had been notified by PayPal that a package was coming to the Post Office.

That leaves the question in the customer’s mind, did I really mail it? What do you think when a stranger selling to you over the Internet says, Trust me? Right, let me find my dispute button.

My next question to the Post Office was will they pay a $300 insurance claim on something they do not show as being received. Now THEY told me “Trust us”. Oh great!

My experience with insurance companies is that if they can get out of it, they will, so where does that leave me and my customer?

The product eventually arrived and the customer was tolerant, so it worked out, but it was not the smoothest transaction we have had. So, I take this to the eBay discussion boards and it turns out that some person who has worked for the Post Office for 25 years has heard enough of this and goes “postal” on me. Fantastic! Now I have an irate postal employee and he knows my eBay ID!

So, “I took my troubles down to Madame Ruth” at eBay Live in Chicago. I bounced between the USPS booth and PayPal and even took a PayPal rep back with me to the USPS booth to try to get the answer. At that point is was perfectly clear that the USPS felt that they did not have to scan it until it was delivered.

I say at that point, because we took that back to the PayPal upper management and THEY SAID, that the opinion is wrong. “They have to scan it when they receive it.” I remember just raising the question with a USPS employee on line, so I sure was not going to do it at my local Post Office where they know where I live!

So, I went BACK to the USPS booth incognito and found another fellow who said yes, that is what we are instructed BUT I know a work-around. My wife knew I had gone crazy when I hugged that guy so hard he lost consciousness. Well, that might be an exaggeration but I was immensely happy to hear it.

What is the work around? He said to use the PayPal Multi-Order Shipping form for everything. Apparently they ARE instructed to scan that and that form marks all of your boxes as being received. They would like it for 2 or more items but he said it will still work for one. If you are on dial-up, for get it, By the time the list is populated, your item could already be there and it also does not come with easy instructions, but it is a solution.

Of course with just one package you could ask real nice and they would probably scan it, but in their defense, they have to punch in the zip code and a few other details which is why they do not want to scan a pile of boxes that come in. Why does the original bar code not contain the information needed? They have no idea but the Multi-Order Shipping form apparently solves it.

Now this does not mean that it will be tracked from origin to destination, but at least it will prove to your customer that the item was received by the Post Office. From there the USPS says it is just an added benefit if someone scans it. The eBay Live USPS person told me that they are trying to get it scanned at every stopping point along the way, but it is not consistent yet. I believe that.

Of course another solution is to use another service. That is not an easy option for us, but we are still looking for a way to make it work.

purse-n-boots · Jul 13th, 2008, 02:10 PM

All I have to say is that the Post Office is sooooo backwards! It is a true case of consumer beware!

They are the most inefficient shipping service around. Great for mail! The best for mail in the entire world! However, when it comes to packages, FORGET ABOUT IT. I mean, they need a different barcode on the package for everything! One for delivery confirmation, one for the normal system of routing the package, another if you want insurance, one for the package size - ok, ok, not one for the package size but you'd be surprised if they didn't add it soon!

When you print your labels online for Express Mail - they STILL HAVE TO scan and print a sticker to put on the box once you drop it off at the post office. HELLO

Why did I just do that at home if you have to do DO IT AGAIN! Not to mention that every employee of the post office does things their own way - there is absolutely no conformity there. Some will scan the packages when I drop them off, some say I have to wait in line, some say I already did it online so they try to charge me the difference of the discount I received if I want them to scan it when I drop it off,
some will scan the SCAN FORM and other have NO IDEA what it is!!

Has USPS ever heard of TRAINING! They could save so much if they stick with one barcode like UPS or FedEx and get new systems that will feature all options in one barcode. And if I already have the labels from home, scan it when dropped off and put it in the back.... there should be no other labels to print or sign.

jjyounger · Jul 13th, 2008, 02:14 PM

So in essence, what you are saying is that if we print our postage labels using PayPal, they are not tracked until they are actually delivered? YIKES!

I exclusively use Priority or Express Mail. My problem is that I usually cannot get adequate insurance coverage online, so I end up taking packages to the Post Office where I can get higher insurance. I watch them scan the package.

One suggestion that might prove useful - I log onto the USPS website and print a label from there, using my PayPal debit card. That way, PayPal has a record of the transaction, and I can request tracking all the way, which is emailed to me. The only drawback with this method is, yet again, inadequate insurance coverage for items with a value of greater than $500. Oh, BTW, I ALWAYS ship with sig conf.

coachfreak · Jul 13th, 2008, 03:13 PM

although I agree with some, it is not really a said fact that you won't see the progression of your package. I admit I currently have one package out w/ USPS that still shows the "electronic info received from shipper" when I gave it to the mailman on Thursday.

I have seen a range from "only delivered" to seeing a scan after every stop. My last package receipt in CA ,left CA, arised in IL, then my state, then my city.

If you actually take it to the post office you can wait in line and make sure it is scanned as received. Yes, if it is never scanned initiallyI don't know what would happen in a claim.

I continue to use them b/c they are the fastest and cheapest method for shipping.

jjyounger · Jul 13th, 2008, 03:24 PM

[quote=coachfreak;7095435]although I agree with some, it is not really a said fact that you won't see the progression of your package. I admit I currently have one package out w/ USPS that still shows the "electronic info received from shipper" when I gave it to the mailman on Thursday.

I have seen a range from "only delivered" to seeing a scan after every stop. My last package receipt in CA ,left CA, arised in IL, then my state, then my city.

If you actually take it to the post office you can wait in line and make sure it is scanned as received. Yes, if it is never scanned initiallyI don't know what would happen in a claim.

I continue to use them b/c they are the fastest and cheapest method for shipping.[/quote]

If you use the USPS website, they offer the same rates as PayPal shipping. The reason I am so sold on this method is that you can click on the option to receive tracking emails, which I REALLY love.

onegirlcreative · Jul 13th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purse-n-boots

All I have to say is that the Post Office is sooooo backwards! It is a true case of consumer beware!

They are the most inefficient shipping service around. Great for mail! The best for mail in the entire world! However, when it comes to packages, FORGET ABOUT IT. I mean, they need a different barcode on the package for everything! One for delivery confirmation, one for the normal system of routing the package, another if you want insurance, one for the package size - ok, ok, not one for the package size but you'd be surprised if they didn't add it soon!

When you print your labels online for Express Mail - they STILL HAVE TO scan and print a sticker to put on the box once you drop it off at the post office. HELLO

Why did I just do that at home if you have to do DO IT AGAIN! Not to mention that every employee of the post office does things their own way - there is absolutely no conformity there. Some will scan the packages when I drop them off, some say I have to wait in line, some say I already did it online so they try to charge me the difference of the discount I received if I want them to scan it when I drop it off,
some will scan the SCAN FORM and other have NO IDEA what it is!!

Has USPS ever heard of TRAINING! They could save so much if they stick with one barcode like UPS or FedEx and get new systems that will feature all options in one barcode. And if I already have the labels from home, scan it when dropped off and put it in the back.... there should be no other labels to print or sign.

Two words—GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

cbarrus · Jul 13th, 2008, 05:19 PM

I stopped using PayPal shipping for USPS because USPS.com offers the scan form on which you can add one or multiple packages. It does get scanned at pick-up or drop off and shows that it is on its way. I must admit that once this did not happen when I had them pick it up at my home, and some PO workers when you take it in have to be shown what to do. But if done correctly, it shows pickup and when it reaches the destination PO and then when it is delivered. Maybe this is the form mentioned above for multiple shipments through PayPal - not sure since I haven't looked at that. Anyway, from the way I understand it, if you use a means with signature delivery confirmation, you are protected - you don't have to ship from PayPal's website. Correct me if I am wrong.

eBayguy · Jul 13th, 2008, 06:24 PM

I think signature required might be a key ingredient. It may be handled dfferently and may not be a bad investment for all packages, if the tracking is real.

Judy, do you get an e-mail every time it is scanned somewhere?

Some folks in our area print off the USPS site but do not pay until they get there. That forces them to scan it to get the amount owed.

PayPal/USPS seemed so convenient because it fed all the info into the labels and my typing skills ALWAYS require a workover. My writing is worse. So much so that when my wife goes out of town SHE requires that I use the printed labels.

caannie · Jul 13th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eBayguy

This is a bit of a difference. That means that the package that I dutifully carried to the Post Office may not show being received by the Post Office until it is actually delivered to the customer!

I first found this out when a $300.00 insured item was fashionably late getting to the customer. When I checked on it, and my customer checked on it, all we were told was that the USPS had been notified by PayPal that a package was coming to the Post Office.

That leaves the question in the customer’s mind, did I really mail it? What do you think when a stranger selling to you over the Internet says, Trust me? Right, let me find my dispute button.

I used to use Paypal to print all my shipping, and stopped doing it precisely because of what you have mentioned above. The USPS will not scan the item when you drop it off at the Post office, so there is no proof you ever took it there. I sent a $1400 handbag, fully insured with signature confirmation as well, to the other side of the country, and not only was it not scanned at the post office when I dropped it off, the postman forgot to scan it upon delivery.

Fortunately, I was dealing with an honest buyer who admitted receiving it. If they hadn't, I would have had NO proof I ever even mailed the item. After that, I began taking my items to the post office to mail once again and paying for my postage there. At least I have proof now the item was shipped, both for insurance purposes and the buyer's peace of mind!

If you buy your postage directly from the USPS website rather than going through paypal, there is also a scan sheet you can request that you take into the post office that they have to scan to prove you dropped it off (like the one you mentioned that Paypal provides).

I've just found it easier and less worrisome to take my shipments directly to the post office these day.

eBayguy · Jul 13th, 2008, 06:48 PM

My wife prefers the manual method as well and she is the shipping department so.....

We are working with UPS to take advantage of the approximate 30% + 20% discount available to Power Sellers. There is only one place that they stop in our town on a daily basis and I need to work out an agreement with them.

I have heard that they are not much better, but I like the insurance and tracking, especially for international, so it is worth a try.

jjyounger · Jul 13th, 2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eBayguy

I think signature required might be a key ingredient. It may be handled dfferently and may not be a bad investment for all packages, if the tracking is real.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eBayguy

Judy, do you get an e-mail every time it is scanned somewhere?

Some folks in our area print off the USPS site but do not pay until they get there. That forces them to scan it to get the amount owed.

PayPal/USPS seemed so convenient because it fed all the info into the labels and my typing skills ALWAYS require a workover. My writing is worse. So much so that when my wife goes out of town SHE requires that I use the printed labels.

I get scanning info from USPS on a daily basis until the item is delivered. I do put these items on the daily scan sheet also. There is a box to check (on the address page) requesting that tracking emails be sent to you. When I ship internationally, I use only Express Mail International, which has excellent tracking. I have been extremely fortunate, but I take no chances. I also keep all of my addresses in my USPS address book, so if I have a repeat buyer, I just check their name and click on "submit."

jjyounger · Jul 13th, 2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eBayguy

My wife prefers the manual method as well and she is the shipping department so.....

We are working with UPS to take advantage of the approximate 30% + 20% discount available to Power Sellers. There is only one place that they stop in our town on a daily basis and I need to work out an agreement with them.

I have heard that they are not much better, but I like the insurance and tracking, especially for international, so it is worth a try.

Many people are happy with UPS. I , however, have had horrific experiences with both UPS and with Fed Ex. They have left signature required packages at the front doors of buyers when no one was at home. I don't use them anymore because I was terrified that this would happen and I would be accused of not shipping an item. I was very lucky the times that it did happen.

eBayguy · Jul 13th, 2008, 07:04 PM

If they have excellent tracking with Express Mail Internationalthen they must give it to Fed X, UPS or DHL since they always claim they can not track when they hand it off to other conutries' mail system (Makes sense)

I'll check the econimics. Thanks.

jjyounger · Jul 13th, 2008, 07:06 PM

I don't know who they hand off to, but they deliver anywhere within 5 days. My bad Fed Ex experience was Fed Ex Ground, a domestic shipment.

caannie · Jul 13th, 2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eBayguy

We are working with UPS to take advantage of the approximate 30% + 20% discount available to Power Sellers. There is only one place that they stop in our town on a daily basis and I need to work out an agreement with them.

I have heard that they are not much better, but I like the insurance and tracking, especially for international, so it is worth a try.

I'm basically boycotting UPS. That's because as a buyer I have had several items shipped to me via UPS with signature required. They leave notice when you aren't home, and unlike USPS you can't just go to the post office and pick up the item the next day. You have to call UPS to have it held at the hub (which is 10 miles from my house). TWICE I have gone to pick up the item at the hub and they have "forgotten" to take it off the truck, so it's not there! They will keep trying to redeliver it (during the day, when they know you aren't home) unless you intervene. I'm not sure how UPS operates in other cities, but in this one they could care less whether you ever get your package or not.

So far I've had very few problems with USPS, as long as items are insured and signature is required, I feel covered.

Jul 13th, 2008, 01:44 PM	#1
eBayguy Steve Location: Tennessee	PayPal / USPS shipping labels not everything you might expect I am sure some know exactly what this is about, but for others, here we go. By the way, I am NOT employed by eBay. I am however, an avid seller whch I know may not be popular, but, for what it is worth...... When using the USPS/PayPal prepaid feature to print your mailing labels there are a few things that you may need to consider. Unless things have changed since eBay Live in Chicago, PayPal and the U.S. Post Offices do not seem to agree on how the program works. In all fairness, Amazon also considers the USPS number as a tracking number which is not the way the USPS sees it. This is a long statement and I like to interject a little humor along the way. If this I not for you, just consider that the USPS number you receive for tracking is NOT tracking, it is a delivery number. The way I originally understood it, we pay for our postage through PayPal and get some discounts on tracking and conveniences of being able to drop the packages off at the Post Office or scheduling someone to come pick them up at our home or business. Sounds good, especially during the heavy mailing periods like Christmas, BUT all is not as it appears. Nothing conspiratorial, but possibly a break down in communication between PP, the USPS and us because the words used do not exactly convey what happens. My issue surrounds this statement from the PayPal website on shipping services “Track and confirm the arrival of your shipments with delivery confirmation” found on this page https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-center. You will probably have to sign in. I interpreted that to mean that I can track my package and it culminates with the confirmation of it being delivered. This is what I believe the customer thinks also when they receive the number from us after shipping. HOWEVER, the USPS sees it only as a delivery confirmation number and does not require their people to scan the bar code when it comes into the Post Office nor anywhere else, until it is delivered. This is a bit of a difference. That means that the package that I dutifully carried to the Post Office may not show being received by the Post Office until it is actually delivered to the customer! I first found this out when a $300.00 insured item was fashionably late getting to the customer. When I checked on it, and my customer checked on it, all we were told was that the USPS had been notified by PayPal that a package was coming to the Post Office. That leaves the question in the customer’s mind, did I really mail it? What do you think when a stranger selling to you over the Internet says, Trust me? Right, let me find my dispute button. My next question to the Post Office was will they pay a $300 insurance claim on something they do not show as being received. Now THEY told me “Trust us”. Oh great! My experience with insurance companies is that if they can get out of it, they will, so where does that leave me and my customer? The product eventually arrived and the customer was tolerant, so it worked out, but it was not the smoothest transaction we have had. So, I take this to the eBay discussion boards and it turns out that some person who has worked for the Post Office for 25 years has heard enough of this and goes “postal” on me. Fantastic! Now I have an irate postal employee and he knows my eBay ID! So, “I took my troubles down to Madame Ruth” at eBay Live in Chicago. I bounced between the USPS booth and PayPal and even took a PayPal rep back with me to the USPS booth to try to get the answer. At that point is was perfectly clear that the USPS felt that they did not have to scan it until it was delivered. I say at that point, because we took that back to the PayPal upper management and THEY SAID, that the opinion is wrong. “They have to scan it when they receive it.” I remember just raising the question with a USPS employee on line, so I sure was not going to do it at my local Post Office where they know where I live! So, I went BACK to the USPS booth incognito and found another fellow who said yes, that is what we are instructed BUT I know a work-around. My wife knew I had gone crazy when I hugged that guy so hard he lost consciousness. Well, that might be an exaggeration but I was immensely happy to hear it. What is the work around? He said to use the PayPal Multi-Order Shipping form for everything. Apparently they ARE instructed to scan that and that form marks all of your boxes as being received. They would like it for 2 or more items but he said it will still work for one. If you are on dial-up, for get it, By the time the list is populated, your item could already be there and it also does not come with easy instructions, but it is a solution. Of course with just one package you could ask real nice and they would probably scan it, but in their defense, they have to punch in the zip code and a few other details which is why they do not want to scan a pile of boxes that come in. Why does the original bar code not contain the information needed? They have no idea but the Multi-Order Shipping form apparently solves it. Now this does not mean that it will be tracked from origin to destination, but at least it will prove to your customer that the item was received by the Post Office. From there the USPS says it is just an added benefit if someone scans it. The eBay Live USPS person told me that they are trying to get it scanned at every stopping point along the way, but it is not consistent yet. I believe that. Of course another solution is to use another service. That is not an easy option for us, but we are still looking for a way to make it work. Last edited by eBayguy; Jul 13th, 2008 at 01:47 PM.

Jul 13th, 2008, 02:10 PM	#2
purse-n-boots Member Location: Midwest	All I have to say is that the Post Office is sooooo backwards! It is a true case of consumer beware! They are the most inefficient shipping service around. Great for mail! The best for mail in the entire world! However, when it comes to packages, FORGET ABOUT IT. I mean, they need a different barcode on the package for everything! One for delivery confirmation, one for the normal system of routing the package, another if you want insurance, one for the package size - ok, ok, not one for the package size but you'd be surprised if they didn't add it soon! When you print your labels online for Express Mail - they STILL HAVE TO scan and print a sticker to put on the box once you drop it off at the post office. HELLO Why did I just do that at home if you have to do DO IT AGAIN! Not to mention that every employee of the post office does things their own way - there is absolutely no conformity there. Some will scan the packages when I drop them off, some say I have to wait in line, some say I already did it online so they try to charge me the difference of the discount I received if I want them to scan it when I drop it off, some will scan the SCAN FORM and other have NO IDEA what it is!! Has USPS ever heard of TRAINING! They could save so much if they stick with one barcode like UPS or FedEx and get new systems that will feature all options in one barcode. And if I already have the labels from home, scan it when dropped off and put it in the back.... there should be no other labels to print or sign. __________________ www.purse-n-boots.com

Jul 13th, 2008, 03:13 PM	#4
coachfreak MUST HAVE TATTERSALL Location: Anywhere there is Coach :)	although I agree with some, it is not really a said fact that you won't see the progression of your package. I admit I currently have one package out w/ USPS that still shows the "electronic info received from shipper" when I gave it to the mailman on Thursday. I have seen a range from "only delivered" to seeing a scan after every stop. My last package receipt in CA ,left CA, arised in IL, then my state, then my city. If you actually take it to the post office you can wait in line and make sure it is scanned as received. Yes, if it is never scanned initiallyI don't know what would happen in a claim. I continue to use them b/c they are the fastest and cheapest method for shipping. __________________ Card carrying member of Coachaholics Anonymous Have you seen my collection??? http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-...on-202157.html Desperately trying to be good

Jul 13th, 2008, 02:14 PM	#3
jjyounger Judy Location: Memphis, TN	So in essence, what you are saying is that if we print our postage labels using PayPal, they are not tracked until they are actually delivered? YIKES! I exclusively use Priority or Express Mail. My problem is that I usually cannot get adequate insurance coverage online, so I end up taking packages to the Post Office where I can get higher insurance. I watch them scan the package. One suggestion that might prove useful - I log onto the USPS website and print a label from there, using my PayPal debit card. That way, PayPal has a record of the transaction, and I can request tracking all the way, which is emailed to me. The only drawback with this method is, yet again, inadequate insurance coverage for items with a value of greater than $500. Oh, BTW, I ALWAYS ship with sig conf.

Jul 13th, 2008, 03:24 PM	#5
jjyounger Judy Location: Memphis, TN	[quote=coachfreak;7095435]although I agree with some, it is not really a said fact that you won't see the progression of your package. I admit I currently have one package out w/ USPS that still shows the "electronic info received from shipper" when I gave it to the mailman on Thursday. I have seen a range from "only delivered" to seeing a scan after every stop. My last package receipt in CA ,left CA, arised in IL, then my state, then my city. If you actually take it to the post office you can wait in line and make sure it is scanned as received. Yes, if it is never scanned initiallyI don't know what would happen in a claim. I continue to use them b/c they are the fastest and cheapest method for shipping.[/quote] If you use the USPS website, they offer the same rates as PayPal shipping. The reason I am so sold on this method is that you can click on the option to receive tracking emails, which I REALLY love.

Jul 13th, 2008, 05:19 PM	#7
cbarrus Member	I stopped using PayPal shipping for USPS because USPS.com offers the scan form on which you can add one or multiple packages. It does get scanned at pick-up or drop off and shows that it is on its way. I must admit that once this did not happen when I had them pick it up at my home, and some PO workers when you take it in have to be shown what to do. But if done correctly, it shows pickup and when it reaches the destination PO and then when it is delivered. Maybe this is the form mentioned above for multiple shipments through PayPal - not sure since I haven't looked at that. Anyway, from the way I understand it, if you use a means with signature delivery confirmation, you are protected - you don't have to ship from PayPal's website. Correct me if I am wrong.

Jul 13th, 2008, 06:24 PM	#8
eBayguy Steve Location: Tennessee	I think signature required might be a key ingredient. It may be handled dfferently and may not be a bad investment for all packages, if the tracking is real. Judy, do you get an e-mail every time it is scanned somewhere? Some folks in our area print off the USPS site but do not pay until they get there. That forces them to scan it to get the amount owed. PayPal/USPS seemed so convenient because it fed all the info into the labels and my typing skills ALWAYS require a workover. My writing is worse. So much so that when my wife goes out of town SHE requires that I use the printed labels.

Jul 13th, 2008, 06:48 PM	#10
eBayguy Steve Location: Tennessee	My wife prefers the manual method as well and she is the shipping department so..... We are working with UPS to take advantage of the approximate 30% + 20% discount available to Power Sellers. There is only one place that they stop in our town on a daily basis and I need to work out an agreement with them. I have heard that they are not much better, but I like the insurance and tracking, especially for international, so it is worth a try.

Jul 13th, 2008, 07:04 PM	#13
eBayguy Steve Location: Tennessee	If they have excellent tracking with Express Mail Internationalthen they must give it to Fed X, UPS or DHL since they always claim they can not track when they hand it off to other conutries' mail system (Makes sense) I'll check the econimics. Thanks.

Jul 13th, 2008, 07:06 PM	#14
jjyounger Judy Location: Memphis, TN	I don't know who they hand off to, but they deliver anywhere within 5 days. My bad Fed Ex experience was Fed Ex Ground, a domestic shipment.