Fedex drivers are lazy! Mini Rant

[kalaster]

So i was awaiting my brand new GS3 today from fedex. Purchased yesterday from Verizon, and paid extra for overnight shipping. Been waiting patiently this morning, its my day off so im home pretty much home all day with my Mom, playing Guild wars 2.

around 10:30 am i get an email notification from fedex saying there was a delivery exception... Im like "wait... what?" I go down stairs to ask my mom if she heard a knock on the door, she said no, but she went out the front door to check anyway. There's a big package there, but not from verizon, it was for my dad. And my mom was down stairs the entire last hour and heard no knock what so ever.

I call up Fedex to see what happened, and all they could do was hold the package at the nearest Fedex location for pick up after 4pm, which is over an hour from where i live. So i asked if its possible to pick up the package even though its not entirely in my name (long story short, gave my dad the money, used his card, he put it so the package was in his name) and they said they needed the exact recipient's name in order to hand over the package. I was never told this before in all the times they never knocked on my door to see if i was home.

this has happened to me 7 times now! the only other times it was successful, was when either i was watching the window to catch them or if i was in the garage doing work. I've complained 3 times and it's still the same...

am i the only one with this problem?

 

[Clementine_3]

Most of the time they are OK here. If I am not going to be home I will leave a note on the door for them to take, I've not had an issue (yet) with doing that.

As far as bad service goes here's one that still ticks me off. I keep snakes and Leopard geckos as pets (see my avatar ) and have had them shipped overnight. There are 300 stickers on the boxes; 'live animal', 'signature required', 'don't leave unattended' etc. One time I saw the delivery guy shaking the box before he got to my door. Another time the guy just tossed the box on my door-step and never rang the bell. Idiots. I was home and watching for the trucks and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Jerks.

It doesn't matter what the 'rules' are, they just don't follow them and don't care. It's easier to drive the box back than to actually get out and ring a bell.

 

[kalaster]

wow! what jerks!!! Thats worse! Hope you complained about that, I'd consider that animal cruelty. as a matter of fact, my cousin once told one time, that fedex came by to drop off a package at his house, and his dog was outside. A very sweet lovable dog that likes to jump on you and lick you, jumped on the fedex guy, and the guy just kneed the poor dog in the chest! He watched the whole thing from his bedroom window. The dog was ok, not so much for the guy's job XD

 

[Zx5]

Next time you are expecting a delivery, you can hang a sign/tape a page to the door you know they will approach and say something like:

FED EX: WE ARE HOME PLEASE RING BELL OR KNOCK LOUDLY
THANKS!

If we don't hear your knock, we are home and our number is: 555-555-1234

If it's something really important, you might add "There$ a tip in it for you."

 

[kalaster]

Next time you are expecting a delivery, you can hang a sign/tape a page to the door you know they will approach and say something like:

FED EX: WE ARE HOME PLEASE RING BELL OR KNOCK LOUDLY
THANKS!

If we don't hear your knock, we are home and our number is: 555-555-1234

If it's something really important, you might add "There$ a tip in it for you."

that last one is ingenious!

 

[zoxxo]

I'm a FedEx courier, and all I can say is that every courier is different. Most couriers take customer service serious, but you folks seem to have gotten the bad apples in the batch.

Verizon sends all packages requiring a signature. Period. They have had to many phones ripped off so they are protecting themselves. If you want to have the phone left at the door, you can leave a note that gives permission, but it must have a signature. No signature, and the courier will have to leave a note and try again the next business day. If you're going to be home, then the note suggested above is an excellent idea.

I tend to knock on the door because I've had too many mothers complain that I woke the baby. Believe me, we would rather get it off the truck then come back tomorrow. I've knocked several times and left the note only to have the customer call back and complain that I never knocked. Most of them were in the bathroom, or taking a shower.

As for the live animals and the signature. Senders must pay an extra fee to have a package sent requiring a signature. Some senders will try to bypass this by stickering the box with "signature required," but not paying the fee. A good courier will knock on the door and attempt delivery. If his power pad does not signal that the package requires a signature, s/he can leave it. If you tend to send a lot of animals this way, make sure your sender pays for the signature service.

As for shaking the box, that was a jerk move. Call the 1-800 number and complain. If you see him do it again, keep complaining. He'll get documented and hopefully learn his lesson.

What your seeing happens will all the carriers. Last Christmas a FedEx courier was fired because he threw a computer monitor across a fence. A UPS courier was fired for throwing a box ten feet and then flipping off the security camera. I watched a video the other day where a UPS courier threw a box, containing a Nexus 7, ten feet.

Again, we're not all bad, you folks are seeing the bad ones...

 

[Clementine_3]

As for the live animals and the signature. Senders must pay an extra fee to have a package sent requiring a signature. Some senders will try to bypass this by stickering the box with "signature required," but not paying the fee. A good courier will knock on the door and attempt delivery. If his power pad does not signal that the package requires a signature, s/he can leave it. If you tend to send a lot of animals this way, make sure your sender pays for the signature service.

As for shaking the box, that was a jerk move. Call the 1-800 number and complain. If you see him do it again, keep complaining. He'll get documented and hopefully learn his lesson.

Again, we're not all bad, you folks are seeing the bad ones...

Those were two incidents out of, well, many. I was just dismayed that they did that. The majority of my live shipments were fine (those two animals were fine too), and yes, all paid for signature required. I did call and complain both times.

As I said before, the vast majority of all my deliveries get here on time and they ring the bell (even if it's not required). It's like everything, most of the time it's fine but every now and again you just get the wrong person, just a shame it happened with live reptiles instead of my phones.

 

[zoxxo]

Those were two incidents out of, well, many. I was just dismayed that they did that. The majority of my live shipments were fine (those two animals were fine too), and yes, all paid for signature required. I did call and complain both times.

As I said before, the vast majority of all my deliveries get here on time and they ring the bell (even if it's not required). It's like everything, most of the time it's fine but every now and again you just get the wrong person, just a shame it happened with live reptiles instead of my phones.

We always try to knock or ring the bell, we know you're expecting a package. If he left a package that was stickered to require a signature, then signature service was not paid for, or the package was improperly processed at the sending end. Our PowerPad will not allow us to leave a package requiring a signature.

If you've had bad service a few times, it could be the same courier. He could be new, or a guy with just a bad attitude. I know I have bad days, but I work hard to make sure the customer doesn't see it...

 

[AntimonyER]

I have always found FedEx and u
UPS couriers to be very professional. I had one that always lifted my floor mat and placed the box under it, no matter how big. I always got a kick out of that.

 

[Doit2it]

I am also a courier for FedEx and agree with everything Zoxxo has stated.

Tothe OP, you never stated what the delivery exception was. Was it a delivery attempt, bad address, or something else? If it was a delivery attempt, did you find a door hanger (large post-it note with the station address and a door tag number)?

Just curious.

 

[zoxxo]

I have always found FedEx and u
UPS couriers to be very professional. I had one that always lifted my floor mat and placed the box under it, no matter how big. I always got a kick out of that.

It's the couriers attempt to hide the package and make it a more secure delivery, and maybe to have a little fun...

 

[kalaster]

I am also a courier for FedEx and agree with everything Zoxxo has stated.

Tothe OP, you never stated what the delivery exception was. Was it a delivery attempt, bad address, or something else? If it was a delivery attempt, did you find a door hanger (large post-it note with the station address and a door tag number)?

Just curious.

It was a delivery attempt, signiture required sort of thing. standard for packages from verizon. and i did actually find a slip stuck to the side window, letting me know that he attempted to deliver. another attempt will be made tomorrow. It also said i could go pick it up from the facility, i was set on that at first, but now that im over this, heck with that, i'll make sure i get him tomorrow.

To the 2 Fedex posters on this thread, i mean no disrespect to all the fedex couriers. I know people can run into those bad eggs, and im sure there are those who take their jobs seriously and do the best they can. I forget some times that i too am in a similar job, I'm a host for the Olive Garden, and its my job to seat people as efficiently as possible while meeting the quoted wait time, and sometimes it doesn't work out quite to plan and im left with grumpy customers who yell at me because another host didn't do their job correctly. Not exactly what you guys deal with, but you get the jist

 

[zoxxo]

To the 2 Fedex posters on this thread, i mean no disrespect to all the fedex couriers. I know people can run into those bad eggs, and im sure there are those who take their jobs seriously and do the best they can. I forget some times that i too am in a similar job, I'm a host for the Olive Garden, and its my job to seat people as efficiently as possible while meeting the quoted wait time, and sometimes it doesn't work out quite to plan and im left with grumpy customers who yell at me because another host didn't do their job correctly. Not exactly what you guys deal with, but you get the jist

No worries, it's all good! I was hoping to help you folks out for future deliveries.

A couple options for tomorrow:
- If you have a secure front door step (hidden from the street so no one sees package), then you can leave a signed note on the door authorizing delivery.
- If your going to be home, leave the "we're home" note that someone suggested earlier in the thread.
- If you're not going to be home, and your door step is not secure, you can call the 800 number and have the package delivered to your nearest Fedex Office (formerly Kinko's). If you do that today, it will be at FedEx Office tomorrow.
- In the future, if you miss the driver, you can call the 800 number, request to speak to a customer service agent, and ask to meet the courier. If the courier hasn't left the area, and if he's not super busy, then you should be able to hook up and pick up the package. Be sure to have picture ID with your address.

Hopefully all will be good and you'll get it tomorrow. I know what's it like to be waiting for that package, and have it not show up...

 

[kalaster]

No worries, it's all good! I was hoping to help you folks out for future deliveries.

A couple options for tomorrow:
- If you have a secure front door step (hidden from the street so no one sees package), then you can leave a signed note on the door authorizing delivery.
- If your going to be home, leave the "we're home" note that someone suggested earlier in the thread.
- If you're not going to be home, and your door step is not secure, you can call the 800 number and have the package delivered to your nearest Fedex Office (formerly Kinko's). If you do that today, it will be at FedEx Office tomorrow.
- In the future, if you miss the driver, you can call the 800 number, request to speak to a customer service agent, and ask to meet the courier. If the courier hasn't left the area, and if he's not super busy, then you should be able to hook up and pick up the package. Be sure to have picture ID with your address.

Hopefully all will be good and you'll get it tomorrow. I know what's it like to be waiting for that package, and have it not show up...

forgot to mention that i did call the 800 number a second time (because the lady i talked to first wasn't all that pleasant sounding to begin with), and i was told that i can request that the driver attempt to stop by on his way back. So i did, But he never came by, im assuming it was out of the way =/

And also the slip that the courier left, had a box where i could sign it and leave it out for him to take and leave the package, in case i some how miss him... again XD

 

[TJGoSurf]

I don't get many things from FedEx but I get so many things from UPS (2-5 times a week) that my UPS guy has a key to the building and my apartment so he doesn't have to keep coming back, I'm always gone when he comes by. I'm sure it's probably against the rules but if he denies having a key I will deny giving him one. I don't think he would use it for malicious purposes as he seems to take his job seriously.

 

[OfTheDamned]

Oddly enough I've probably received 4 or 5 different phones from Verizon and never once had to sign. I'm not complaining, I would have missed the delivery, but I just think it is odd after reading this thread. That is two different states an 3 different addresses, BTW.

 

[Doit2it]

No worries here either. I know how frustrating it can be, and a good rant can be your only resort. I was waiting on a shipment to be delivered via the old Airborne Express one time. I was at home tracking the shipment about 4 times an hour. I saw an Airborne truck drive in, around, and back out of my apartment parking lot withpout stopping. The next time I checked tracking there was a delivery attempt, not home. I was furious! Still ticks me off every time I think about it.

 

[A.Nonymous]

I don't have any complaints about Fedex, but having no love for UPS. For whatever reason they can't deliver until after dark. No idea why. I like coming home from work and having my new toy waiting for me on the doorstep. Instead UPS seems to never deliver until 6 or 7 at night at the earliest. I've had them deliver at like 8 before.

 

[B2L]

Whenever you have problems or complaints with UPS or Fedex; just be glad it wasn't delivered by Ontrac. (By far the worst shipping service I've ever used.)

 

[zuben el genub]

We expected odd errors at the office - but the one that took the cake was a delivery to the wrong address 4 times. Willamette and Monument don't even look alike!

 

[kalaster]

Interesting stories! and I have had to sign off every phone ive gotten from Verizon, Im in NY btw if that makes a difference.

So i decided to wait patiently, kept myself busy all night with Guild Wars 2 (man time flies playing that game ) Woke up at my usual time, 8 am, went downstairs to have a cup of coffee and playing FF3 on my Nexus 7. I all of sudden hear a dull screech, Probably just the elementary school bus picking up the neighbors, but realize... school is in session

I bolt outside and find the Fedex express van! the side door was open but no guy in sight, I run around my house towards the front door and cornered the guy. and i was all like, , and he was all like,

signed for it, and ran like hell inside. Im so happy! the wait was worth it ^_^

 

[mplevy]

Oddly enough I've probably received 4 or 5 different phones from Verizon and never once had to sign. I'm not complaining, I would have missed the delivery, but I just think it is odd after reading this thread. That is two different states an 3 different addresses, BTW.

I didn't have to sign for my last phone delivery either. I also saw something on the tracking info saying there was a signature release on file or something.

We expected odd errors at the office - but the one that took the cake was a delivery to the wrong address 4 times. Willamette and Monument don't even look alike!

Must be in Oregon, huh? I have family out there, in the Willamette valley near Portland...

 

[Skyroket]

FEDex isn't good. Here is what happened to me.
http://androidforums.com/lounge/613931-fedex-shipping-delay-due-bad-weather.html
First of all they did deliver it but very irresponsibly. I paid for overnight shipping hoping my friend would receive it Friday or Saturday. But no where near Tuesday.. but unfortunately they delivered it on Tuesday and left it on the porch.. What the hell? My Friend called and said "Hey, Thanks for the gift i found it on the porch" That's was fine with me but still leaving a package on the porch just like that..

Both parties messed the shipper and the carrier.

 

[jerofld]

I don't have any complaints about Fedex, but having no love for UPS. For whatever reason they can't deliver until after dark. No idea why. I like coming home from work and having my new toy waiting for me on the doorstep. Instead UPS seems to never deliver until 6 or 7 at night at the earliest. I've had them deliver at like 8 before.

I'm the complete opposite. I usually don't get signature verification (except on expensive items) and prefer to be home when they knock and leave it. That way I don't have to wonder if the kids down the hall are running off with it.

I live in an apartment complex, so it's a little different than if you have a porch.

However, the only bad experiences I've had with FedEx or UPS were minor. FedEx, even though it had signature verification, delivered it to my neighbor. Oh, I was livid. While I did not specify that they couldn't do that, it shouldn't be assumed that I permit it. I felt bad after chewing out the CSR because it wasn't her fault and during the call I apologized and got a refund on the shipping anyhow. If I lived in an area where I could trust my neighbors completely, it would have been a totally different situation. But I lived in an area that was in decline. I've since moved.

The second time was that the UPS guys forgot to move my package from one freight truck to another. So my package went from Cincinnati to Philly back to Cincinnati. Normally, I would only have been mildy muffed at that, but I paid for expedited shipping because I was going on vacation soon after and wanted to have my package before leaving the area, and it was also signature verification, so it would have been sent back to the vendor. Luckily, they managed to push the package in time to get it to me, and also refunded the expedited charge (so I only paid normal shipping).

 

[zoxxo]

I think we all have bad stories to share. I had FedEx Ground on two seperate occasions, a week apart, deliver my package to the same wrong address.

Another time, before I worked for FedEx, I returned from vacation expecting to find my package, which wasn't there. When I checked my tracking status on the web site, it said that I didn't want the package and that it was being returned.

Finally, I stayed home late from work waiting for a package from UPS that had a birthday gift for my girlfriend. I heard no knock and when I checked for status, it said there had been a delivery attempt minutes before. I jumped on the phone and called customer service and a few minutes later, I had my package.

I think the more you ship, the more you stand a chance of getting a delivery problem. We're not perfect, but many of us try hard to make sure you have a good shipping experience...