[csiguy]

I have a bee in my bonnet about UPS and the ridiculous brokerage fees they charge to do nothing. Wanna hear it ? Then read on....

I understand that when I order RC parts from the US, I'm going to get nailed with S&H and a difference in the exchange rate but if I'm already paying a shipping fee to UPS, why too are they collecting an outrageous brokerage fee for doing NOTHING ? Really, do you think that someone sits at their desk and processes your package ? The answer is 'NO'. They do nothing but pick up the package, ship it here, ship it there, sort it, fly it across the border and voila, you get it. All they do to collect their exorbanant fees is look at the item value, do a little math and send you the bill !

Here's my example, I recently ordered parts from a US company which totalled $112.85 (USD) + $52.96 S&H = $165.76 (USD). The exchange rate is negligible right now so I'm not even going to consider it at this point. When I received the package (which was another JOKE given the run around from UPS and the fact that my little yellow delivery notice stuck to my doo indicated I could sign it so the driver would leave the package the next day but when I signed it, the driver on the second delivery attempt then wrote on it that there was $$$ owing -NO CASH- so he couldn't just leave it. Therefore, I had to go pick it up myself).... anyway.... I digress ..... I had to pay a $39.25 brokerage fee !!! Oh wait.... there's more. On top of that, there was $13.47 GST (for the item) and $4.71 GST on the brokerage fee too !!!! So.... At the end of the day, my $165.76 package cost me $223.19 AND I had to spend MY gas and MY time to go pick it up myself !!!

I called UPS to discuss this and all I got was some song and dance about how they're licenced broker and therefore can collect such fees and that they're rates are very competitive blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..... Sounds like someone has a 'double-dipping' scam going and is getting VERY RICH off ripping you and I off. It's no wonder such a poorly run company can get so big and powerful. Have you every dealt with UPS on the phone ? If you do, have a drink or two beforehand to calm your nerves. You'll need it.

Seriously folks.... Do yourself a favor. DON'T SHIP UPS if you can help it and request USPS. I've used USPS (United States Postal Service) several times in the past because 90% of the time, their items get transfered to Canada Post and I pay NO extra fees. Now I'm not suggesting a public boycott of UPS but for me, I WILL AVOID THEM AT ALL COST !!!

Thanks for listening. Now I need a drink

[smoknrv4]

Yep been burned before and now I always request specifically USPS no matter what, or I don't order from them period.

[dean2287]

Totally agree, UPS is the very last option and to me NOT an option. Last time I had something shipped via UPS the brokerage fee was more that the actual delivery charge. And that was THE last time.

[Slats!]

I know you are PO but I am actually surprised you are shocked, the fees are all on their website and it has been discussed on the boards many times before. Don't use them unless you are welling to pay the fee..

Vancouver customs, well thats another story.

[williame3590]

No UPS here, hopefully they will fold soon.

Bill

[Redbaron]

Highly unlikely, they just opened up a new depot here in Moncton & are opening up another in Halifax next month. They also have plans to expand with smaller depos all all over New Brunswick & Nova Scotia.

[Chris.S.]

I hear ya, I've been burned by their fees too. I won't order from the states unless the seller will ship USPS.

Seems to be a total cash grab scam.

[bobreib]

Same Story. Last time I intentionally used UPS was about 1980 .. If they can't or won't ship USPS I look for another supplier. Actually I got stung on an "Express " shipment from China. Seems they use UPS in North America .. Won't do that again either !
EDIT : Like a later poster, I too have ordered from Tiger Direct and received the goods from the US via UPS for about $8 .. I just receied a package from New Egg, also shipped from the US via UPS .. free shipping !!
The big brokerage fees really are an unnecessary scam !

[reo]

I was involved in importing and brokerage issues for over 25 years so here goes....

I'm not defending the UPS fees here (I avoid them like the plague) but someone DOES have to do the import paperwork on your order and $40 for a brokerage fee is not unreasonable in the brokerage business. Hire a broker and see what it will cost you. We are dealing with an international border and import fees are a fact of life.

Post office is the way to go but some US shippers do not want to use mail because it is 'inconvenient' and Canadian customers get on their case when the shipment is held up in Canadian customs. Can't have it both ways I guess. (fast and cheap)

Just my opinion though....

[phattires]

I to have to agree with Slats....
Their brokerage fees has to be common knowledge to most as there is no shortage of posted complaints on this and many other forums.
If vendor will not ship via USPS, then order elsewhere.
I have placed many orders from the States and always have had it shipped USPS EMT and never had any issues.