Shipping Rods USPS

[coolhandlala]

I just shipped 2 rods yesterday and the USPS tries to screw you if you don't know any better.  I told the clerk I wanted the cheapest option and it came in at $27, that sounded hight to me considering the shipping tube I used came to me from Oregon for $12.  So I said something to the clerk and he checked the price using "Priority Mail" and it came in at $15.  So when shipping a rod USPS always ask for "Priority Mail".  

Someone might have already covered this but I don't want anyone to give away their hard earned money if they don't have to.

[flechero]

I avoid USPS with rods... too many claims for broken rods and they pay in 12-14 weeks after the claim is filed.

[Certified Public Angler]

I can't say enough bad things about the Post office.

Competition is good for business...and USPS has none, if you walk into a fedex or a UPS store there is someone there to help you immediately and make the experience as easy as possible.  At the post office they dont care.

[Wayne P.]

USPS is going to get worse since DHL has stopped their US service.

[coolhandlala]

wow I have had no problems with them and have used them 3 or 4 times.  I always make sure to ship a rod in PVC pipe not cardboard and wrap with bubble wrap on the inside for protection.

So do you guys just pay the $25 to use ups or FedEx?

[Nicky]

I avoid USPS with rods... too many claims for broken rods and they pay in 12-14 weeks after the claim is filed.

Hey flechero, I had a claim on a broken rod with them and it took 6 weeks but I got a full refund. They broke it real good even though it was shipped in a pvc pipe. it looked like it was folded in half.

Custom rod too.

[ejtaylor822]

$25 to $35 is what I usually end up paying.  I use a heavy PVC pipe and wrap in bubble wrap - around the rod and at the ends of the pipe.  I also put "non conveyable" and "do not place on conveyer" all over the tube in  big letters.  Not sure if it does any good, but if a rod shows up bent in two somewhere I can at least say I tried to warn the carrier when I file the claim.

For me, so far so good with USPS and Fedex (knocking on wood).

Eddie

[coolhandlala]

ejtaylor just be sure to tell them priority mail and it will be cheaper and it is handled by hand not machine.

[jack1]

I used USPS multiple times and I never had any problems with them.  Plus I beleive it costs less to ship it through them - although I never did check with other shipping companies.

The key is to package your goods well in a good shipping case.

[ejtaylor822]

ejtaylor just be sure to tell them priority mail and it will be cheaper and it is handled by hand not machine.

Will do - thanks for the information and passing this on.

I used USPS for a couple of ships few years ago, but, have been using FedEX the last several shipments due to the length of the tubes (>7') and hearing some stories about USPS, but, I am ready to give them (USPS) another shot. Last shipment via FedEX of a 5lb 7'8" tube to the midwest was $35 including insurance. I only charge $25 to ship so I wind up eating the difference - including the cost of the tube if I can't use one I already have.

Thanks again for the information.

Eddie

[coolhandlala]

with the rods I shipped the other day the tube was 86" long (just over 7ft) and it weighed @ 5lbs and it went from Michigan to california for @$14 priority mail

[flechero]

Your post office is more honest than mine. ...lol Seems like the best price I have paid was still over $20 (priority mail) but all the tubes are over 7' and Sch 40 PVC with at least $300 in insurance. I can't remember what the insurance alone cost but since I switched to Fedex, I send it 2 day air with same insurance for almost same cost (within $5) and I get real tracking. Oh, and I don't even know how fast or slow the insurance claims process is with Fedex... if you catch the drift. (trying not to jinx it)

[grimlin]

I haven't had a problem with USPS yet.Matter of fact i like shipping mine through them because it always seem to get there faster than UPS or Fedex.Plus they actually knock on the door.UPS or fedex never knocks.

I have a small gas station who does mine and i always get the friendly side of business.They take the extra caution and saving. I don't deal with the actual main post office.So my experience is different.

[coolhandlala]

my figures don't include insurance as I never use unless the buyer pays for it.

[firefightn15]

I just sent out a couple spinng rods in a 3" tube to Muddy(PA).  Granted they were 2 piece and tube length was 57", but shipping priority was actually cheaper that regular parcel post.  The postmaster sctratched his head on that one.  Parcel post was $15 and priority was $10.  He didn't question it, we just shipped it priority.

[Bassyak]

It depends on how far you have to ship it (i.e. across how many "zones") but the length is what really raises the price for shipping USPS.  I've managed to ship with the post office for under $20, but only if the clerk didn't know what they were doing and didn't include the surcharge for the tube being over a certain length.  They just charged me for the weight of the package.  Since I moved and had to use a new post office that charges me the full surcharge, I've switched to Fedex and have managed to ship from the west coast to the east coast for under $20 consistently.  Fedex Ground also automatically includes shipping up to $100 and the account I established gives me 10% off each package I ship.  I use USPS for small stuff like reels, but rods go Fedex.

[flechero]

my figures don't include insurance as I never use unless the buyer pays for it.

So who is going to eat the first rod that is broken?  

I require insurance, it's not even up for discussion.  

[snorryhobo]

just paid $13 with insurance and priority shipping thru paypal,  tube is 5 ft  long, and i did put in proper lengths and stuff and 5lb weight. so yeah try shipping thru paypal next time.