Freight Company Issues [RESOLVED/CLOSE]

[Jerry Overstreet]

What's with the UPS and FedEx rate calculator tools?
There's no function to calculate insurance charges with UPS.

FedEx tool gets me to the Ship page, but won't display shipping charges even when I punch the SHIP button. I tried logging in to my account but that doesn't help.

I dumped my UPS account because they added on a huge charge after I made a shipment using their shipping tool info stating that there were additional charges. I got no message before hand and only discovered that when I looked at my account info. They just added an arbitrary charge without reference. Done with that.

[Jon Jaffe]

I just shipped a steel from Austin to Ann Arbor using UPS through PirateShip. I had zero problems. I sent it Next Day Air with early delivery. Ross Shafer taught me this. With a several-thousand-dollar Guitar, you would want to have it delivered as soon as possible to avoid handling errors that are so commonly discussed on the Forum. I did not crate the guitar; instead, I packed it in a Hatton case so that nothing would move in the case. I then packed the case in a cardboard box with the handle accessible. The total weight was 58 pounds. Shipping and insurance cost approximately $300, which is less than 10% of the selling price. The retail sales tax is around 8%, so I consider that a bargain.

Screenshot 2025-09-09 at 5.12.58 PM.png

IMG_1318 (1).jpeg

I would say that the local market for pedal steel guitar is as good as anywhere in Austin, but one can't be afraid to ship. I also include shipping and the selling price, so that the buyer has enough information to make a quick purchase.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Does anybody else use the FedEx rate calculator and can you see the actual cost displayed? I've tried closing AdBlock, even tried Edge instead of Foxfire, logged in, tried every tool there without any success viewing the cost. All I can see is the page orange/red SHIP buttons.

[Larry Allen]

Hey Jerry just FYI I have shipped several Steels and amps from Hawaii to various states using USPS Ground Advantage. 100% success and great shipping rates. The PO says 2 weeks but most only took 1..

[Jerry Overstreet]

Yeah, thanks Larry, I use GA a lot too, but for heavy items it is more costly and slower than FedEx which is my go to shipper. I'm just miffed because I can't see the cost estimates to give a quote to interested buyers.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Most shipping companies, And USPS has length limits on packages. Once a package goes over length (I believe it is 34") They charge you $$$$$. Most steel guitars in its case, With proper packing go over the length limit.
I packed a steel for a friends widow, We took it to a Fed-x shipping location. The first thing the guy done was pull out a tape measure, Measured the box and charged her more than was stated, For the weight.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Yeah, I know all about upcharges. That's why I cancelled my accounts. They just add on charges willy nilly to my account after the fact without any notifcation or reason.

Anyway, I resolved my issues with seeing rates at FedEx.com. It has to do with my browser settings. Works fine with another browser so this rant can be closed now.

[Jon Jaffe]

Comparison of shipping rates through Pirate Ship and then through my FedEx business account.

Screenshot 2025-09-09 at 5.12.58 PM.png

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks Jon. I appreciate your taking time to post this.