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Some mail-order companies refuse to ship via USPS to the USVI. They say they will ship very small items by USPS only -- even though the limit is 70 pounds with USPS.
The argument from their representatives is that "we have a contract with UPS". Has anyone seen those UPS (or FedEx) contracts while working at a large company? Or perhaps know what those contracts require with the USVI? Or perhaps worked in the shipping department of a large company?
First step towards trying to change things is understanding...
Posted : October 22, 2013 11:36 pm
Perhaps the issue is cost. Even a box under 50 pounds can cost around $25 to ship via USPS.
I've just chosen with those companies to ship via VI Cargo. Inexpensive and easy.
Posted : October 22, 2013 11:51 pm
All the former employees of VI Cargo have formed a new company---- www.paradisefreight.com
Exceptional service
Posted : October 23, 2013 12:11 am
Unfortunately, the shipping conflict that you are having regarding a contract with UPS is not unusual. Most of us have encountered the same argument by retailers.
I have not seen the exclusive shipping contracts, but my assumption is that the retailer may lose the huge discount on UPS shipping if they use any other carrier.
Even if the contract does not restrict the use of any other carrier, many companies do not want to change their shipping policies. Here is my real life example:
I had a company tell me they would send my $50 order by USPS (slow parcel post), but their policy was to still charge the full UPS shipping rate (UPS charges international rates due to the distance).
---Actual USPS postage for my $50 order would be approximately $10 for priority mail ($35 for over-night USPS express mail)
---They wanted to charge me $140 shipping and handling (that was the quote they received from UPS)
---- NOTE: That was $130 profit on shipping cost for a $50 order. (total cost for me would have been $190)
I contacted executives (from their website) and went up the chain of command, but finally gave up the argument and canceled the order.
As for your needs, it sounds like the cargo option mentioned by other posts is a reasonable option.
The other option is to have the items shipped by UPS to a friend or relative stateside. THEN, pay postage to have it shipped by USPS to the US Virgin Islands.
Posted : October 23, 2013 4:14 am
It seems to be hit or miss. Keurig sends Fed Ex and ships *free* if you buy a certain amount. A great company, BTW! I tried to get something sent from Dillard's and they absolutely refused because of the VI address. BOO!
Posted : October 23, 2013 11:57 am
It seems to be hit or miss. Keurig sends Fed Ex and ships *free* if you buy a certain amount. A great company, BTW! I tried to get something sent from Dillard's and they absolutely refused because of the VI address. BOO!
Yep it often makes zero sense. This thread has been going for a while with the names of websites who will ship reasonably to the VI:
Posted : October 23, 2013 12:06 pm
I've never had any issues finding a way to get orders shipped to the VI. If a company won't use USPS, I have them ship it to VI Cargo or Paradise Freight in Miami. It might take a week longer, but I always get what I want.
Posted : October 23, 2013 1:35 pm
I've never had any issues finding a way to get orders shipped to the VI. If a company won't use USPS, I have them ship it to VI Cargo or Paradise Freight in Miami. It might take a week longer, but I always get what I want.
Ditto! I think the hardest thing is getting over wanting something RIGHT NOW, ha ha! But I've just adopted a wait for it attitude. And when all those boxes arrive it's like Christmas!
Posted : October 23, 2013 1:49 pm
Topic starter
Yes, the option of Parade Freight (or equivalent) or shipping to a continental address then forwarding is well documented in this forum. It is quite feasible but inconvenient (slow and need to communicate with a third party) -- hence this initiative.
Thanjj00802 makes two good points:
a) vendor is marking up their shipping costs and it is an integral part of their revenues
--> In that case there probably is no point trying to convince them unless they perceive that the USVI market is big enough for them to reconsider. Probably won't happen with a multi-billion $ vendor.
b) UPS (or FedEx) contract includes penalties for using an alternate carrier. Now that' may be worthwhile exploring. Has anyone seen such a contract -- they are probably standard with the exception of pricing? My hope is to find something in the fine print in the contract excluding US Territories...
Posted : October 23, 2013 3:35 pm
I've had small business people tell me they dont do it because of the "extra paperwork" When you tell them there is no extra paperwork to ship here, they don't believe you.
Posted : October 23, 2013 5:01 pm
I've had small business people tell me they dont do it because of the "extra paperwork" When you tell them there is no extra paperwork to ship here, they don't believe you.
It depends on the item. Every electronics item we've ever has shipped here had a detailed manifest with it and we've has to pay customs. Some items do require more paperwork for customs.
Posted : October 23, 2013 5:04 pm
Yeah... I'm talking more along the lines of home-made baby clothes.
Posted : October 23, 2013 5:08 pm
