Why FedEx is so expensive ?

[canabiz]

OK so it was my first time using FedEx yesterday

I had to send some documents to the Canadian Consulate in Detroit, Michigan so that they can renew my niece's visa. We have to include her passport and the only courier the Consulate uses is FedEx so I thought OK let's bite the bullett and make sure everything will get there safely and will come back safely as well.

I went to a Mail Boxes Etc Outlet here in Ottawa and the gentleman behind the counter prepared the air waybill and whatnot. After all is said and done, the fee comes to $76.38 ($35.70 for each way since I bought a return envelope as well + taxes)

I was like Are you kidding me man ? I mean this is going from Ottawa to Detroit, MI here. I can't imagine how much it would be if it were an overseas destination. The documents were not that heavy, only a few pieces of paper and a passport.

And the guy never gave me quotes for other options. Yes I would prefer to have it shipped ASAP but it is not a rush job by any means. I was told it would get there by Monday or Tuesday at the latest, that's all fine and dandy yes but my God, 75 bones for this ? My bad too, i should have asked if they have any other cheaper route.

So I paid for it but not too happy. What's your experience using FedEx ? I looked at the FedEx Canada site and couldn't really find the pricing structure anywhere.

[rfdrfd]

Agreed. I asked for a quote to mail one small package from T.O. to China. Over $200 bucks. Crap me pants !!

[suelee3]

I believe it's 30 something odd dollars minimum for anything to be sent from Canada to the US (I've asked). Don't think it matters what the US destination is, as it's considered "international".

I started using fedex just last year, and cringed everytime I paid for it. But I have to say, the peace of mind of knowing that it will definitely arrive there is worth it. :)

More reliable than Canada Post.

[canabiz]

I believe it's 30 something odd dollars minimum for anything to be sent from Canada to the US (I've asked). Don't think it matters what the US destination is, as it's considered "international".

I started using fedex just last year, and cringed everytime I paid for it. But I have to say, the peace of mind of knowing that it will definitely arrive there is worth it. :)

More reliable than Canada Post.

But then where do you draw the line sue ? I had to use it yesterday because

1. The consulate only uses FedEx as courier

2. I need them to send the passport back so this is a case where spending the dollars is justifiable

Say you sell stuff on eBay, i don't imagine you would be using FedEx regularly, or else you would have to charge your customers that fee and I don't know anyone happy to pay $30+ for shipping between Canada and the States do you know what I mean ?

[gman]

~$35 one way. That is about right.

[gman]

But then where do you draw the line sue ? I had to use it yesterday because

1. The consulate only uses FedEx as courier

2. I need them to send the passport back so this is a case where spending the dollars is justifiable

Say you sell stuff on eBay, i don't imagine you would be using FedEx regularly, or else you would have to charge your customers that fee and I don't know anyone happy to pay $30+ for shipping between Canada and the States do you know what I mean ?

That is the price for business customer and the real assurance that will arrive on time (the next day). We use it between offices every week.

[suelee3]

But then where do you draw the line sue ? I had to use it yesterday because

1. The consulate only uses FedEx as courier

2. I need them to send the passport back so this is a case where spending the dollars is justifiable

Say you sell stuff on eBay, i don't imagine you would be using FedEx regularly, or else you would have to charge your customers that fee and I don't know anyone happy to pay $30+ for shipping between Canada and the States do you know what I mean ?

I only use when I need to know something needs to be absolutely guaranteed to arrive. Passport, and important documentation stuff seems worthy of $35 to me.

Line of necessity. :)

In terms of ebay, I can't answer your question, as I've never gone through that yet. Only sell stuff on Craigs.. and it's all local.

[Talamasca]

Would it have been cheaper if you went to an actual FedEx outlet? Also, what about UPS or Purolator? IIRC from my time spent at a courier office, Purolator was generally the cheapest.

[gman]

Would it have been cheaper if you went to an actual FedEx outlet? Also, what about UPS or Purolator? IIRC from my time spent at a courier office, Purolator was generally the cheapest.

I don't think.
Cheaper usually means worse service. In this case (FedEx vs Purolator), it is true.

[suelee3]

I think UPS is run by Canada Post... and the rates are fairly similar.

Have never used UPS... but the Canada Post part makes me want to go with another carrier.

[iamfat]

OK so it was my first time using FedEx yesterday

I had to send some documents to the Canadian Consulate in Detroit, Michigan so that they can renew my niece's visa. We have to include her passport and the only courier the Consulate uses is FedEx so I thought OK let's bite the bullett and make sure everything will get there safely and will come back safely as well.

I went to a Mail Boxes Etc Outlet here in Ottawa and the gentleman behind the counter prepared the air waybill and whatnot. After all is said and done, the fee comes to $76.38 ($35.70 for each way since I bought a return envelope as well + taxes)

I was like Are you kidding me man ? I mean this is going from Ottawa to Detroit, MI here. I can't imagine how much it would be if it were an overseas destination. The documents were not that heavy, only a few pieces of paper and a passport.

And the guy never gave me quotes for other options. Yes I would prefer to have it shipped ASAP but it is not a rush job by any means. I was told it would get there by Monday or Tuesday at the latest, that's all fine and dandy yes but my God, 75 bones for this ? My bad too, i should have asked if they have any other cheaper route.

So I paid for it but not too happy. What's your experience using FedEx ? I looked at the FedEx Canada site and couldn't really find the pricing structure anywhere.


Next time, save yourself 50% by going directly to the FedEx depot. The price is MUCH cheaper. Last time I was to ship a Nintendo Wii, Kinkos quoted me $80, went to the depot, and got it for $20 w/ tax in.

[gilboman]

I think UPS is run by Canada Post... and the rates are fairly similar.

Have never used UPS... but the Canada Post part makes me want to go with another carrier.

UPS most definitely is not run by canada post:lol:

[st7860]

you could have used Xpress Post

[MrDisco]

you could have used Xpress Post

you missed one of the first things he said

"the only courier the Consulate uses is FedEx"

[canabiz]

you missed one of the first things he said

"the only courier the Consulate uses is FedEx"

That's right, the Consulate will return passport and document via Canada Post but there's no guarantee that they will arrive here safely.

With FedEx, i guess I have the peace of mind but again I just hope it's not something I have to use regularly ;-)

I will have to find a FedEx outlet in the city. I think there's one near the Airport here in Ottawa, it's out of my way but might be worth the drive.

[GangStarr]

I think UPS is run by Canada Post... and the rates are fairly similar.

Have never used UPS... but the Canada Post part makes me want to go with another carrier.

Your thinking of Purolator, brown (UPS) is not by any means run by Canada Post.

FedEx is a business courier, most people who ship fedex have an account and it gets billed to their company. Its expensive running a top quality courier, when you ship FedEx express (not ground) they treat their customers right. Customer Service first.

I think rates within the US are somewhat more reasonable.

If you weren't in such a rush for the passport, perhaps they would have accepted FedEx ground. Its reliable but I think you need to pretend your a business or something. FedEx ground rates are only slightly more expensive then Canada Post Xpresspost.

[Badger]

Can you ship documents with Fedex Ground?

[mlerner]

Yeah, like other people mentioned it's probably cause you didn't go to a FedEx outlet but also they are usually a little more expensive than other carriers because the shipping cost also includes duty and brokerage fees for some of the shipping options which I believe also includes air.