USPS vs FedEx vs UPS - cheapest option for shipping this package

[thxbest10]

I have to ship a package 45.00lbs - 53 in x 18 in x 4 in from zip code 92394 to 07647.

eBay calculated shipping amount of $96.38 for USPS Priority Mail and FedEx $58.25.

My questions:

1-Is there any Fedex fuel surcharg for this shipping?

2-USPS, FedEx, UPS - Which one is the cheapest option for this shipping?

Please share your knowledge or experience. Thanks.

[lja440]

I do not know FedEx or UPS rates but both have feul surcharges and can add many other surcharges. You should be able to pull up the lists on their websites.

[flyerfandan999]

The quote you get on eBay for FedEx includes all FedEx surcharges that can be known by what you enter into the quote form.

For example, because it knows the destination zip code, the quote will include any surcharge for fuel, extended delivery area (the destination is out in the boonies), whether the delivery address is commercial or residential, etc.  Because it knows what the package dimensions and weight are, the quote will include any surcharge for overweight, oversize, etc.

"Surprise" surcharges will be the result of properties of your shipment that are not accounted for by the quote form.  For example, if your package is anything other than a conventional cube shaped cardboard box, there is going to be a surcharge (round or cylindrical containers; shipments wrapped in plastic; loosey-goosey poly bags/sacks, etc).  If you state the weight or dimension(s) incorrectly, their automated system will measure and weigh and upcharge if you fudged the dimensions and/or weight.

I used my FedEx account to price the shipment.  Using your weight, dimensions, and zips, and asssuming a commercial delivery address (almost always cheaper than a residential address) and no additional damage coverage other than the already-included $100, I came up with a Ground Service price of $58.62.  Since I am a low volume shipper with FedEx, I often find that the eBay price is slightly less than my price directly from FedEx.

[fuzzface50]

I would ship it which ever way the buyer paid for no matter the cost difference. You already got a red donut for not shipping and with very little selling feedback you cannot afford another one so your best bet is to ship it the way the buyer wants it shipped and paid for. Some buyers are picky on what service the seller uses and buy accordingly 

[flyerfandan999]

Technically fuzzface 50 does have a point---a Buyer may have selected your item to buy over others being offered based on the shipping method specified in your listing.  Maybe your method was more convenient, or maybe they have had very bad experiences with the "other guys" competing with your method (see any post by boardie lja440---you would never want to send her anything by FedEx LOL 🙂 ).

But, for the three items you have showing as sold, your shipping methods are all over the map.  All three are heavy/bulky, but one is Parcel Select, one is Priority, and one is First Class Package!  If you want to list calculated shipping but reserve the right to select which shipping carrier, then just stick with the generics (Economy, Standard)and don't further select USPS/FedEx/UPS, that way you avoid the issue that fuzzface50 has brought up.

Or offer more that one shipping carrier and class, which is what I try to do in my listings to give Buyers more options.

[lja440]

So true, I'm currently sitting here when I could be doing errands. My new carpet shampooer should arrive today. It is coming by FedEx and the car is facing out the driveway. Front window open in prep for when I hear the FedEx truck I can jump in and chase him down as soon as he slaps a door tag on the front of my mailbox. Hummm, I wonder if I can get Rosemary at the end of the road to block him in the road.....