Date:         Fri, 7 Jun 2002 08:24:25 -0600
Reply-To:     Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Canadians beware! UPS are a bunch of crooks
Comments: To: 80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
In-Reply-To:  <200206071414.HNS05672@vmms5.verisignmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

> Where do you work UPS? Fedex?
--Nope, used to work for one of their competitors.
>
> I wasn't aware that the seller was using UPS as I stated in
> my original e-mail there was a miscomunication and he ended
> up using UPS. This was WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I did not
> INTENTIONALLY use them, nor would I EVER.
--Understood.
>
> Moreover, UPS does not go out of their way to inform senders
> that the receiver would be subject to brokerage fees (though
> I admit it is probably burried in a document).
--It is stated on every international waybill.  When you (or your shipper)
signs the bill, you agree to have UPS or FedEx be your customs broker, and
to pay their fees according to their tariff.
>
> Instead of calling my complaint asinine look at it for what
> it is... A warning to Canadians that UPS charges hidden fees
> that are not readily disclosed to US senders.
--I'm not calling your complaint asinine.  I'm saying that brokerage fees
are a normal part of every international shipment, be it TO Canada, TO the
US, TO Hong Kong, or wherever.  And you're right, they can add up,
especially on a low-value shipment like you described.  The forwarder I
worked for charged $75 for customs clearance--whether your shipment was
valued at $10 or $10 million, because the labor and time involved for
clearance doesn't change based on the value of the shipment.

Rather than calling your complaint asinine, I'm agreeing with you that
people should be aware of the fees involved and ship accordingly.  I do not,
however, agree that UPS or FedEx are crooks, when their fees are (BY LAW)
posted and available in their tariff to anyone who asks.

tx,
bmc  :)