DefinitelyDressage.com

What’s the best way to ship a saddle? FedEx or UPS?

I haven't instigated the shipping of saddles, but I've had many shipped to me and then I've returned them. I've done this 3-4 times in the past yearr. And for whatever reason it's always been UPS that the sellers used. And it has always run smoothly.

It's been a few years since I looked into it, but at the time I compared prices, UPS was, by far, the best deal.

The problem I've had with UPS is that they won't insure unless they pack it themselves, in which case it gets expensive. Have not shipped a saddle FedEx, I usually use USPS because they'll insure a customer-packed box.

"Shipper" beware with UPS. My experience was I packaged a picture to send to my daughter in Virginia. UPS asked if I wanted to insure the package and I said yes. They shipped the package 850 miles, within 5 miles of my daughter's house, deemed it broken, then shipped it all the way back to me. They refused to pay out on the insurance, and they refused to refund my shipping costs.

The USPS is almost always cheaper. I have had no issues with them.

Another cautionary tale regarding UPS: a friend shipped a saddle that she packed herself, and UPS was happy to take her money for supposed insurance. The saddle arrived at its destination utterly broken, with truck TIRE MARKS on the box. Like Sunshine2Me, UPS refused to pay out on the insurance, and they refused to refund my friend's shipping costs because they didn't pack it.

Wow. That’s ridiculous about UPS’ insurance. That seems illegal to sell you insurance knowing they won’t cover your item.

My saddle is coming via USPS. Fingers crossed....

When I have shipped saddles, I have used FedEx or USPS. USPS for said insurance. That said, I haven't shipped a saddle in several years but that is who I have used.
Susan

I have had 2 recent issues with USPS, lost items being shipped to me.

One shipment came from NY 2nd day air and I finally after 20 some days got the shipment.