Don't depend on receiving a delivery on time. While other carriers are trying to fill in the gaps from the UPS strike, there is a glut of merchandise to transport.
If possible, wait to place a delivery order. The first days of a strike are usually hectic. Let retailers develop alternative shipping arrangements.
FOR THE RECORD - CORRECTION
UPS competitors have little room to take up the slack. Here are their plans and ways to contact them:
Federal Express: Is not taking new customers, but will accept packages in its drop-off boxes. Drop-off box pickup will be two hours earlier than normal. FedEx has discontinued its money-back guarantee for on-time service. FedEx information available at 800-463-3339 or www.fedex.com
Emery Worldwide: Says it will try to accommodate any customers who meet its market niche, business-to-business delivery of packages 5 pounds and heavier. Information at 800-443-6379 or www.emeryworld.com.
RPS: Is serving only its current clients instead of risking its service by overloading the system. Information at 800-762-3725 or www.shiprps.com.
Airborne Express: Will take extra packages from companies it now does business with but which also use UPS. The difference: The extra packages will travel by ground, and Airborne Express will not guarantee a delivery date. Airborne will not take any new customers. Information at 800-247-2676 or www.airborne.com.
U.S. Postal Service: Limiting number of parcels taken at local post offices to four per customer per visit. Those customers depositing more than four parcels will be asked to set up an appointment to deposit their mailings at designated parcel drop-off locations. Regular mail delivery should not be affected. Information at www.usps.gov. A toll free number is being set up.
DHL Worldwide: Not accepting any new domestic business from shippers who do not already have an existing DHL account, but is taking new international business. Doubling flights for some planes and adding some temporary aircraft and part-time workers to help with extra business. Information at (800) CALL-DHL (225-5345) or www.dhl.com.
Pub Date: 8/05/97
