Posted By:
Tom BoblittUPS whipping boy, I'll try to explain this.....
There are instances where UPS will leave packages at your home (FedEx as well). Generally with UPS, it's when the value is $500 or below or if the shipper elects to send it that way.
Everything's pretty much electronic now-a-days and UPS (FedEx as well) have client shipping systems (UPS-Worldship and FedEx-Powership) that the shippers set up all the shipments in, including insurance and other items.
While I can't speak to how Mastronet sets up their shipments, I do know that they insure things outside of UPS (I think). It may have something with how they electronically set up their shipments whether UPS is releasing your shipments or not.
As for UPS releasing shipments, it's generally only done in neighborhoods that are deemed 'safe' neighborhoods. Called 'Driver Release', it is something that the VAST majority of customers want and UPS (and FedEx I'm sure) gets complaints on both sides of the fence.
What I would suggest is to call 1-866-PICK-UPS and file a complaint on the individual shipment. You will need the 18 digit 1Z tracking number from the shipment but if you don't ever want your driver to release your shipments, then tell them that.
The flip side is that they will make 3 delivery attempts (at an average cost to UPS of about $4.50 per stop) to attempt to deliver your package on 3 consecutive days. Then the package is held at the center for 7-10 days and then returned to the shipper.
The centers are also typically not the best located to go pick up packages at, so you will have to locate it and go get it if someone isn't home 3 days in a row.
As I have with other people on the board, ANYONE with specific UPS problems is always welcome to email me at my id above. I've been at UPS for 20 of my 38 years and am opening a UPS Store in March of 2005. Won't guarantee a positive resolution on EVERYTHING (sorry Tbob....), but I'll help aid whenever possible or find local phone numbers for anyone.
I won't profess to say we don't make mistakes, but with delivering 13-14 million packages a day (21-22 right now) there are probably thousands of problems daily, even at a 99.9% satisfaction rate.