[Falconspeed]

Interesting discussion. My conclusions:

Fed Ex is the best, especially for Europe.
USPS is fine for basic transactions.
UPS seems to make things more complicated than necessary.
DHL has good service but repulsive managers who treat inferiors like objects.

I admire USPS for its consistently good work with basic transactions.

[newfreep]

I've had a small business the last 15+ years and routinely ship internationally (importing) and domestically (US distribution) very high value items. I initially used DHL who did a great job on both sides until they merged with Airborne and changed to UPS and FedEX.

Both UPS & FedEx have performed well for me but my primary carrier is UPS. On my incoming shipments, they clear customs for me even as package is in the air as my shipments typically arrive 3 days with door-to-door service.

Shipping is always chancy and from time to time there will be problems. I've had only 1 claim with UPS who took care of it fairly and in a timely manner.