PSA and their "We do not accept UPS" policy

[dribbler]

Today, I took a bit of a risk: I sent my PSA submission through UPS. Why is this a risk? As many of you are likely aware, PSA has that curious policy stating, "We do not accept DHL, UPS, or Airborne packages." It makes me wonder: What's the reason behind this policy? Could it be a relic from the past that just hasn't been updated? It seems odd, especially in 2023, to turn away packages based solely on the courier.

On this forum, I've seen several posts indicating mixed experiences. Some folks have had success with carriers PSA allegedly doesn't accept, while others were reassured over the phone only to have their packages rejected later.

Regardless, I've now sent a submission to PSA via UPS. I'll keep you all updated on the outcome.

[RufussCkingston]

Generally it is because UPS has a bad track record with keeping packages from being compromised, so PSA doesn't want to deal with having a back and forth with the customer about why the cards the customer says they sent to PSA are not in the box that PSA received. Even Collectinsure doesn't really insure UPS packages except for low amounts. Has to be either USPS registered or FedEx signature required.

Better question is why would you take the "risk" when PSA is blunt and says it does NOT accept this crap! It's not a relic of the past, it is actually an update to the present, especially post-pandemic. In LA peeps are ripping UPS packages out of train cars and leaving the carcasses on the tracks! Google it!

[thewesdub]

Originally Posted by dribbler

Today, I took a bit of a risk: I sent my PSA submission through UPS.

What's the point?

[IndySportsCards]

My last package was sent USPS Priority and thieves had no issue stealing all the cards before it got to PSA.

[TXRunner]

This is a long shot, but maybe they are anti-union/Teamsters? In my work, I have experienced the opposite of this. We deal some companies that consist of unionized workers and they will not accept Fed Ex deliveries since Fed Ex is not unionized.

[Philthy]

Why would you send it to PSA via a shipping method that they explicitly state they do not accept?

Presumably, they will not accept the package and it will be sent back to you. That gives it twice as long to be stolen, lost, damaged, etc.

[mnvikingstwins]

Try DHL next let us know the results

[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by TXRunner

This is a long shot, but maybe they are anti-union/Teamsters? In my work, I have experienced the opposite of this. We deal some companies that consist of unionized workers and they will not accept Fed Ex deliveries since Fed Ex is not unionized.

Children.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by IndySportsCards

My last package was sent USPS Priority and thieves had no issue stealing all the cards before it got to PSA.

Can happen with any shipping company. But like Rufuss said, UPS is so bad that the largest collectibles insurance company won’t even let you use them.

I only use FedEx now for PSA. No issues. I also never use anything below Priority Overnight. Less time and fewer destinations = less risk.

[MyckKabongo]

UPS has a combined network where Ground and Air packages can get commingled at many points--on trucks, belts, chutes, etc. Fedex has separate Air and Ground networks that don't mix. As a result of this Air packages are more likely to get damaged via UPS. Industries that ship a lot of fragile Air packages traditionally use Fedex.

[PoPCulture]

Originally Posted by IndySportsCards

My last package was sent USPS Priority and thieves had no issue stealing all the cards before it got to PSA.

That’s terrible. I guess I’m going through the same thing right now. Dropped off an express mailer on Saturday and it was scanned accepted at the counter. There have been no scans since….it simply disappeared. The real bummer is that I underinsured it because I’ve never had an issue with express. It’s a pretty gutted feeling. FedEx only from here on out.

[RufussCkingston]

Originally Posted by PoPCulture

That’s terrible. I guess I’m going through the same thing right now. Dropped off an express mailer on Saturday and it was scanned accepted at the counter. There have been no scans since….it simply disappeared. The real bummer is that I underinsured it because I’ve never had an issue with express. It’s a pretty gutted feeling. FedEx only from here on out.

If you dropped it off on Saturday, it's possible it has been sitting in the PO all weekend and will show movement tonight...

[90skid]

For all those bad mouthing USPS, I sent out 2 cards for PSA/DNA worth over 3k via just Priority Mail from east coast to west coast last week. Delivered to their PO Box Saturday and today it was marked arrived by PSA. (Edit: already in Research & ID too).

I would like to know the details of the type of package IndySportsCards used where its contents were stolen? I used an 8x6x4 box wrapped in a mix of tape and red security tape as well.

[PoPCulture]

Originally Posted by RufussCkingston

If you dropped it off on Saturday, it's possible it has been sitting in the PO all weekend and will show movement tonight...

No, This morning I asked the same clerk that accepted it on Saturday. She assured me that she handed it over to express pick up. I’m in a small town and my PO only has 2 clerks and a postmaster. I’ve been on a first-name basis with all of them for years so I trust that it went out. It never made it to the next stop 30 minutes away unfortunately. It was guaranteed to be to PSA an hour ago so I’ll at least get that $40 back. The postmaster is looking into it but I don’t hold much hope…

[inaka]

I've never had an issue with USPS.
I have had many issues with FedEx and I would personally never use them.

I have a feeling this type of topic is very much like the best cell phone carrier as it's highly dependent on where you live, city vs. rural, etc.

But for me, I send everything USPS Priority mail, taken to the counter and scanned in. I'm also in California, so it typically takes 2 just days to hit the PSA PO Box, so maybe there's less opportunity for issues since there are fewer middle-men spots, etc.

[oddstuff]

I've only used FEDEX overnight from NorCal to PSA...gets the package on a plane ride overnight and it's there the next day. It costs a bit more but reduces the amount of travel time the package can get compromised. In the long run, the extra dollars paid for overnight there will get covered by the graded cards returned from PSA.

[towerymt]

Originally Posted by PoPCulture

That’s terrible. I guess I’m going through the same thing right now. Dropped off an express mailer on Saturday and it was scanned accepted at the counter. There have been no scans since….it simply disappeared. The real bummer is that I underinsured it because I’ve never had an issue with express. It’s a pretty gutted feeling. FedEx only from here on out.

How much was the postage amount on the package? I'm assuming the cost was printed and visible. That always concerned me.

I stopped paying for USPS insurance. I just use Expess flat rate padded envelopes, about $29 postage.

Collectibles insurance seems like the smartest choice. I should look into that before I lose anything

[CardGoonies]

We always do FedEx and either do ground or 2nd day.

We are a 4 day ground delivered. I only ship on Monday mornings to PSA if going ground. Ground gets there on Friday. If I ship any other days that means the cards are sitting in a trailer - most likely in extreme heat - over the weekend before being delivered and I don't like that idea. Prefer to keep the thing moving with as little down time as possible until it actually gets to PSA.

[daveyc1]

for me, it is only USPS. below 5k and i use priority overnight. over $5k and it is registered mail. Registered is expensive and very slow, but the safest option offered.

[CardFarmer]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Can happen with any shipping company. But like Rufuss said, UPS is so bad that the largest collectibles insurance company won’t even let you use them.

I only use FedEx now for PSA. No issues. I also never use anything below Priority Overnight. Less time and fewer destinations = less risk.

Yup. Even for low end orders, I only ship FedEx priority overnight, signature required. When you're sending dozens (if not hundreds) of cards, the per card charge isn't that much, and it's well worth the peace of mind, IMO.

[DLow206]

I've never had any issues with FedEx Express.

FedEx Ground however, lots of delays with other shipments (not cards related)

[Ericc5Bears]

For the first 2 years of my PSA submissions (before I knew about this policy) I sent my orders via UPS and never had a problem. Literally the first order I sent with Fedex was damaged in transit, luckily the cards were fine but it was incredibly stressful waiting weeks for the package to be returned to me with no idea how bad the damage was. I've continued to send with Fedex and haven't had a problem since, but I still send all my non-PSA expensive shipments via UPS and haven't had a problem with any of the estimated few hundred shipments so UPS > Fedex for me based on my personal experiences.

[dribbler]

Update: delivered and PSA logged it as "Arrived"

[CardGoonies]

Originally Posted by dribbler

Update: delivered and PSA logged it as "Arrived"

Nice!

[TXRunner]

Originally Posted by CardGoonies

We always do FedEx and either do ground or 2nd day.

We are a 4 day ground delivered. I only ship on Monday mornings to PSA if going ground. Ground gets there on Friday. If I ship any other days that means the cards are sitting in a trailer - most likely in extreme heat - over the weekend before being delivered and I don't like that idea. Prefer to keep the thing moving with as little down time as possible until it actually gets to PSA.

Was about to send out an order to SGC today via Fed Ex 2 day. Then I thought of this post and decided to hold until Monday to send it out.