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Seastep
12-18-2007, 10:58 PM
:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Well, looks like I drew the short straw this time around. After waiting around all day, Fed Ex finally decided to deliver the package at 5 pm. When the Fed Ex moron handed me the box, I knew I wasn't going to like what I found inside. The box was painfully cold to the touch! Which meant that this dolt had been driving around in the 20 degree weather with it in the back of his truck all day. (Probably while he hung out in some bar.) Fed Ex tracking told me that it had been in his truck since 7:30 that morning!!!!! :mad:

When I opened the box up..... all six discus were dead. The water temp. was 56 degrees.

I feel bad for Al... All of his hard work has been wasted and these fish are dead because some idiot doesn't do his job.

Anyway, Al will try again for a Thursday arrival. I'm going to pick them up at the Fed Ex location this time. I hope I cool off between now and then or things could get ugly when I see these Fed Ex clowns.....

-- Scott

fishmama
12-18-2007, 11:01 PM
Really sorry to hear that Scott :-( And Fed Ex has always been superior to UPS in this area...by far. Bummer!!!

KJoFan
12-18-2007, 11:03 PM
That sucks Scott. I thought mine riding around in the truck for nearly 5 hours was bad! I don't think the water mine were in when they arrived was a whole lot warmer than yours. I think if it had been much longer I probably would have lost all six as well. Good move on picking them up at the facility this time. ;)

renae
12-18-2007, 11:03 PM
Sorry to hear that Scott, hoping all goes well on thursday.

Ryan
12-18-2007, 11:06 PM
Scott,

These things happen. After several disasters or near-disasters, I always pick them up at the holding facility now. It puts you in control of when you get the fish and how they're handled from the FedEx place to your home. No careless drivers kicking the box around or leaving them in the cold while they have lunch. Hopefully things will work out much better on Thursday. Hang in there; we've all had this happen at some point or another!

Ryan

Darren's Discus
12-18-2007, 11:10 PM
Scott,
sorry to hear about your loss ,all the better next time.


cheers

Seastep
12-18-2007, 11:13 PM
Yeah, it's a lesson learned. I'm a stay-at-home Dad of a two year old, so I thought a home delivery would be easier than bundling him up and going to get them. I should have known better!!

Mistakes with this hobby are always painful because we are dealing with living things. I think all of us take our responsibility for these animals seriously and it can be tough when things go wrong.

I'll get a good night's sleep tonight and put all this energy into caring for the discus I already have and the one's Al's sending for Thursday! :)

blue acara
12-18-2007, 11:31 PM
Mistakes with this hobby are always painful because we are dealing with living things. I think all of us take our responsibility for these animals seriously and it can be tough when things go wrong.

I'll get a good night's sleep tonight and put all this energy into caring for the discus I already have and the one's Al's sending for Thursday! :)

Totally agree with you Scott, it must have been tough opening the box to find that. :(

Still roll on Thursday. I hope all of them get to you warm and healthy.

Wahter
12-18-2007, 11:50 PM
Sorry to hear the sad news. Like Ryan, I have asked that the fish be held at the FedEx holding facility and go there first thing in the morning to pick them up. That way they won't get tossed around, left out in the cold, and they get into my tank all the more sooner.




Walter

KJoFan
12-18-2007, 11:52 PM
I guess we all should have picked them up at the holding facility...I didn't know it was going to be a problem. Live and learn I guess. :)

Ryan
12-19-2007, 12:01 AM
Scott, sounds like your son gets to go on a field trip :D

alxjss
12-19-2007, 12:01 AM
So sorry for the loss and the aggravation. I got lucky and picked mine up, by al's suggestion because i was at work all day and he thought it be best.
Good luck on thrus.

Discus-Hans
12-19-2007, 12:08 AM
Okay, you're angry and I understand.

I must say I ship all my Discus with FedEx and (knock knock on wood) I've very less bad experiences.

99% of the time most drivers go the extra mile to make your box delivered on time, in these days before Christmas they are loaded and it's hard for these men and women to get everything delivered on time.

What a box of fish/Discus means for us is not what it means for them. Most don't even know that you need to keep those fish warm.

Come on; think real.....what idiots send tropical fish out in this cold weather???? I know I'm one of them.

If you're lucky, you've a driver who knows what's going on IN that box and puts it in front of the car were it's warmer, but most have no idea and how can they know?????

Just my 2 cents in defense of the FedEx people who try to do their best,

Hans

by the way:
the box was on the truck at 7:28 to arive at the Cleveland facility at 7:35
At 12:40 pm it was on the car again to be delivered 2 hours and 17 minutes later.

Greg Richardson
12-19-2007, 01:37 AM
Come on; think real.....what idiots send tropical fish out in this cold weather???? I know I'm one of them.

If you're lucky, you've a driver who knows what's going on IN that box and puts it in front of the car were it's warmer, but most have no idea and how can they know?????

Just my 2 cents in defense of the FedEx people who try to do their best,


Fed Ex from what I have learned from talking to the driver it is all about where you live. It isn't about the driver not caring.
Believe me no one wants to meet me at 4:30 at night with a box of fish in their hands without a good explanation.

I checked out afterwards to confirm his story and later learned same thing goes with other deliveries.

It's all about where you live from the distribution places which only makes sense and I certainly can not fault anyone for that.

As an example you have 500 packages over night going to same area are you going to drive to my place out of the way? No way. You'd be out of business in no time.
You have to have a system.

It hurts people but when it happens to you once confirm the situation. Educate yourself now that you know and don't let the one time happen.

Everyone should be doing this if they don't know where they live in regards to facility. Not only that factor but where your area is on the timeline during the day.
They can give you a window to be looking for them.

Dolphin Dip
12-19-2007, 03:22 AM
i've worked for ups. you should see the trucks this time of year, they are literally completely stuffed full to the ceiling sometimes. even when they're not that full the drivers are working a minimum of 13 hour days. although, i know ups delivers priority mail first, maybe fed ex has a different system, or the overnight workers messed when sortng the mail.

hindsight is always 20/20 i guess...

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 06:32 AM
Good news is I have more fish and we can reship...bad news is they died first time around and we have to go thru it again.:(

Like Hans...I have a pretty good track record with fedex... Priority over night to someones house has never been an issue before for me...until now.


I thought about this all last night and I think if these were larger fish and the boxes had more bags and water in them...less air volume the may have still been okay at 5 pm.. Thats only about 24 hours and they should have more than enough oxygen......heat packs may have failed ....I used 3.. and the box was well insulated..but may have been on the back of the truck..in an unheated area.....who knows..


We'll try again Scott.. and hopefully they'll get it right with transport.

Its sad...but when shipping fish by any means...things happen..

These fish didn't die for nothing though.....it really does show many out there that haven't shipped fish yet or ordered fish yet what can happen when you do.

take care,
al

BSW
12-19-2007, 07:35 AM
For me, Fed-X is better than UPS. But I've only received Angelfish by shipping, not Discus. And they are a little more forgiving. They did keep a shipment on a truck one time, all day, but it was summer, not winter. If I got fish in winter, I'd go pick them up and not wait on a delivery.
Also it does help if there are several LARGE stickers on the box that say -
"Live Fish - Please deliver A.S.A.P"
The shipment that stayed on the truck all day didn't have those on it.
Most of the delivery drivers try to be responsible I think. Christmas time and Winter in combo, is just a BAD time for deliveries, I wouldn't chance live fish at that time, I'd go pick up for sure.
I hope the next shipment goes much better for you.
B

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 07:47 AM
Scott,
Heres some pics of the fish I have set aside for you...

I'll probably send more than 6 pcs since this is the second pass thru the tank ...keep the best 6 out of the group I send to work with.

-al

BSW
12-19-2007, 08:13 AM
What variety are they ? Wilds I'm presuming ?
B

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 08:25 AM
They are a wild cross ..

These are f2's wild type from an F1 alenquer xalbino intermediate..

you can see the pics of the parents here...

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=59962

hth,
al

Graham
12-19-2007, 08:35 AM
Sorry you lost you're fish but too be honest with you, shipping anything, let alone ''live'' is just looking for trouble a week before Xmas,let alone in cold climates.

It won't matter if the box says ''live'' or ''fine crystal'' they'll all get the same treatment...rough. Wait till Jan when things slow down

G

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 08:38 AM
Wait till Jan when things slow down Graham, Thats sound advice...but not possible here.. The fish made it alive to most others.....if it takes a second try we'll do it...... I want everyone to have their fish around the same time.....and I can't tie up a tank any longer:(

keep your fingers and toes crossed.:D
-al

BSW
12-19-2007, 08:39 AM
The Alenquers are some striking looking fish that's for sure !
And yours are just beautiful. Maybe someday when I have a little more experience, I will have to give wilds a try, those pics sure make it tempting !
B

Graham
12-19-2007, 08:40 AM
Good luck....throw another heat pac on the fire

Ryan
12-19-2007, 09:35 AM
I'm not sure about other parts of the country, but our FedEx driver here at work said the Christmas rush was surprisingly mild this year and that no one from his sort facility had the need to take a larger truck and/or storage trailer or extend/lengthen their routes and delivery times. So I don't think shipping near Christmas this year is going to be as much of an issue. Besides, if you pay for FedEx Priority Overnight, the package is guaranteed next-day anyway.

The important thing to remember is that every FedEx driver has a route. In our area (a rural area), FedEx comes by at the same time everyday. Whether your Priority package is guaranteed by 10:30am or 4:30pm, we get it delivered everyday between 12 - 1pm. In most cases, drivers probably won't go out of there way to deliver something even if it's marked "ASAP" because it's impractical to criss-cross all over town to make deliveries.

That's why from now until eternity I will always have the fish held at the FedEx facility for me to pick them up. They're there every morning between 7 - 9am sitting on a shelf in a climate controlled office waiting to be picked up and it makes me feel better knowing that :D

Ryan

poconogal
12-19-2007, 09:48 AM
Each time Fed Ex has pulled that stunt on me, although for not as long, the guy had entered into his computer "incorrect address" even though I had given explicit directions to Fed Ex when they called me early that same morning. He just didn't want to bother attempting delivery that day and its a good thing I checked tracking online! Regular Fed Ex ground is great, its just the overnight guys that stink in my area. Just infuriating!

mench
12-19-2007, 11:10 AM
My Fedex guys are usually pretty good on getting them to me no later than 10AM..if they see it is fish,I am the first deliverly...my guy this time had the fish in the front seat on the floor with the heat turned up.
Hope your next bunch makes it ok Scott.

Mench

RyanH
12-19-2007, 11:35 AM
Just have the box set aside at the Fedex hub and go pick them up.

I'll never let my fish bounce around in the back of a truck again. There are too many things that can go wrong; especially this time of year when it's cold and the Fedex employees are over-worked.

fredox
12-19-2007, 02:50 PM
After reading all the threads I'm kinda glad I live in a relatively small country. You guys have had a nightmare with shipping that I hope I never have to endure.

Best of luck with the next lot and remember we want lots of pictures.

Seastep
12-19-2007, 03:06 PM
I was obviously pretty tough on Fed Ex yesterday.... Like everyone else, Fed Ex is usually automatic for me and so it was doubly tough when things didn't work out this time.

Like everyone else, I am very excited about this contest and so getting a box of DOA's was a major bummer! I told my wife it was like opening up a box of dead puppies..... :(

A night to sleep on it has restored my good spirits!!!

My son and I will be off to the Fed Ex depot in the morning, I'm sure with better results!

-- Scott

phidelt85
12-19-2007, 03:22 PM
Nothing like a bit of sleep to change the attitude, eh. :D I'm pulling for ya, Scott, to get your delivery without any hitches.

Greg Richardson
12-19-2007, 03:45 PM
Also it does help if there are several LARGE stickers on the box that say -
"Live Fish - Please deliver A.S.A.P"
The shipment that stayed on the truck all day didn't have those on it.


If your house is on the part of the route that delivers between 3 and 5:00 PM it isn't going to matter what is on the side of the box.
That is reality.

So if you have fish coming you need to call and find out where in the delivery process your house resides in.

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 06:26 PM
Seastep take two is on its way...I hope they make it this time...shipping this time of year is terrible.:(

-al

Seastep
12-19-2007, 07:11 PM
Fingers crossed.... :)

Elite Aquaria
12-19-2007, 07:19 PM
Seastep,

I would go to the station and pick them up if I were you.

Graham
12-19-2007, 07:48 PM
Seastep take two is on its way...I hope they make it this time...shipping this time of year is terrible.:(

-al

Isn't that what I said way back;);););););):D

Hope they make it guys

HoHoHo:antlers:

G

brewmaster15
12-19-2007, 08:10 PM
Isn't that what I said way back;);););););):D

. wise a$$:bandana:
-al

Graham
12-19-2007, 08:13 PM
:D

Ardan
12-19-2007, 08:33 PM
My son and I will be off to the Fed Ex depot in the morning, I'm sure with better results!


Best of luck to you!:)

Awesome job on a new shipment Al:)

Ardan

Discus-Hans
12-20-2007, 02:27 AM
Way to go Al, good job by sending new, Scott I'm sure this one will work out.

Good luck,

Hans

brewmaster15
12-20-2007, 09:13 AM
Well, so far so good...the box is at least in the destination city's sorting facility......hopefully it makes it to the Fedex staffed location there for pick up.

fingers and toes crossed.
-al

Seastep
12-20-2007, 09:15 AM
This is like watching Santa come down from the North Pole on Christmas Eve.....

"Okay, kids Santa was just picked up on Radar leaving the North Pole....."

:):):):):):)

pinkertd
12-20-2007, 09:26 AM
Hi Scott! Fingers and toes crossed here for you too! Good luck to you and all the challengers in this wonderful, wonderful opportunity! Can't wait to read everyone's posts and see pictures! I am so excited for all of you!:D

AADiscus
12-20-2007, 09:55 AM
I'm sure they will be fine this go around. Good luck to you.

I bet Al is gonna celebrate New Years early this year. :D

Seastep
12-20-2007, 10:04 AM
Tracking says the package has arrived!!!!

My son and I are off to pick it up!!

I'll update soon!

devonpond
12-20-2007, 11:23 AM
I'm not sure about other parts of the country, but our FedEx driver here at work said the Christmas rush was surprisingly mild this year and that no one from his sort facility had the need to take a larger truck and/or storage trailer or extend/lengthen their routes and delivery times.

Looks like the slowdown is nationwide:

FedEx Corp.'s second-quarter earnings fell 6% because of a weaker U.S. economy and higher fuel prices, the shipping-services giant said Thursday. (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fedex-sputters-lower-profit-fuel/story.aspx?guid=%7B6A35D124%2DCB4F%2D41FB%2DBA18%2 DF7C174E81CF3%7D)

Blackwater Aquaria
12-20-2007, 11:24 AM
:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Well, looks like I drew the short straw this time around. After waiting around all day, Fed Ex finally decided to deliver the package at 5 pm. When the Fed Ex moron handed me the box, I knew I wasn't going to like what I found inside. The box was painfully cold to the touch! Which meant that this dolt had been driving around in the 20 degree weather with it in the back of his truck all day. (Probably while he hung out in some bar.) Fed Ex tracking told me that it had been in his truck since 7:30 that morning!!!!! :mad:

When I opened the box up..... all six discus were dead. The water temp. was 56 degrees.

I feel bad for Al... All of his hard work has been wasted and these fish are dead because some idiot doesn't do his job.

Anyway, Al will try again for a Thursday arrival. I'm going to pick them up at the Fed Ex location this time. I hope I cool off between now and then or things could get ugly when I see these Fed Ex clowns.....

-- ScottScott: I am very sorry that you loss your Discus I have been using FED EX for a few years and I have not had any problems and we all know s--- happens and it is a tragety in your case. I hope you have better luck next time Happy holidays. Mike

Seastep
12-20-2007, 02:47 PM
Okay.. Okay :o

I think I probably owe the good folks at Fed Ex an apology. My little boy and I went out to the Fed Ex hub this morning to pick up the second shipment of fish from Al. The package was right there where it was supposed to be and the lady who helped us was SUPER nice. :o She let my son watch (and help) log the package in and sign it out to us. He was thrilled (He's two.)

I think I've learned something already from this challenge. ALWAYS pick up your fish shipments at the Fed Ex Hub. It's only about 15 minutes away from my house. (I didn't know that!!) It puts you in control of how and when the fish get to your house!!

-- Scott

Discus-Hans
12-20-2007, 10:01 PM
Scott, I think it can be even closer, every were there are Kinko's and by shipping to the Kinko's you can pick them up 99% at 9:00am

But.........glad everything went well even after you put a hex (sp?) on FedEx lol lol

Hans

alxjss
12-20-2007, 10:06 PM
OK Scott, where r the pics?:D