How good is FedEx about small stuff?

[Kwesi]

I'm starting not to like using USPS. The lines are long, the employees aren't helpful and thought they've usually been reliable for me tracking is becoming much more important to me on smaller things that I mail/ship. Suppose I were to ship a DVD (in some kind of case) in a well padded envelope, should I expect much of a price increase in using FedEx instead of USPS?

[Brad Johnson]

USPS had insured flat rate packaging and so far I've had zero isssues with it. I've had little issue finding USPS locations that weren't super busy. Otherwise I use Fedex for larger stuff. I don't use UPS anymore, just had too many problems. Stupid stuff like leaving high dollar items unsigned for on my front step or worse, delivering hundreds of dollars worth of parts unsigned for across town to an address that bore zero resemblence to mine. Fortunately that person called me.

Not sure why UPS went in that direction, I'm not bored enough to continue using them. USPS was also cheapest for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, both of which I've done recently. And I only use Fedex depots, the Kinko's spots have an annoying habit of trying to upsell me on packaging they deem insufficient which is fine for the depots or USPS.

[Relic]

USPS was my carrier of choice for a long time until about a year ago when for whatever reason they really started to stink (in my area at least). As far as the lines being long and such, I was able to avoid that by going at off-peak times. (IE - avoid going there just as they open, or around lunch time, etc).
My guess would be that Fedex might be a little more expensive, but if it's a negligible difference, it may be worth it?

[Selta]

Eh, I just use the kiosk that no one else seems to use here. There'll be 4 or 5 people in line, but no one at the kiosk?
The lack of tracking has never bothered me, as I usually follow up with who I was mailing to make sure they got it. The receipt you get with the flat-rate priority boxes say when it'll be delivered.
Anytime I've used FedEx for similar sized/weight boxes, I've paid more, so I stick to the flat rate boxes if I can.

[DwaynieAD]

they're all a crapshoot, but i'd personally rate them
1-usps
2-ups
3-fedex

but it really depends on ur area and mostly your luck

[jmattbassplaya]

Honestly, I've never had any problems with any of the carriers. I've noticed that when UPS delivers a box it will usually have a nick or two on it, but nothing has ever arrived broken.

[nutdog]

I've had good experience with the USPS flat rate boxes. Hard to beat $5.95 2-3 days anywhere in the US.

I avoid UPS due to several damaged packages I've received recently.

[unclekebm]

small stuff ~ USPS flat rate is best
medium to big ~ FedEx, use them all the time, zero issues
ime, UPS is always late & packages are always damaged