>We have not had troubles with the Ferret Store, but sure have with Fed Ex, Sukie, are you sure it is FedEx you are talking about? Perhaps it was another service that made these mistakes? FedEx is the most reliable, careful, and efficient carrier I know. Their policy is to never leave a package without a signature. If the sender has not signed a release, or if a recipient doesn't have a release on file with them and has not specifically given this instruction when placing an order, FedEx will keep the package if no one is there to receive it and leave a note on your door allowing you to sign a release for re-delivery the next day or give you the option of picking up the package at their office. And I have never known a FedEx driver to make an error in judgement like you described, only cases where they were too careful and I wished they had left the package instead (like when I had a new computer delivered, and they wouldn't leave it because the driver recognized the value and possibility of theft). FedEx also has an extremely efficient tracking system, unlike the much larger company UPS. From the moment (literally) the package is picked up by the FedEx driver or dropped off at a FedEx office, you can use the tracking number to find out precisely where it is enroute (by phone or through their website). I've even been able to get this information when I didn't have a tracking numer; FedEx will make every effort to help you if you can at least give them the origin and destination of the package. On the other hand, I have had nightmares with UPS deliveries being misrouted in transit, with UPS having absolutely no idea where the package is or what went wrong. I have to add that most of the time, UPS deliveries go quite smoothly. But in those instances where they don't, the sender and recipient are left clueless, with no idea when the package will show up, if ever. I used to do a lot of work on trade shows, where I was dependent on goods and materials arriving on time. My colleagues and I would ALWAYS choose FedEx over any other carrier (at least domestically) for reliability. Not that FedEx is perfect or never makes a mistake, but the company has a far better track record than any of its competitors that I've used, in every part of the country I've had experience with them - primarily the New York/New Jersey area, but with deliveries going to or arriving from all over. (Note: I don't work for FedEx, don't know anyone who does, and have no affiliation with the company other than as a customer. The above is simply my personal experience. I felt compelled to speak up because of my positive experience with FedEx over the years, and I don't like to see a good company maligned.) Nancy and critters PS - No troubles with TFS deliveries either, other than one package that arrived a couple days later than expected. [Moderator's note: I think FedEx is great too, but note that Fedex GROUND is quite different -- FedEx basically purchased RPS and turned it into FedEx Ground. I personally have more RPS horror stories than I do good experiences, so perhaps it will take a while until the ground services are up to usual FedEx standards. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 3508]