Fedex

I think we can all agree that dealing with any of the major shipping services is a complete and utter hassle. My brother told me he thinks UPS's motto should be "we won't lose your package twice!"

He's probably right. God knows, I have experienced the amazing incompetence of UPS and I will absolutely never uyse them again (unless it's free for some reason, but that's another story altogether). My beef, however, involves Fedex.

Before I went on a work related trip last month, I shipped a package from California to a contact in New York. Simply put, I was up for a gig. I am a composer and often have to send out reels to be considered for film and tv projects. In this case, it was a film, a project I really wanted to get. So I sent the package (throwing caution to the wind) and left town. It was supposed to arrive the next day. It didn't.

After speaking with the "recipient," he informed me that the package never came. So there I was again staring at my blackberry in disbelief (this could have cost me the gig!) and dialed 1-800-FEDEX....the representative I spoke to said she would like to help me track the package, but she would need the tracking number....oh, the tracking number! Wouldn't you know it? I didn't bring it with me. After a brief old sweat, I thought...no problem...I have an account with them. They can just look it up that way, right?" WRONG!

The incompetent Fedex rep told me she is not aloud to give out tracking numbers (though she was looking at it plain as day in her computer) as it is a security breach. I offered to identify myself in any way she saw fit...mother's maiden name, my datoe of birth, anything...BUT noooooooooooooooooooooooo....she wasn't having it.

Long story short, I got screwed and it was her fault. I know this because when I called to complain a few days later, I was informed that Fedex's policy is to ask security questions, but they are aloud to give out tracking numbers providing you can verify your identity.

In return for losing a 15K gig, I got three $20 vouchers and an apology...What do you think?

By the way, the person who caused all of this calamity in the first place (and the same person who doesn't know her job) is Patricia Alrich. COngratulations, Patricia. You just won the incompetent person of the year award!