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I have a "new" address and ZIP code that appears to confuse UPS and consistently causes them to delay delivery of packages to me.

I've tried filing complaints with UPS itself, but to no avail: I tried talking with their local dispatcher but they still don't do much other than help finally locate and deliver the individual missing-package-of-the-week.

As a consumer, I don't even get to select which carrier the merchants I buy from will use so, as far as I'm concerned, UPS has a sort of monopoly here.

I've tried filing a BBB report, but it appears that BBB doesn't concern itself with requests for compensation other than refunds. I would like to make some sort of punitive claim against UPS, even if it is just symbolic.

What recourse do I have against UPS for their negligent service to me?

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cnst
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1 Answers1

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Private carriers typically (and UPS in particular) only have a contractual obligation to the person who pays to send the package. Unless you're the one directly paying UPS to deliver the package you have no legal recourse because you're not a party to the "contract of carriage."

It does seem like you're suffering due to contractual and operational failures of UPS, but your recourse is against the merchant you paid for the goods, because you also paid them for delivery. The merchant has recourse against UPS under their contract if they want to pursue it.

Legally: UPS does not have a monopoly on shipping, and their contractual duty is only to their customer. The best you can do is encourage those from whom you purchase to aggressively claim against UPS for delays, and to use other carriers when possible.

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