Shipping cost vs reliability

I am sure many of you have recieved and sent items via USPS, UPS, FEDEX. I have started shipping small items like eyepieces. USPS is the cheapest. But I am wondering if they are also reliable.
I'd like to hear the experiences of those out there that have shipped astro stuff.
What is the best shipper in cost and reliability?
Thanks
Bill

Bill, I've gotten very good service shipping items USPS over the years. The only time I've used another service is when USPS was more expensive.

So far they have not lost anything and the items arrived in good shape. However, both times I shipped a large check by them, once overnight and once Priority Mail, they were delayed by many days. Not sure why, but each time they were in one of those USPS Envelopes for this service. All boxes I have shipped, quite a few, have all arrived on time, even overseas.

I've used UPS, FedEx and USPS at one time or another, and I've had good/bad experiences with all of them. That said, I've pretty much settled on shipping small astro items via USPS Priority Mail, both regular and flat rate. (It pays to weigh the item then determine which is more cost-effective.)

I like Priority Mail because:

1. The USPS provides a variety of shipping boxes and bags for free, some of which I keep on hand at home.

2. The service is pretty fast; usually 2~3 days.

3. Priority Mail packages seem to actually get priority handling over parcel post and usually arrive with less damage to the box. I figure the less time spent in transit, the less opportunity there is for the box to get squished. Dunno if this is really true but it makes sense to me.

4. Packages usually arrive in better shape than those sent via UPS Ground.

Notes:

Tracking: Although you can spend extra money for Tracking, it's mostly worthless foo-foo. The item can still get lost and you have no recourse. You're better off buying insurance instead and the USPS can track the package from that. (Ask me how I know.) If the item does get lost or damaged, you have some recourse.

Delivery Confirmation: I think this is another worthless add-on expense. The package can still get lost and you have no recourse.

Zip Codes: When you send a Priority Mail package, look closely at the receipt the postal clerk hands you and make sure he/she typed in the right Zip Code. This is the same Zip Code encoded into the bar code on the postage sticker on the package and can delay delivery by a week or two if it's wrong. (Ask me how I know.)

I know fedex is the most careful in terms of amount of shock packages are subjected to. I have definitely seen this play out on server shipments.