TubaForum.net

I just discovered that (apparently) they no longer have any humans who will talk on the phone.

I was trying to find @bort2.0's tracking number, because
- FedEx did NOT email it to me. (??)
- My copy of the shipping label (which I saved in my computer) ended up being the throwaway part of the shipping label (no useful info).
- I went to my FedEx account online, and (first two tries) I got a blank screen on current shipments.

When I tried to call FedEx, the AI chick would not connect me to a representative because (idiotic machine AI person) wanted my tracking number first, as "needing to know the tracking number" was MY REASON FOR CALLING.

A long time ago, I had a UPS account. At that time, UPS was this crappy. (Likely, it still is...?? I closed that UPS account, because they tore up a new Conn 8D double horn in factory packaging - insured - and refused to pay.) I jumped over to FedExGround, because it seemed to be better, and I could call people locally (Memphis) to resolve problems.

Fortunately, the FedEx website glitch eventually fixed itself, and I eventually got the tracking number online.
@bort2.0, they report that you will receive it today, but I tend to be skeptical, as it was still in Cedar Rapids around 1:00 A.M.
You should know that they DO require a signature on this ship

@the elephant is right. If ANYTHING of consequence needs to be transported (no matter how far) the only reliable way to get it there is to TAKE it there or GO AND GET IT.

Thanks Joe -- I wish I could have saved you the trouble, because FedEx emailed me the shipping number around 10am on Tuesday. I figured you got the email as well, or otherwise had the tracking info.

I see that it's in Iowa. Probably tomorrow to get up here then, but I'll keep an eye on it.

I found that most places don't even have a customer service line listed anymore. Everything is being done by ai agents now.

bort2.0 wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2026 11:24 am Thanks Joe -- I wish I could have saved you the trouble, because FedEx emailed me the shipping number around 10am on Tuesday. I figured you got the email as well, or otherwise had the tracking info.

I see that it's in Iowa. Probably tomorrow to get up here then, but I'll keep an eye on it.

You are only a catalyst in this experience. I've now been exposed to their 2026 level of customer service.

MORE AND MORE OF US - PERHAPS - SHOULD POST FUTURE TRIPS THAT WE PLAN TO TAKE
- ROUGHLY WHEN
- ROUGHLY WHERE FROM
- ROUGHLY WHERE TO

to help each other out with GAS MONEY as well as SAFER TRANSPORT.

SPECIFIC DETAILS to be omitted from the public posts for purposes of SECURITY.

PERHAPS (??) an entire FORUM dedicated to this.

SHIPPING IS SH!TTY and EXPENSIVE
GASOLINE THAT WE HAVE TO BUY IS EXPENSIVE.

What do y'all (and monitors) think about this.
also a disclaimer:
"TUBAFORUM.NET WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESULTS OF ANY PRIVATE SHIPPING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS."

I tried to start a cross-country tuba delivery system of sorts years ago. Seller to an intermediary, to another intermediary, to the buyer… that sort of thing.

All anyone wanted to talk about was liability issues.

Where you at, @dp? I need an official pfft…

the elephant wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2026 5:38 pm I tried to start a cross-country tuba delivery system of sorts years ago. Seller to an intermediary, to another intermediary, to the buyer… that sort of thing.

All anyone wanted to talk about was liability issues.

Where you at, @dp? I need an official pfft…

"Attorneys" have completely succeeded in teaching us to not trust each other as sovereign individuals anymore. All we mostly have become is a bunch of fearful litigious little ants.

I live in a pretty small-footprint city, so it's easier for me than most to get places, but I find that going to a FedEx store or UPS store (or the post office even) gets me very good service, and they have a lot of information that you can sweet talk out of them that you won't get online or over the phone.