This discussion assumes you are visiting a real UPS branch office. If you go to a third-party UPS client such as Mailboxes Etc, all bets are off.

UPS has good rates for large, heavy packages. Using UPS Ground service, you can expect to spend between $3 and $5, in extreme cases $6, to send an average LEGO^® package inside the U.S. The rates vary depending on the location -- UPS divides the U.S. into several zones. Shipping time is 3 to 5 business days -- very reasonable.

UPS has good rates for insurance. The first $100.00 is free; it's $0.35 per $100.00 thereafter.

UPS barcodes and tracks all packages. You can call a toll-free 1-800 number to check the status. When someone signs for the package, UPS keeps a computerized image of the signature and can supply this to you if you need it for a claim. There are at least two versions of tracking service:

• GroundTrac^TM is an add-on service available to you for around $2 to $3. With this service your package is tracked excessively -- it is scanned at three checkpoints: (1) when it leaves the originating town, (2) when it arrives at the destination town, and (3) when it is delivered to the recipient. This is perfect for parcels above the $500 mark which you might be really paranoid about.

• DeliveryTrac^TM is not an add-on service; it is included in UPS Ground default service. Your package is scanned once -- when it is delivered to the recipient. This is perfect for your normal parcel in the $50 to $500 range.

UPS asks you to fill out a form for your packages listing the destination address, contents, and a declaration of value. You get a yellow carbon copy of this, which becomes your receipt, along with an imprint of the weight and shipping fee for each package. Your DeliveryTrac or GroundTrac code is affixed to this receipt. Provide this code to your bidder so both of you can check the package with the 1-800 number.

UPS is now on the Web! Here are some relevant links:

Cost Calculator

A nice form-based interface for estimating charges for packages shipped in the continental United States. You type in the source and destination ZIP codes, package weight, insurance amount, and some other options, and it tells you how much shipping charges will be.

Time-In-Transit Estimator

You type in the source and destination ZIP codes, and it tells you approximately how many days your package will be in transit.

Service Mapping

You type in your ZIP code, and it shows you a color-coded map of the United States illustrating the number of transit days for delivery via UPS ground services.

Package Tracking

You type in the tracking number, and it tells you information about your package.

UPS home page (www.ups.com)

Index to entire UPS web site.

8 Jan 96 [TSL]