Nightmare with UPS
Expected delivery: within 2–3 days
Shipment route: domestic transport between two cities — no international transit involved
Son’s 15th birthday: 11 September 2026
14 September 2026, 8:00: the shipment containing his exceptionally rare and unique gift has still not been delivered. At this stage, the timing has lost its meaning — the moment it was intended for is gone. Now, all that remains is to hope that the shipment is finally delivered safely and without damage.
A personal story with UPS that should never have happened.
This website will document the story of an exceptionally important shipment that UPS was supposed to deliver.
The shipment contained an exceptionally rare and unique gift intended to be the final surprise and crowning moment of my son’s significant 15th birthday celebration — the highlight of the evening.
His classmates, friends from abroad and our entire family were there. The gift was meant to bring the celebration to a memorable close and create a moment he would carry with him for the rest of his life.
What followed was a series of delays, failed attempts, uncertainty and poor communication that I consider completely unacceptable.
The complete case will be documented here chronologically, including tracking information, communication, screenshots, timelines and supporting material, so that readers can form their own view of what happened.
One positive exception
The only genuinely positive aspect was that an email addressed to senior UPS management was taken seriously and forwarded for further review.
Unfortunately, this stood in sharp contrast to the customer service experience that preceded it — poor communication, insufficient urgency and, for much of the process, not even a basic apology.
Our conclusion
This was, without question, the worst shipping experience we have ever had.
After this experience, we will never choose UPS for any future shipment. We will also inform our business partners, friends and anyone sending parcels to us that For shipments addressed to us, any carrier is acceptable — except UPS.