UPS agreed to issue some refunds for packages that didn’t make it in time for Christmas, but a Connecticut senator says all customers who missed a visit from the parcel Santa need refunds.
Both UPS and FedEx said shipments were backed up by poor weather and delivery systems overwhelmed by so much online shopping this season. The numbers of deliveries promised by Christmas but not delivered in time were not released by the companies, but the angry customers numbered enough to start a #UPSfail hashtag on Twitter.
Then a member of Congress stepped in, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) saying Thursday that the delivery companies needed to make it up to customers.
“The men and women of UPS – as well as the United States Postal Service and FedEx – do tremendous work this time of year, putting in grueling, long hours delivering gifts, and we are all grateful for their efforts,” Blumenthal said. “It is incumbent upon these companies, however, that when a customer is quoted a delivery date ahead of Christmas, gifts arrive on time. In a very real sense, Christmas is on the line. I call on UPS to do the right thing and provide refunds to people whose Christmases were a little less cheery as a result of their late deliveries.”
Today UPS offered refunds for packages shipped internationally or by air, which Blumenthal called a “first step” in making things right.
“Such selective refunds are scant consolation to many other customers who were quoted delivery dates ahead of the holiday are still left out in the cold,” the senator said. “I hope that UPS and FedEx will extend the opportunity for refunds to all consumers whose packages did not arrive in time for Christmas, and I urge them again to take that proactive step.”
He sent letters requesting as much to UPS and FedEx, requesting a response by New Year’s Eve.
Amazon has stepped in to offer some of its patrons who didn’t get promised shipments on time a $20 credit.
The U.S. Postal Service seemed to sense an opportunity to take a competitive edge, noting its carriers “delivered mail and packages in many places on Christmas Day to keep up with higher-than-expected package volume.”
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