I don't know if I am the only small business guy in the world that has shipping issues. Sometimes I think so, then I hear stories from other people and I realize that I am not.
For shipping I have long preferred using USPS Priority Mail for shipping. They have the best record with me for getting things delivered in a reasonable amount of time, but more importantly intact, unbroken and working. Certainly their flate rate options work for me because of the size of my packages. A while back I had a problem with a pickup service that I used for shipping. Dan the Postman never seemed to be predictable in his route time so I used a service. I quit that a couple of months ago. Everything went well for about a month and then I started having problems with the BUSSes taking a long time to clear the sort facility here. Other items went out the next day like clockwork, but BUSSes often took 3-4 days before they would clear the facility. I spent some time at USPS yesterday and found out what the problem is/was. I will not bore you with details. Shouldn't do it anyway.
I'll probably be using some different options in the future. Please do not be surprised if I have to start charging for shipping on the BUSS-Line in the USA. Sorry, but times are changing.
Dave