When you absolutely, positively need to be screwed over--count on Federal Excess. I think I have discovered their latest scam. I have been receiving shipments for years, they call me for payment of duties and taxes whenever I have a package coming into the country. Fine.
Suddenly only a week after my last imported shipment, on a rush shipment that I paid for the fastest express service, it gets stopped at the depot. The claim is that it's a "Clearance Delay". Tracking shows this notice:
"Detailed broker information is required.
Importer must provide a power of attorney (POA) form letter authorizing Fedex/Broker to clear shipment." Meanwhile, I had been preparing for this incoming shipment by calling Fedex every two hours to see if they were ready to accept my credit card payment as usual. Not today...
According to a major customs broker, this is how Fedex scams you into clearing all your packages through their service instead of an outside broker. It also ensured I lost a substantial sale. Meanwhile, my package sits only a short drive away from me, but I can't get it. Until when? Obviously until I cave to their one-sided terms.
I have a new motto for Fedex:
"Fedex--your Sales Prevention Department".