I contacted FedEx the other day with a question about my iMac shipment. My iMac sat in the Shanghai facility for like a day and a half after it had been given to FedEx. I spoke with their international department and got some answers from a lady familiar with Apple's shipping procedures. Here's what she explained to me.
If you notice when you track your international shipment, it says "IP Direct Distribution." Basically, this has to do with the way Apple chose to ship. We all know that Apple covers most of the shipping charges, so as a result, they search for the cheapest way possible. The FedEx lady explained that Apple will "ship" a product to the hub. However, because of the shipping method Apple contracted with, FedEx must wait until they have enough boxes to fill an entire aircraft before sending it to the US. She said that once it arrives in the US, depending on the next stop, the same situation may occur here in the US. She said this is the reason Apple packages often "stall" in the system. So, as she explained, when Apple's product is very high, then items ship very quickly and often reach their destination in 2 days. When Apple cannot keep up with product or orders are low, then it may take an extra couple days to get that shipment out.
She said Apple usually won't divulge this information when asked (and I can see why). This is why Apple gives such wide shipping/arrival estimates.
Hope that sheds some light on the problems. Of course, I still don't like FedEx...but that's for another forum topic
If you notice when you track your international shipment, it says "IP Direct Distribution." Basically, this has to do with the way Apple chose to ship. We all know that Apple covers most of the shipping charges, so as a result, they search for the cheapest way possible. The FedEx lady explained that Apple will "ship" a product to the hub. However, because of the shipping method Apple contracted with, FedEx must wait until they have enough boxes to fill an entire aircraft before sending it to the US. She said that once it arrives in the US, depending on the next stop, the same situation may occur here in the US. She said this is the reason Apple packages often "stall" in the system. So, as she explained, when Apple's product is very high, then items ship very quickly and often reach their destination in 2 days. When Apple cannot keep up with product or orders are low, then it may take an extra couple days to get that shipment out.
She said Apple usually won't divulge this information when asked (and I can see why). This is why Apple gives such wide shipping/arrival estimates.
Hope that sheds some light on the problems. Of course, I still don't like FedEx...but that's for another forum topic
