I had a guitar packed today via UPS, which I was then supposed to ship via USPS. Interestingly, the packaging was more than 10 inches in area than the required total area size accepted at USPS, bringing the total shipping price to more than $70. Using the same box for shipping via UPS, the shipping was $50. That is a job well done UPS. I wonder how big their packaging would be if they had been told in the start that the shipment would be done through them.

The packaging was two boxes cut from the bottom and taped together, with peanuts put inside. The tape was transparent. I am sure this costs a lot to UPS, however, they must have passed the savings onto me.

Google now includes tracking for USPS and FedEx; simply enter the tracking number into google. You can track more carriers through iShip also, which tracks 5 different carriers as of today.