Tech & Biz

UPS Free Shipping to Haiti a Rumor, Not True

by Amy Judd | January 14, 2010 at 09:51 am

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There was a rumor going around yesterday that UPS was offering free shipping to Haiti in a box that weighed under 50lbs, but it is just that, a rumor and is not true.

UPS is not even shipping to Haiti at this current time, so don't go to your local UPS dealer and expect to get your package sent for free, it's not going to happen.

If you do wish to send something to Haiti, UPS is encouraging you to send through accredited organizations such as the American Red Cross:

UPS is not accepting shipments from individuals or local organizations due to the logistics challenges in Haiti. Service will resume as soon as conditions allow. Shipments to Haiti made prior to the earthquake are temporarily being held at UPS facilities in Miami.

It is unfortunate that when a disaster such as the Haiti earthquake occurs, while there is a major outpouring of aid efforts, there is also the possibility for scams and the FBI is warning people to be really careful of any Haiti donation scams.

If you receive an e-mail asking for help it could be a scam and it's best to verify it from the organization's direct website before proceeding.

Tips to avoid scams

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Michael Busbie (not verified)

at 16:55 on January 14th, 2010

actually on the ups website it states that they are offering free shipping tomorrow. BUT it has to be through a big organization like Red Cross. They will not except individual offers or local organizations. It is in fact true though.

Amy Judd

at 16:59 on January 14th, 2010

The rumor that you can ship direct from anywhere is the one that is not true.

Debbie Curtis-Magley (not verified)

at 08:50 on January 15th, 2010

Thanks for correcting the rumor that UPS free shipping to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Haiti. The damage to roads and communications networks means that our own shipping services to Haiti are on hold. UPS gave $1 million (USD) in aid to Haiti relief and we’re working with a number of agencies involved in these efforts, including The American Red Cross, CARE and UNICEF. You can find more details and a list of places to donate at our blog blog.ups.com/. Debbie Curtis-Magley UPS Public Relations

Noreen Wenger (not verified)

at 07:56 on January 17th, 2010

Just to let you know, It was reported in the Boston Globe this week that UPS was shipping free to Haiti (under 50 lbs).

Amy Judd

at 15:37 on January 22nd, 2010

Thanks - as you can see from the above if you wish to send to Haiti, UPS is encouraging you to send through accredited organizations such as the American Red Cross

Al Macintyre (not verified)

at 22:09 on February 3rd, 2010

Here is the official UPS web site, with what they have to say about their donations to help the relief effort in Haiti. They are being very generous, through major well organized charities. pressroom.ups.com/Press+Releases/Current+Press+Releases/UPS+Donates+%241+Million+to+Haitian+Earthquake+Relief I have been active in Linked In group Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief, where many of us try to focus on solving the problems of tomorrow, instead of arguing about yesterday's screwups. According to Wikipedia the island of Haiti and Dominican Republic has 50 air fields, so why are over 1,000 planes trying to land at an airport that could handle 10 planes a day before the quake? Because they don't know how to do research like I can, to find alternative ways to deliver cargo, such as fishing boats, air drops, hover craft, and Cessna onto roads not damaged by the quake. Millions of lives are at stake. What good is a tent when hurricane season arrives (19 weeks and counting down) with 150 mph winds? Well it is better than sleeping on ground, catching malaria and sun stroke.