DHL sucks internationally

6 months ago I got into an argument with one of our operations managers. We were going to start using DHL as our UK domestic courier. I stomped my feet and detailed the issues we'd had with people using them to deliver to us.

1. Trying to deliver packages at 5:50am
2. Not trying to deliver packages, but dropping cards
3. Packages showing up falling apart and nearly shredded
4. Drivers turning up without any delivery equipment

They improved, but only after the shipper made several complaints with their account manager and I complained about the Trafford depot. And thankfully I left my position before we started using them as any more than unfortunate recipients.

Fast forward to last week. I have a cheap Virgin pay as you go phone I bought for visits back last summer. It has a 12 hour battery life, less if I actually use it and is generally more suited towards being a child's toy than anything else. I hate it with every fiber. After I finally get this damned phone and move information over, I'm going to throw it on a fire.

So, looking forward to my burning times, I bought one. Last Sunday I chose my plan and purchased a phone with AT&T. The delivery date said Wednesday. Great right?

Wednesday came and went, the package was in Tigard but not at our door in Hillsboro. My Pip dutifully waited and waited and waited. Still no package.

Still nothing as of today. Though it says it's with a courier.

10/31/2008 4:03 pm Scheduled for delivery Tigard, OR
7:02 am With delivery courier. Tigard, OR
10/29/2008 8:09 am Arrived at DHL facility. Tigard, OR
10/28/2008 5:03 pm Transit through DHL facility Seattle, WA
3:34 pm Depart Facility Wilmington, OH
12:26 pm Processed at DHL Location. Wilmington, OH
11:22 am In transit. Wilmington, OH
10/26/2008 4:15 pm Shipment picked up Fort Worth, TX

I've done the usual stuff, e-mailed customer service on Friday and asked where the hell my delivery was. I called them this morning and allegedly the depot is supposed to ring some time today. I doubt it.

I did some Googling around today and discovered DHL isn't in the best position right now.

ExDHL.com has several employees criticizing DHL's sales strategies, their hiring practises and listing lay offs and closures. There's some criticism of customers willing to go with the cheapest option, which I totally agree with.

This exact same thing happened to many others.

I'll be avoiding DHL like a dirty plague from here on out. It just isn't worth the hassle.

Update 11/03/08:
This is just stupid now.

Saturday: Rang DHL and got a customer service rep who said someone from Tigard would call me on Saturday. That didn't happen. Also said they'd try to get someone to deliver, that didn't happen either.

Called again on Saturday around 12:30pm. Got a new rep who assured me someone would call on Monday before 12:30pm and the delivery would definitely be made. Apparently there's some strongly worded note on the case to get the delivery out.

Today as of 12:30pm. No god damned phone call, phone is showing Out For Delivery again on the website. STILL NO GOD DAMNED DELIVERY.

This is a joke.