Volume Control

Contingency plans implemented by United Parcel Service’s competitors were in full swing Monday as shippers braced for increased volume from the day-old UPS strike. UPS’ competitors are significantly smaller than the nation’s largest shipping company, making long lines and delivery delays likely. A look at some of the alternative companies and their responses to the strike and the volumes they typically handle:

* U.S. Postal Service: Parcels at local post offices are limited to four per customer per visit. Those depositing more than four packages will be asked to set up an appointment at parcel drop-off locations. For information on the World Wide Web: https://www.usps.gov

* Federal Express: Not taking new customers, but will accept packages in its drop-off boxes, where pickup will be two hours earlier than normal. These times may vary per outlet. Has discontinued its money-back guarantee for on-time service. For more information: (800) 463-3339 or https://www.fedex.com

* Airborne Express: Not taking new customers, but will take packages from companies it does business with that also use UPS, as long as the packages have a tracking number. Has suspended its delivery guarantee. For more information: (800) 247-2676 or https://www.airborne.com

* RPS: Serving current clients only. For more information: (800) 762-3725 or https://www.shiprps.com

Consumer Tips

* Ask retailers which carrier they use. If UPS is their primary carrier, ask what arrangements have been made to compensate for the strike.

* Ask how long delivery should take.

* Don’t depend on receiving a delivery on time. Though other carriers are stepping in to handle more volume, there is a glut of merchandise to transport.

* If possible, wait to place a delivery order. The first days of a strike are usually hectic. Let retailers develop alternative shipping arrangements.

MORE ON THE STRIKE

Companies big and small scramble to get packages out. A1. Teamsters’ action was made possible in part by UPS’ dominance in the industry. A1

COMPARISON OF VOLUME, FLEETS

U.S. Postal Service

* Parcels: 1 million parcels a day (and more than 600 million pieces of mail)

* Fleet: 200,000 vehicles; mail also carried through contracts with commercial airlines

UPS

* Parcels: 12 million a day

* Fleet: 157,000 vehicles, 197 jets, 302 chartered aircraft

FedEx

* Parcels: 2.8 million a day

* Fleet: 38,000 courier vans, 583 jets and smaller feeder aircraft

RPS

* Parcels: 1.5 million a day

* Fleets: 5,000 contracted vehicles

Airborne Express

* Parcels: 1.3 million a day

* Fleet: 13,050 delivery vehicles, 114 owned-leased aircraft, 62 chartered aircraft

Sources: Company representatives, Times and wire reports. Researched by JENNIFER OLDHAM / Los Angeles Times