Blumenthal calls for Xmas UPS refund

Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for UPS to provide refunds to customers who didn’t receive their packages and gifts on time for Christmas.

With an unexpected jump in orders, the shipping giant failed to deliver thousands of packages by the promised delivery date. Some FedEx packages also didn’t arrive on time.

UPS and FedEx officials said they’re were overwhelmed by last-minute orders and bad weather leading up to the holidays. After a national outcry, Amazon says it will refunding shipping charges and offer a $20 gift card to affected customers. Blumenthal also is urging action from UPS.

“The men and women of UPS ”“ as well as the United States Postal Service and FedEx ”“ do tremendous work this time of year, putting in grueling, long hours delivering gifts, and we are all grateful for their efforts,” Blumenthal said in a written statement. “It is incumbent upon these companies, however, that when a customer is quoted a delivery date ahead of Christmas, gifts arrive on time.”

“In a very real sense, Christmas is on the line,” he added. “I call on UPS to do the right thing and provide refunds to people whose Christmases were a little less cheery as a result of their late deliveries.”