Actually, we use Teterboro. Left there yesterday afternoon.

Someone at FedEx ground has a p-car with new brake rotors, pads, and stainless lines. Shipped from Ontario, tracked to distribution center in Hawthorne. Disappeared. No explanation. Happened last year. Shipper still waiting for reimbursement. So am I. One of the center managers said sometimes packaging encourages 'inspection'. Was their answer. I said 'inspection' sounds like 'shopping'. He shrugged.

I ended up just kissing my original deck lid goodbye and sold the grill from it to the originial purchaser. Kicked back the difference to him as soon as it was clear that UPS was not going to play ball. Bastards.

Here's my FedEx story. I shipped two tires, insured. Buyer is suppose to sign for delivery. Nobody home. Instead, driver forges the delivery slip and leaves the tires in front of the house whereupon they promptly disappear. FE paid the insurance, but the buyer was left w/o tires he wanted. Isolated situation - probably. I've had pretty good luck with UPS (knock on wood), but I use USPS on international shipments.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

UPS...

I walked into a UPS Store to ship an amp. I had wrapped the amp really well with good materials and was confident the amp would get to the buyer safely. When I aked if I could insure the package I was told I would not be able to get insurance unless I used thier (UPS') packaging. So I figure what the heck, why not? The lady ended up quoting me $30 JUST to pack the amp. Thirty bones for a box and bubble wrap?!? what freggin' rip off....

I went to USPS with my package and they shipped it for me, with insurance. Got there safe and in working order.

Grind

Ive had UPS and Greyhound destroy things. Ive also had Fed Ex forge signatures on things that have disappeared. I overinsure everything and hope for the best. Its a crapshoot with any of them, and a major PITA when something does go wrong.

Once in awhile I sell a gun or some art. UPS policy is that a handgun be shipped 2nd Day Air..which runs about $40 with insurance, a Long gun they will ship Ground which is more reasonable. Most of my clients tend to balk at the cost of 2nd Day Air. I will ship Ground unless otherwise specified. I always insure as some of the items I ship will run several thousands of dollars.

I took a handgun in to be shipped with UPS, and the IDIOT clerk cut open the box and took my packaging apart to ostensibily see if it was loaded? After he was through I told him top reseal the package. I immediately left and went to Fed EX, which I have been very happy with and is for the most part a little cheaper. They will ship a handgun gun by ground which is a lot cheaper. So far I have not had any problems with damage nor theft...and my E-bay sales feedback notes I do a good job packaging.

Gotta agree with you folks -- UPS insurance is WORTHLESS!

Having owned a small carbon fiber parts company for about a year and a half, I can tell you from personal experience that UPS' insurance company is among the most shrewd in the business! They'll make you submit all types of forms and proof about what you sent, when you sent it, what it cost the person you sent it to, etc., all in an attempt to confuse and frustrate you against even making a claim to begin with! If you do persevere, and actually jump through their "hoops", they will inevitably claim "improperly packaged". Our business eventually moved all our shipping business elsewhere...

-Jeff

Yeah, UPS is bad. They lost my trade show booth for 6 weeks and then returned it totally damaged. I've been trying to collect for 4 months now.

Trying to process a Fedex Ground claim is just as frustrating as UPS. Believe me....I gave up on a claim for a destroyed monitor.

And those UPS "Stores" are former Mail Boxes Etc stores....what a joke. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure why they practically went under.

I've shipped several hundred items via FEDEX Ground in the past few years. I've foregone the expense of insurance, and I apply the savings towards better packing material and better boxes. I frequent a surplus box warehouse that sells box overruns. Double wall boxes are dirt cheap (much cheaper than a single wall 200 lb box from any shipping outlet).

Then, I package the item to withstand a nuclear blast or similiar.

Yes, I still incur damage, but it's usually not terminal. I just chalk it up as the cost of doing business. Fighting UPS/FEDUP is only going to raise my blood pressure, and I would pay money to avoid that.

Just my opinion,
Jürgen

Seems that if the UPS packaging guidelines were followed they'd have to pay.

http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/prepare/guidelines/prepare_package1.html

This is the custom box modification performed by UPS when I bought a used rear valence from another Pelican. I really expected it to be trashed but it was OK.



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/upsbox1.jpg

Small Claims Court! Also file a complaint with your state's consumer prot. office.

My company spends several million dollars a year with Fedex....insured every time....if damage occurs...no problem...they issue a check almost the next day.
Now....who can say why they are so good with us...? Anyone...? LOL
Obviously money talks...and big money screams.
If they were to argue just once...the account would be moved...just like it was moved from UPS!
BTW...it's movie making equipment...very expensive.
Bob

..... and you remember what happened to Tom Hanks in Castaway. :eek: They gave him a return party though.

Sherwood

In defense of UPS, FedEX etc, I think a lot of damaged shipments are in fact due to inadequate packaging.

Like the picture Lee posted, of the box containing the rear valance. The way it is caved in, seems like the box is single-wall and not too beefy (used to hold flourescent light tubes) no bracing, and not much packaging material around the valance.

These parcels get handled a lot, stacked up high, sent through automated conveyers and sorters. Think of how airlines treat luggage and you'll be right on. You wouldn't drop a large fragile piece of sheet metal into a unreinforced cardboard box meant for light bulbs and expect it to survive a trip on United Airlines.

So, whoever said you have to pack the item to survive a nuclear blast, has got the right approach IMO.

I guess we can wish UPS, FedEx treated the parcels more tenderly but they need to maximze profit. They optimize their systems for the average parcel - which isn't a 911 hood.

The Greyhound method is a great idea - I'll have to remember it.

Now, I'm not going to defend UPS, FedEx for losing packages. That is inexcusable, especially with all the tracking technology they have.