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Fed Ex Ground Shipping Woes

I've had two situations over the past 3 months where FedEx has caused shipping damange. I have had zero prior issues with them in the last 4 years. They immediately rejected the claim on the first item (packed in the OEM Box with original packaging materials and cited "insufficient packaging."

I learned quickly and recently had a seller professionally package an amp that was being shipped to me. The professional packer used a double-boxing system with at least 4 inches of rigid foam and Styrofoam peanuts. Shippers typically require a minimum of 3 inches of insulation around the unit.

To make a long story short, FedEx managed to managle the outer shipping container, mangle the inner shipping container, and damage the unit.

I'm at a loss for words......

Has anybody had better luck with one of the other couriers or any tips? I thought that both the seller and I did everything humanly possible to ensure safe delivery.
gechta
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I guess I would have to say that I am fortunate. I ship Fed Ex Ground because it is the cheapest option, and the buyer rarely chooses to spend more on shipping. In fact, one of my pet peeves is that once a price has been negotiated including all fees, Paypal, shipping etc, a buyer will then ask, "jeez, I really want that abc quickly, could you overnight it or send it 2nd day air?". IMHO that should all be part of the initial negotiations.

Anyway, I ship Fed Ex Ground in the CONUS for the last 8 years, with only one problem, and Fed Ex paid the claim in full. When shipping internationally I use USPS for duties collection reasons (Fed Ex Ground sucks at this).

UPS Ground cost more than Fed Ex Ground, and I'd be happy to ship air if the buyer wants to at least split the additional cost. Normally though the buyer wants the cheapest price, which gets him the cheapest shipping.

Cheers,
John
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
My experience, after shipping and receiving over 200 packages in the last three years, is to never, never use FedEx ground. Regular FedEx is okay.

Unless it is for media mail, never use USPS. They don't pay claims, ever.

UPS ground is the only carrier left, unless you do local pickup or delivery. Never ship a turntable, only pickup.
The beauty of UPS ground is that if you receive something damaged, you can file a claim on line and UPS comes and gets the item the next day. No hassel, so far. Will they pay a claim? Yes and no. If UPS thinks it is not their damage, back it goes to the shipper. From that point it is anybodies quess. But remember, if you paid for the item via PayPal, and can prove it has been returned, easily done with UPS tracking reports. PayPal will give you your money back. Little to lose since you did not have to pay for return shipping, and PayPal will give you your fully payment back.
drtmth58
66 posts
 
As was suggested in one of the earlier posts, FedEx Ground is definitely not the same company as FedEx Express. FedEx Ground couriers are independent contractors who purchase the right from FedEx corporate to provide service to a given zip code(s). Just 2 weeks ago, a major online retailer of pro and consumer products told me that they never use FedEx Ground because of innumerable service and damage problems deriving from the fact that FedEx Ground personnel are indeed sub-contractors. With all of the above in mind, that is the most likely reason why attitudes toward and experiences with Fedex Ground are so variable. Our local FedEx Ground courier is so bad that I was forced to open a UPS account -- and I have had my own personal FedEx account since 1984.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Well, this is depressing. I just sent two packages this morning via FedEx Ground. I've had flawless service from them over the past 5 years. We'll see what happens this time and I'll report back if the thread still exists.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Although I've never had any problem with damage, I refuse to use Fedex, air or ground, because the local distribution and drivers have been incompetent. Not once have they actually delivered to my door. Last time, they said my address doesn't exist. At least UPS has had the common sense to make late afternoon deliveries to a residential address.
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