Which 'Shipping carrier provides the best overall

Good stuff! Given the limited # of responses so far things are neck & neck... A couple thoughts further... Over 150lbs? Clearly, Global Bax, Yellow, in my neck of the woods "Gator" seem likely choices... matter of fact, I just opened an account with Global Bax. But the caveat there is they are entirely a 'heavy frieght" shipper.

There is also a provider for insurance due to loss for FED EX shippments, independant of FED EX. Some criteria must be met, and they only cover missing items. (TRANS GLOBAL INSURANCE 18002454852 (insurance for items sent via FED EX) Thee cost of insurance is $1, per hundred. Must be shipped via FED EX. No labeling of any kind other than FED EX shipping label. maybe if it's worth it, huh?

My most recent deal involved FED EX. A pair of speakers from Grand Rapids, Mi. to me in Fla...via ground. P/u fine. ..and delivered the next day! ...but to another address in Grand Rapids! Super ..from that day forward no info online... done. kaput!... gotta call for info... half the time the agents didn't know anymore than did I. although late Saturday eve I did get one that did know more... she said the items were now in toledo, oh. great! When are they to be delivered? I said. She goes, "Tomorrow.".. (Sunday?), and figuring she meant Monday, I added to what address? She says "to Grand Rapids Mi." ...you're not serious? Well there you go. Now that's service! Ultimately I did get a supervisor and she kept me informed afterwards including telling me of the morning of delivery, by callin me that they were now on the truck out for del. that last part was really good. Her calling me and all. Although when they arrived it was evident careful handling was not a priority. thank God for the superior containers and packing they were in. Although the paking had some rips on the cardboard outer covering... the plywood crates were entirely in tact... and upon unpacking, everything was in great shape... but always if any abberations, rips, water soaking, holes, or what have you, NOTE EVERYTHING IN THE 'EXCEPTIONS' to the driver. it's far easier to make a claim of undiscovered damage once those notes are on record... it's much harder later on.... also take a pic or two as the carton is biening opend... and if damage is found right off... call the carrier before completely unpakcing it... trust me here... it'll help...

My experiemce says "pack it well', and pray. ..and sometimes even still that seems to no avail... given forklifts,carelessness, or labels indicating handling proceedures... but the latter will help with a claim... provided it ain't ripped off during transit... Take pics - take pics of it packed. and the box open showing the packing... CYA.

as to time frames for shiping vai FED EX, it depends on the city (to and from) , not necessarily the distances. UPS keeps to the time regardless, maybe later, but no sooner. Fed Ex is maybe less than the five days ground... depends of the volume of business in the local areas... one last thing... there is a thing FED EX has called "Home Delivery"... sort of like ground but they come by on Saturdays too and it's abgout the same as ground... pricewise.

I was hoping to hear about another carrier to use with lighter stuff.... or simply a better shipper overall... but do continue to offer ANY thoughts as to shipping, claimns or toherwise as it pertains to this thread as we all need some further insights about this area so often necessary to this 'hobby'. Everything we want, ain't usually everywhere we live...
)

Justin_time, my B&WN801s which are almost 240kgs shipped from US to Austrlia without a scratches by Bax Global. but with that weight you would know that how much I had to pay for the fee though. Vincent

time flies.... but the same stuff still occurs.

Finding recently that BAX Global doesn't want to insure 'electronics' for more than $500, and wants absolutely nothing to do with speakers, they're off the list in my book.

I've found Nsgarch above to be right on the money.

UPS Stores: UPS Stores charge a higher rate for shipping, especially insurance for high end items, compared to UPS online.

Packing: Heavy and expensive items, consider packing in two boxes with about 2 inches of foam peanuts between the inner and outer boxes - to absorb energy.

FedEx: I've had one claim when using Express Saver and they did not pay.
FedEX COD: I've used it three times and found it to be reliable so far.

Jj2468 thanks

Was the damage significantly expensive, or past the coverage?

I was told by UPS over the phone, the UPS Stores are like franchises... individually owned. The owner must seek out his own insurance provider. consequently the costs for coverage are far higher, but rates are the same. I know. I was in a spot and had to use one. rates were identical to those online, but the ins was about three times as much.

My curiosity persists as to what exactly was the reason for the carrier to not pay...??