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Which 'Shipping carrier provides the best overall

Now there's a question that ought to get some action. as important as it is to have a good one , or two, given the very nature of this venue in particular. For with but one exception, every deal I've personally done via Audiogon has been with the use of some carrier... and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Is there truly a carrier out there that continually provides exemptlary service. Handles goods properly, facillitates providing informaiton quickly and accurately? ..or is it always a coin toss with shipping equipment, in terms of timeliness and handling?

Having gained some experience over the past few years, both here at audiogon, and in former businesses, I think it may well be just that, a coin toss.

My very first opportunity to transact business with another member was steeped in miscomunication and poor training on the part of several FED EX emplyees and took months to regain the difference in an overcharge.

Most recently FED EX again has shown to be lacking in attention to detail and training of it's individuals, as well as access to timely shipping info updates. Frustrating at the time, but now since all turned out well, a laughable, but most memorable event.

For those who have done this 'shipping' thing quite often, I ask what is yuoor assessment of carriers in general, and have you determined a prefferance?

I feel this is certainly an area in dire need of an assessment based upon some considerable experiences, both in shipping, and in claims.

Thanks a lot. This should be most benificial to all at Audiogon...
blindjim
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
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.
jj2468
280 posts
 
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.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
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...??
jj2468
280 posts
 
Blindjim, a) the damage required that I replace the cd player transport, so it was not inexpensive and I thank Steve and GNSC for helping me, b) FedEx replied with a cursory form letter saying they would not pay, because there was no evidence it was their fault. It worked before I mailed it and it did not work after. However, there was no visible damage to the box, which appears to be the FedEx benchmark.

Regarding UPS: What upset me with UPS was that I telephoned them and was told they charge the same rate at the store as online. After shipping from the store with insurance, I went online to find that I could have saved about 30% or about $50 by shipping online. If they charge more for insurance at the store, I feel they should say so. If the UPS Store insurance product differs from the online one, then they should say so.

Recently, I sold an amp and the buyer asked me to put a couple of inches of foam peanuts between the inner and outer box. It was a pain to pack, but I think I may continue the practice for heavy items as I imagine it helps to have something to absorb the g-forces over miles of bouncing along in the back of a truck. Jeff
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Jj2468 - thank you.

"... there was no visible damage to the box, which appears to be the FedEx benchmark."

sometimes yes, sometimes, no. Exceptions must always be noted upon receipt. Anything about the packaging that 'seems' out of the ordinary has to be notated on the drivers PDA. i DO IT AS FROM EXPERIENCE. Even if it amounts to nothing later at least the door is open.

UPS
Like others the person you get on the phone likely doesn't know... yet they think they know and offer the lesser of the two evils or just something... to placate a caller. Sad but I've found it true more often than not.

2 BOXES
Always makes sense. Crushability is a good thing sometimes... well, minor amounts. when a tow motor shoves something along and drives it into something quite solid... even three boxes ain't gonna help... or if they knock it off a stack of stuff and it just happens to fall flat, showing no apparently crushed areas.

I'm real quick getting on board with the least ime they have it the better. But, that's no slam dunk either.

Pallet-tizing goods and strapping them down appears the only solution which should circumvent 90% of the issues in haulage. Man, it's pricey though... and they will stack pallets if possible.
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