UPS or should I Say Oooops

In my business, I receive hundreds of UPS packages monthly. I have found that damage is almost always due to improper packaging. We see everthing from pocelean toilets to highly sensitive computer equipment. I have less than 1 claim per month. Most damage is caused when an item (EVEN IF WELL WRAPPED) is loose inside the box. The cardboard box is much stronger when it receives equal support from the inside. A box that is 25% bigger than the item with all excess space taken up with energy absorbing packing material will provide better protection than two ill fitting larger boxes. If the box is unsupported it will crush and tear easier when dropped or stacked on. UPS is not resposible for improper packaging ... the shipper is. Additionally, as the shipper, you must prepare the package to survive reasonable handling. "HANDLE WITH CARE" or "FRAGILE" stickers DO NOT make a difference if the item is poorly packaged!!! If in doubt pay a service to package the item for you.

PS - our sister division pays UPS shipping bills weekly at a rate of $20,000 per week (that's a s---load of boxes) and has a similarly low rate of claims. The business is 100%consumer electronics.

The reason for this thread is that at the UPS counter near my home there is a big banner reading "Electronic, Computers, etc...must be shipped in Original Manfacturer Box" ..the counter person actually cut open my box when I told her what was in the box. She denied the parcel, the supervisor reopened the box and said the same, and informed me if this was shipped, had she allowed it, which she would not, any damage claims would be denied since no orig box.

Seems to me we have some inconsistancies in UPS policy which could lead to a false sense of security sending Insured and a potenitial waste of $$ purchasing insurance which ultimatley can be denied based on non original packaging.
At least from the Oakland CA UPS outlet.

As an Economist and a lawyer, I am a "dollar voter"...when I make my vote if feel it is for VERY good reasons:

I do my best to avoid Mircosoft.

I DO NOT buy or use anyting with a NIKE Swoosh on it.

I DO NOT drink Strabuck's Coffee.

AND most important: I DO NOT use UPS (nor will I purchase something TO BE shipped via UPS)

It makes absolutly no difference to any of the above companies that I do not patronize them...but it means someting to me....thats my story and I am sticking to it..

I uwse Mail Boxes, ETC to pack my gear sent by UPS. Costs slightly more, but nary a problem in many items shipped. UPS is about to purchase Mail Boxes Etc. so tough time denying claim packed by "them"

I can shed some light on this subject. UPS denies ALL claims whether they are insured, not insured, original box or not. They ALWAYS say it is as a result of poor packing, that is their only defense. And most important, they ALWAYS settle the claim when they are sued in small claims court. File the proper paperwork with UPS (claims form) send them everything they ask for. Expect to be ignored, put on hold, hung up on and to have few or none of your calls returned. Go straight to small claims court, no need to wait. If by a miracle, they contact you before the court date, get your check and just don't show up for court. If they don't respond or don't send you the check before the date, go to court. The legal department moves MUCH quicker than the claims department. Only 5% of people file claims and they are the ones who get their checks quickly. All of this information is based on a legitimately packed box and legitimate claim. If they think you insured something for a much higher value and packed it poorly to get the loot, your bluff will probably be called and you will have to go to court. In the event of a legitimate claim with plenty of photos, receipts, names of the people you spoke with etc.. they will settle right quick in a hurry.