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WARNING - USE UPS FOR SHIPPING RATHER THAN FEDEX

Just a bit of advice for those shipping heavy items to buyers.

FedEx has indicated that it is their policy NOT TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - you must replace the container at your own cost.  

UPS has confirmed that it is their policy TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - provided you provide sufficient proof of loss.  

This happened to me this week.  FedEx destroyed an expensive box containing an amplifier I purchased on Audiogon.  The shipper filed the claim for replacement of the box, which cost $150 from the manufacturer, and FedEx denied the claim - because they do not insure the container - ONLY THE CONTENTS.  The shipper had foolproof proof of loss.  Yet FedEx would not reimburse him.  The shipper did have a new box sent to me - but, he had to absorb the entire cost of the damage caused by FedEx.  

The only recourse the buyer has is to simply "reject" the shipment and FedEx will return it to the seller at the seller's cost.  In this instance, I conferred with the shipper, and he decided to have me accept the shipment and he would replace the box.  But... it was a costly lesson.  

This is the socond time this has happened to me - FedEx has damaged a container, during shipment.  So - it is a frequent enough occurence that it will be my policy in the future to ship only via UPS.  
bassdude
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,506 posts
 
Ok I understand the frustration about the expensive container being damaged. Have you considered the fact that, if its that nice of a box then the seller should have placed IT in another container to prevent damage during shipping. I know a thing or two about shipping high end equipment, and you really have to overpack to insure things like this do not happen. Don't blame the shipping company IMO you should plan for the worst. I used to work for UPS in the 80's. And I always use FEDEX because its close to my house....never a problem, because I PACK they dont. (that way if anything goes wrong I can only blame myself) The seller should have split the cost with you at the very least IMHO.


Matt M
bassdude OP
502 posts
 
I think you both missed the point.

The point is... the FedEx policy vs that of UPS.  UPS policy does reimburse the shipper for damage to the container... and... FedEx policy does not.  

How much simpler can I make it.  

It has nothing to do with what you "think," or what you "prefer."  

Both companies honor their insurance of contents... but... only UPS does so with regard to the container.

So, if you don't want to incur the cost to replace the container... then... only UPS will insure it and replace it.  

The rest is moot.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
FedEx one shipment was to be delivered tues then they changed to wed for no reason .One week latter i had records with a delivery date of sat.I checked it was on the truck near me suddenly it said it would not be delivered until tues because of bad weather it was 50 and sunny.They are real turkeys.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
bassdude, I agree that the FedEx policy sounds ridiculous, but with Hifi gear, it's always safer to double-box.
As a former UPS employee who worked on the line sorting and unloading trucks, knowing how those packages are handled behind the scenes, turned me into a FedEx customer.

In industry ratings, UPS has the best "on time" delivery record, but has been highest in damages reported.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I get your issue with FedEx, they won't replace boxes. So what? In the final analysis though, all costs have to be taken into consideration. I ship FedEx because it's cheaper than UPS, and more convenient for me, end of story.

Now, if you would rather pay the extra costs for years just in case you may cash in on that insurance policy one day with a box, you are free to do so.

I have been shipping FedEx for 20+ years, and this has not been an issue. I have had shipping damage claims, but not for damaged boxes. All carriers have shipping damage, it's part of the trade.
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