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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
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.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
reality is different UPS has very high probability to destroy even bullet proof packaging and void reimbursments at all possible costs
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
I am going to stick with Fedex as they are always cheaper than UPS by a significant amount every time i ship
roccl007's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
roccl007
205 posts
 
UPS really suck. The brown Gorillas are playing football with the customers packages in their warehouse. 

You should try to go in court with FEDEX....
Good luck

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