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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
dsper
663 posts
 

I use Fed Ex ground for all my shipments and have had no problems.

Also, my experience is that Fed Ex is less costly.

Finally, if the OEM carton is so valuable, then buy another "shipping" carton within which to place it when you ship it. Common sense would tell you that no carrier is ever going to replace an outer carton, which by definition, is the shipping carton.

simao's avatar
simao
1,820 posts
 
@blackjack616  I imagine the vast majority of UPS employees love and excel at their job - and there's a certain amount of social foundation in seeing that big brown truck pull up outside one's house with a box of good news! Still, it wasn't the rank-and-file employees so much as the denial of any responsibility for the damage. I felt as if a company that cared for the nuts and bolts would have lent more credence (not to mention NOT tossed the box around like it was sawdust).
maxboy00's avatar
maxboy00
277 posts
 
I just shipped a pair of speakers via UPS, it was cheaper than Fedex, I doubled boxed and had UPS pack them up at the UPS store. I have faith they will arrive safe & sound to their new owner.....
bassdude OP
495 posts
 
Does UPS say they will honor their insurance with no questions... IF... they package them for shipment at their UPS store?  

Just curious if that makes claims simpler to resolve with UPS?

Or FedEx for that matter - if its packaged by the FedEx store?


bcgator's avatar
bcgator
355 posts
 
Yes, insurance claims are potentially easier when the item has been packaged by a FedEx or UPS store. But keep in mind that most UPS stores - at least the ones in the USA - are franchises so they’re not actually owned by UPS. If the people running a given UPS store are unprofessional or clueless, you may end up transferring your problem rather than eliminating it - instead of fighting UPS corporate, you end up arguing with a UPS store owner. So when you choose a UPS store, pay attention to how it’s being run, don’t be afraid to ask questions, see how the people behind the counter respond to being questioned about insurance, liability, etc.

I can tell you from 17 years experience shipping everything from jukeboxes to rare artwork to audio equipment that if you use any of them long enough - FedEx, UPS, USPS - they’ll ruin your week. But no matter who you use, insure with a dedicated 3rd party. We have accounts with ShipSurance and G4S International (which is now owned by ParcelPro). Find a dedicated transit insurance provider who is experienced covering what you want to ship. I’ve had good success with USPS insurance, the few times they’ve been involved, but I would never insure with UPS or FedEx directly.
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