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insurance and shipping with UPS

I recently shipped a Levinson 432 amplifier with UPS.I brought it to UPS and requested that they box it. It was insured. During transit UPS dropped the amplifier and pretty much destroyed it. I offered to pay for repairs, however the buyer had no interest in purchasing the item. UPS inspected the damaged amplifier and denied my claim, insisting  the  amplifier was not properly packaged. Corporate denied responsibility and said the issue was between myself and the UPS franchise that shipped it. I've been dealing with the franchise for a month and they are fighting with corporate in an attempt to adjudicate the issue. Meanwhile, I've repaid the buyer and have had  no relief from UPS. The UPS website clearly states that if a franchise boxed the item they are responsible. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to resolve this issue, other than hiring an attorney? UPS seems to be somewhat of a scam operation. I did not realize that all UPS offices were franchises and am wondering why anyone would ship anything of value with them.
catsally1
voiceofvinyl's avatar
voiceofvinyl
93 posts
 
I worked for UPS for a while. I’m also a collector and seller of higher-end audio and know how to pack properly. There’s no excuse for them not to pack that amp properly. I would have double-boxed it with 2x shippers and floated it in foam peanuts. UPS has all the right materials. 

The Pack and Ship service is obligated to make good- esp. if they pack it. As a seller, you need to declare the correct replacement value and must have some proof- a sales receipt is sufficient.

The local franchise sleezed-out and I’m glad you finally got help. 

BTW- there are no limits on the value of the item they will handle- they may choose to crate an item over $1000. It’s still their responsibility.


hifijones
118 posts
 
Glad to hear that UPS finally paid the claim. Fwiw neither UPS nor Fedex Ground provides insurance per se like the OP mentioned. The Declared Value fee that they use is to determine maximum liability in case of a necessary payout in the event of theft or damage. If you wade deep into the bowels of the Fedex website you’ll find this statement in upper-case: FEDEX DOES NOT PROVIDE INSURANCE. I discovered that the hard way several years ago.

Afaik the Post Office is the only entity that actually insures what you’re shipping.  I've shipped high-end gear via our esteemed Postal Service for many years and never had to make a single claim.  But then again I double-boxed and over-packed everything to withstand a nuclear blast.  
statenbob
3 posts
 
I just ordered a sub from SVS and was sent a e-mail that it would be in delivered today by end of day. The carrier was fed-ex. Took the day off and at 2pm was sent a fed ex e-mail that I was not home to sign and take delivery. WOW. Never left my home and checked my video and not one truck or fed ex employee ever came to my front door. Called fed-ex and got the run around. Next date will be next Monday by end of day and will have to take another day off. It will be 50/50 at best for delivery if the same clowns are on the truck. Will be willing to give it one more try, otherwise SVS will get it sent back. It is not their fault but it would be time to pay a visit to a brick and mortar store. Just adding my two cents!!!
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statenbob
3 posts
 
Thanks Elizabeth. Fed ex did offer for me to pick up at their depot. But it would be impossible for me to put a 120lb sub in my 3 series bmw.
 It just ruined my day . The lying really got to me , but as you made clear the guys doing the delivery have very little incentive. Even my regular fed ex guy told me it is not uncommon for these guys to do skips and then lie about it. I just do not want to rent a van and go through all the hassle. SVS offers free delivery which was a attractive option. Will see when Monday comes. LOL
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