Shipping by UPS

IMHO makes no difference with UPS, FedEx, DHL or UPS Ground. The damages are usually during the transit, when the machines have no idea if you are shipping an Ayon in triple boxes, or a box of egg wrapped in old newspaper. Have 4 inches of sold cushion (not foam peanuts, not cheap breakable foam block) and you’d be fine.

It makes a difference with FedEx Ground as I found their local drivers absolutely don’t care and would happily drop your package from the truck to the ground when nobody is watching. Note that I see FedEx Ground out-source quite a bit of work to old-timers (who can’t even bent their back), or off-shore nationals (always in a rush). They either cannot handle weight or just don’t care.

Talon shipped my Khorus speakers crated. First pair looked to have been dropped a good 3 feet, crushed the crate skids and cracked the cabinets wide open. Second pair I was out on the street and watched as the driver opened the door to reveal both speakers clearly marked THIS SIDE UP laying on their sides. Third set I took my pickup to the airport to meet the speakers and eliminate about half the risk of damage. Had to load two monster 150+lb crates on and off my truck but these at least had no damage.

If yours already left then you intercept them asap. If they haven't shipped you tell them to slap FRAGILE GLASS all over AND use SEVERAL conspicuously placed shock detectors. When they see the shock detectors they know they have to be careful enough to at least not break those!

It’s true FedEx hires independent contractors. They wear the company shorts and drive a FedEx truck but each driver owns his own business and routes. Being on the road with nobody to answer to makes for a a lack of pride in their work.

The comment about Amazon above is true.  The shipping industry is overwhelmed and having difficulty hiring.  They rely heavily on part-timers and "independent contractors".  Wages are low, benefits are meager and work quotas are high.  Is it realistic to expect them to care about your package anymore than FedEx/UPS cares about them?