Shipping 80lb amps.

The UPS driver commented when he picked up a box of a pair of electrostatic speakers from my house  "This is a big box, big boxes don't do well, I hope it makes it".  WELL, it didn't make it.  All the above comments apply to this case.  I never got reimbursed.  They said I didn't take out the insurance.  (I have always taken out insurance)

SO, build a wooden box around the outside cardboard box OR plan a vacation to deliver or pick up the item.  Yes, more time consuming and more money but it beats having your property destroyed.

Bigtwin,

Exactly.

An easy step that can be taken to make sure an item is not abused by the delivery person (and I agree UPS is generally the worst), is to ask the seller to ship with a signature required upon delivery. It is less convenient, but will circumvent having the item damaged or destroyed. Nothing is 100% fool-proof, but if the delivery person knows they will have to face the recipient in person, they will not be so cavalier in their treatment of the package.

Use TForce Freight (UPS Freight) - double boxed and on pallet(s). I just received (in IL) a 500lb Yamaha piano via TForce from the piano dealer (shipper) in MD in perfect condition (box and contents) - double boxed on pallet.

The dealer (shipper) noted he’d used them for many years with only one issue, which they resolved quickly. As noted (above) they use fork lifts to handle the packages and are skilled in handling freight in contrast to routine boxes (lighter weight) of the typical FedEx / UPS shipment.