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Does UPS ever open and inspect packages?

Lately, I have had a couple instances where I have shipped a practically mint item via UPS only to find out from the recepient that the item looked as if it had been taken apart or inpected. This happened most recently with a power cable. Again, it wasn't damaged per se, but it wasn't in the same condition that it was originally sent either. Cable was well packaged btw...

So, my question is (maybe a UPS employee can pipe in here) does UPS do any kind of a random package inspection? I can see where some of the weird stuff that we audiophiles ship around could fall under the area of "suspicious" at times, especially in this day and age (and especially if they x-ray random packages??), so I wondered if this was a possiblity.
denf
accent
41 posts
 
UPS SUCKS... They NEVER admit damage EVEN when they pack it. I use DHL soley for shipping after losing Much $ on sales/trades. DHL just is not as busy yet. AND if you send a package UPS across the street 5 day it will only arrive on the 5th day.
I regularly get Fla.-Ca. shipping 3-5 day in 3 day, Tex-Ca. in 2 days when I specifically ask for ground, cheapest possible.
Check my feedback and or contact buyers/sellers
DHL DHL DHL DHL DHL DHL...
MMM
theo's avatar
theo
2,680 posts
 
No they do not open them. It is company policy to not open any packages. However that same policy does go on to provide the right at anytime to either lose or damage packages. My theory is UPS is an acronym for Unusualy Poor Service and there is a reason the trucks are brown. Of course just my opinion, derived from multiple experiences.
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
Who the hell is going to deliver dope with a computer box that is sealed with thier tape unless thier was an obvious cut in box to make it look like it came from factory and then you would have to send from same zipveirtually inpossible.Yeah UPS uscks but and have damaged speakers of mine more than once.But drop shippers aren't cheap.Prefer DHL but again same deal.Private drop shippers are best wehn it's fragile and heavy but cables i'd go with cheapest option with insurance.
Chazzbo
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
One of the best values (for anything over $500 that won't fit in a USPS Priority flat rate box,) is FedEx's "Express Saver" 3rd day air service.

It's about 50% more than FedEx Ground (and WELL worth it!) HOWEVER you will not see it on their website's rate calculator, and they won't point it out to you at the Kinko's service desk -- even though there's a checkbox for it right on the airbill form!! They're keeping it a SECRET -- can you believe it!

You get minimal handling, often delivery in TWO days, a 150 lb. maximum weight limit per package. For example, I once shipped two 130 lbs. ea. ARC tube amps in separate boxes, insured for $5K, including overnight return to me of the COD cashiers check for $325! Arrived without a scratch.
evander
10 posts
 
No, the packages are not inspected. The box will be taped if it has come open by mistake. Quite a few do come open due to either poor taping or if it gets crushed by a heavier package. Once in a while you will see DEA agents there with dogs sniffing the boxes but it's really rare.

Regards...
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