One thing sellers/shippers can do to protect themselves from rutheless shippers is to use shock detection devices called "shockwatches". These are little accelerometers that trip if the package is exposed to a "G" rating over a certain amount. Once tripped, its obvious (they cannot be reset). One type uses a ball bearing suspended by four springs in a clear plastic case. You can stick these on the inside box of a double box, for example. If a G force higher that the rating is experienced, the ball pops out of the springs and you have a jumble of parts. You want to scare the heck out of a UPS clerk, just point out the shock watches on the box.
When we used to ship very expensive semiconductor manufacturing equipment we used these, and they were indispensable for filing claims with shippers later, esp if there was "invisable" damage or no obvious damage to the packing materials.
I have also found that over-insuring tends to make shippers handle packages more carefully. Not sure fire, but insuring an amp for $1000 generally gets UPS attention because they do not wnat to come close to paying that claim.
When we used to ship very expensive semiconductor manufacturing equipment we used these, and they were indispensable for filing claims with shippers later, esp if there was "invisable" damage or no obvious damage to the packing materials.
I have also found that over-insuring tends to make shippers handle packages more carefully. Not sure fire, but insuring an amp for $1000 generally gets UPS attention because they do not wnat to come close to paying that claim.