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Fed Ex Ground Shipping Woes

I've had two situations over the past 3 months where FedEx has caused shipping damange. I have had zero prior issues with them in the last 4 years. They immediately rejected the claim on the first item (packed in the OEM Box with original packaging materials and cited "insufficient packaging."

I learned quickly and recently had a seller professionally package an amp that was being shipped to me. The professional packer used a double-boxing system with at least 4 inches of rigid foam and Styrofoam peanuts. Shippers typically require a minimum of 3 inches of insulation around the unit.

To make a long story short, FedEx managed to managle the outer shipping container, mangle the inner shipping container, and damage the unit.

I'm at a loss for words......

Has anybody had better luck with one of the other couriers or any tips? I thought that both the seller and I did everything humanly possible to ensure safe delivery.
gechta

Showing 3 responses by tbg

tbg
5,263 posts
 
I only ship by FedEx Ground. I never ship anything by UPS. The "shock" in their system almost got them prohibited in the EU. FedEx air is a real toss up. Even well packed and light things usually have dented boxes.

I have had two claims out of more than 40 shipments with FedEx Ground. Both were initially rejected which is SOP for everyone. A call to FedEx on both got the payment for total damages once and got the unit repaired in another.

I also have had good luck with the USPS. One damage claim with them was easily resolved at my local post office.

OEM boxing is the way to go in most circumstances, but some companies are much better at packing than others.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jonnyblaze, you are the shipper. I had a similar experience with an amp. In my case it was dropped upside down with all transformers sheared off their mounts. It was one of two monoblocks. UPS ultimately bought both and took possession. I also had another amp experience which was shipped to me through a UPS pickup location. UPS said that I bought the insurance on it from the pickup location and they refused to pay. I took them into small claims court and lost with the judge saying I had brought the wrong company into court, even though the insurance form said UPS.

I hope your experience is like my first experience. If you shipped FedEx Ground, I have had but one experience. They also paid but it was a long effort to get it. Good luck.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Yes, Audiogon needs to say this is the normal way to deal with this situation. I once sold a quality turntable to a guy that FedEx Ground nearly destroyed and returned to me. Even the FedEx guy who returned it said "it looks like we did our best to destroy it."

FedEx said that they would consider repairing it but not declare it totaled. It was made in the UK, and I quickly moved to contact the company and to send pictures. Fortunately they were very helpful and gave a "worse case" estimate that FedEx honored. I sent it off and the company did and excellent repair.

The buyer in the mean time was bitching about my screwing him. When he got it back in first class condition, he apologized to me repeatedly.
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