2. misc-audio
  3. 137161-113474

insurance and shipping with UPS

I recently shipped a Levinson 432 amplifier with UPS.I brought it to UPS and requested that they box it. It was insured. During transit UPS dropped the amplifier and pretty much destroyed it. I offered to pay for repairs, however the buyer had no interest in purchasing the item. UPS inspected the damaged amplifier and denied my claim, insisting  the  amplifier was not properly packaged. Corporate denied responsibility and said the issue was between myself and the UPS franchise that shipped it. I've been dealing with the franchise for a month and they are fighting with corporate in an attempt to adjudicate the issue. Meanwhile, I've repaid the buyer and have had  no relief from UPS. The UPS website clearly states that if a franchise boxed the item they are responsible. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to resolve this issue, other than hiring an attorney? UPS seems to be somewhat of a scam operation. I did not realize that all UPS offices were franchises and am wondering why anyone would ship anything of value with them.
catsally1

Showing 6 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
"murdered" may be a bit strong.  Perhaps "ampslaughter"?
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
1st - For the life of me I can't imagine shipping a piece of audio gear of such value without packaging it up myself.  

2nd - You're talking about a 100+ lb. amp.!!  A piece like that either needs double boxing in extremely heavy gauge cardboard or a wooden shipping carton. I seriously doubt that a local UPS shipping center would have the materials to do the job.😲

3rd - Your "audio malpractice" killed a fine piece of audio equipment.🤯

4th - If you want the UPS franchise to reimburse you for the cost of the murdered gear, you are gonna need some legal talent.👔

5th - You messed up, but so have most of us at one time or another.  I wish you the very best.  Regardless of the outcome, if you learn from this then emphasize that as a positive.👍
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
OP - Can you go back to the UPS location and get names of employees you dealt with that day who made the assurances you note above?  A small claims suit may not be able to provide sufficient monies to compensate you for the value of the destroyed amp.  So you might check that first in your locality.  If the amount is sufficient, then take it to small claims and have the names of who told you what at UPS.

Based on your 10:50 AM post above, I can't see how you wouldn't win that battle. Once they receive notice from the local magistrate that a suit has been filed they may change their tune and pay up rather than appear with a losing case in court.  Good Luck!🍀


hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
@catsally1   Your wife is an attorney?  Shut up!  You had this thing in the bag with in house legal talent!  Nothing like sending correspondence on attorney letterhead.  Super glad to hear that this is being resolved in your favor!  Hopefully the wait for the check will be short.  What do you plan to do with the money since the Levinson was destroyed?  Also, sounds like you had a quality buyer.  Hopefully he can procure an amp. to suit his needs.👍
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
@vahes  "thousands".  Really?  Are you a dealer or what circumstance would place you in a position to see that many shattered Mc amps.?

@sfseay   Do you keep the original shipping cartons of the gear you own?  I would hope so.  I don't understand not having the original boxes designed to protect the gear.  

I would NEVER allow a UPS or even FEDEX employee pack up my gear.  If really in a pinch, I would contact the manufacturer and pay them for a carton made for the equipment in question.  Most top notch companies will do so willingly and for a reasonable price.  Simple and smart.


hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
@uberwaltz  +1  

I think you stated the case quite well.  The only feathers to be ruffled by your post in my mind would be someone reading it who works for UPS or FEDEX.

We live on a development road with a 25 MPH limit.  How many of those delivery trucks do you think are even close to honoring that?   

My son and I have been discussing this of late and we are under the impression that at least is the case of UPS drivers, that their work day is defined by the time it takes them to empty their truck not by the hour.  If so that might help explain why so many mistakes are made and mishaps occur.  Please weigh in if you know how it all works.

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