UPS and FedEx freight shipping reliable?


Item I want to sell weighs 80 lbs unpacked, measures 25 x 18 x 11, kind of like a large desk. 

How reliable (i.e. not damaging items) are UPS and FedEx freight? I've had problems with their home and ground service damaging my package.

Would they do the packing and find the right box and materials for the item themselves, or is that the shipper's responsibility? Do other freight shipping companies have online tracking/delivery confirmation if I choose to use a different company?
shnaggletooth

OP-


shipping/receiving seems to be territory dependent. Meaning, in some locations it is excellent, like mine, while others have issues with their UPS/Fed Ex deliveries. gdnrbob has very good info for you.

Make certain that everything is insured to the hilt. Maybe even a little over-insured to protect everyone involved.

I bought a large subwoofer that was packed by UPS and shipped by UPS.  It came in completely smashed -- knobs broken off, corners smashed . ..  They clearly had no clue how to pack anything.  My advice is that either UPS or FEDX will be fine IF it is packed well.  Original packing will probably be great.  For heavy speakers, I would only use freight.

Ok, so the item I mentioned in my original post is up for sale, but I'm not getting any inquiries about it, and I think partly because I made it local pick-up only. 

Where could I find a box big enough and sturdy enough to pack this thing? I looked at boxes on the uline website, but they only sell in bulk.
My recommendation would be to use a local independent shipping store. They can box and pack for you and then help you select the best shipper

In Los Angeles where I used to live I regularly worked with Box Brothers and shipped many items larger and more fragile then yours. Someone like them close to you should be able to help.

Avoid the franchise FedEx or UPS stores unless you really know the person you are working with

maybe members in NJ where you are can provide a recommendation

ps having seen the item you are trying to sell I worry that it was never designed to be shipped. Personally I'd feel much more comfortable taking it apart and packing each item separately and the wooden case in its own carton. Of course this increases the complexity considerably. 
Me, my dealer, my friends all have one rule.  Anything you CARE about goes UPS.  The rest goes fedx.