WARNING - USE UPS FOR SHIPPING RATHER THAN FEDEX
I think you both missed the point. The point is... the FedEx policy vs that of UPS. UPS policy does reimburse the shipper for damage to the container... and... FedEx policy does not. How much simpler can I make it. It has nothing to do with what you "think," or what you "prefer." Both companies honor their insurance of contents... but... only UPS does so with regard to the container. So, if you don't want to incur the cost to replace the container... then... only UPS will insure it and replace it. The rest is moot. |
No doubt the only safe way to ship "high-dollar," heavy, bulky equipment is SBA or BAX - forget about FedEx and UPS. They may be fine for smaller, less expensive shipments, but not for "the good stuff." See the "Amps Forum" post by someone who is far more experienced and knowledgeable than anyone posting above. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/warning-use-ups-for-shipping-rather-than-fedex |
Wow... when I started this thread... I had no idea it would elicit all of these great incidents and suggestions of how to prevent destruction of your shipment by FedEx and UPS. Keep em’ comin’ But... in the meantime... give us the link to where / how to get "nylon strapping / tensioning system." What we need from this thread is how to prevent damage to expensive equipment, during shipping. That’s not FedEx... or... UPS. But... it may be SBA or BAX. I can tell you one thing... I will not... entrust expensive items to either one - FedEx or UPS. But... maybe... SBA or BAX. Ooops... I’m repeating myself... Oh... well... after 4 glasses of an incredible wine - I’m sure you can understand! Or... I’ll make dam’n sure the seller bears "risk of loss" if shipped via FedEx or UPS. And... make sure you pay via PayPal / Credit Card - that will reimburse you if you do not receive the shipment undamaged, in the condition described by seller. These are "no-brainer" suggestions to protect you. You should do the same. |
We checked with an Audio Dealer who ships a lot, and he advised us not to use FedEx, because they do use a lot of poorly trained contract drivers (many who do not speak English and who do not care how they handle shipments - they're much less costly). UPS does not do that. He also advised us to wrap the Mfrs packaging (usually 2 boxes) in bubble wrap, enclosed in additional outer box (3rd box), marked "Fragile, Do Not Stack, Do Not Drop," and insure the item for greater than $5000. He said UPS uses "special handling" for these packages, because of the increased value and cost if damaged in shipment. He advised that other than using a freight carrier (SBA, or DAX) that would be the safest way to ship high value goods. |
And... I guess to summarize it appears the following may be beneficial: 1. Should triple box - mfrs double box should be wrapped in some cushion material and enclosed in another box without mfrs labels on the outside box. 2. Should strap and tape the straps of the outside box. 3. Should take pics of the contents, packing process, and finished package. 4. Should have UPS or FedEx store inspect the packaging and complete the packaging with the final outside box to obtain their comfort and assurance any claims will be honored. 5. Should insure package for $5000+, to assure package receives special handling by shipping company. 6. Should consider using SBA or BAX for shipping large, heavy, high-value contents - because they use special freight handling to assure no damage in transit... and... they honor their claims. 7. Should consider using a 3rd party, independent shipping insurance company, such as ShipSure to assure claims are paid - Must meet their packaging requirements (most of which are included above). Think this reflects most of the advice from the experienced shippers. |
