Shipping Packages through Big Name Parcel Shippers-You are not the Shipper?

[Orange Guzzi]

I have been using a local Federal Express Drop Off sight to send packages.  Recently I packed up some Moto Guzzi parts to send across the U.S.  I ask to insure them for $500.  Why, Moto Guzzi parts are hard to find, I had a lot of work in the parts and replacement parts were over $600.  When the parts arrived in California, the Receiver contacted me via E-mail.  He include pictures of the damaged box and the damaged part.  It looked like someone had put it under something heavy then pushed it across ruff cement.  Grinding it down, destroying the finish and removing metal.  The parts were packed in a box, over packed and shipping air bags filled in the empty space.  10 pounds total.

I filed a claim as the Shipping location told me to do.  Included pictures of the part before damage, two suppliers price quotes, cost of return shipment and a quote if I was to refurbish the parts rather than replace with new parts.  The claim was denied.  Reason, I was not the shipper.  The shipper is the Contracted Location with the Fed-Ex sign out front.  I was just someone that utilized Their account.  The letter I receive said I have to have "the shipper" file a claim for damages, they will be paid and it is up to them to reimburse me for my loss.  They have been nice about it all.  They said they have never had to file a claim for damages.  It was a new procedure for them.

Lesson learned, only us an official shipper location.  Post Office, UPS terminal, Fed-Ex terminal.  No pack and ship location.  Buy insurance. 

[Johncolleary]

Thanks for the heads up
good info!

[wirespokes]

I ship a lot of stuff, and a lot gets shipped to me. Fedex is my carrier of choice, and I've had to make maybe one claim in the last twelve or fourteen years. I didn't know that about the non-fedex shipping sites - that's something to consider.

Also, I don't consider those air pillows proper cushions, especially for a ten pound package. It's too easy for them to burst - and then what does that leave you? No cushion at all!

For something heavy you can zig zag a piece of cardboard from one side to the other. Thin pieces of plywood stood up this way will support a water bed. That's a LOT of weight. Place your heavy item on top, then do the same above. Or you can put peanuts in plastic bags and make pillows out of them. That way, the peanuts won't migrate to the sides leaving the part resting on the bottom of the box or knocking against the other items in there. Double boxing is another option - pack the part well, then place in a larger box with padding all around - peanuts or whatever.

Shipping a transmission with vulnerable casting edges is best done with a large enough box filled with expanding foam. Put the part in a plastic bag. Support the item so it's in the middle of the box then fill the box half way with foam. It's best filling a large plastic bag with the foam. Breaking something like a transmission out of that foam can be a huge chore. When it's set up, fill up another large plastic bag with expanding foam and put it over the top. They transport very well that way.

In the final analysis, if the item wasn't sufficiently packed, the carrier can deny your claim. So pack it very well!

Pack it so it'll survive a 6' drop to concrete. That's what you should have in mind while boxing up the item. Pack it with the idea in mind that insurance won't take care of it - the part must absolutely make it there undamaged!

[Triple Jim]

It think it's still $4 to have Fedex or UPS pick up the package at your house the next day.  We make the shipping labels online and  have the packages ready when the driver arrives.

I ship the vast majority of my outgoing packages by USPS Priority Mail, and we use Shipping Easy to make the labels and get a discount.  In ten years of shipping many hundreds of packages, I have not had to replace even one due to loss or damage.  A very few were misrouted and either delayed or come back here when an overseas customer somehow fails to pay the duty and pick it up.  I almost never insure any of them.  Even if I were to  lose a few hundred bucks worth of products, I'd still be way ahead compared to paying the insurance cost all these years.

Edit:  Wirespokes, that's exactly what I've said for years:  Pack for a 6 foot drop onto concrete.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Being a Guzzi Guy.. I never pay the extra.. and it is a fair amount.. at a "shipping" store.

[Moto Fugazzi]

We ship quite a few pieces everyday from our work and have to file a damage claim every so often. They always deny the claim the first time, and you have to be persistent and typically ask for a supervisor on the phone. I start out politely and usually get a little louder and don't give up until I get my way. They'll also give partial refunds if the item isn't a total loss.
Ken

[toolittletime]

I used to have my local Fedex and UPS do my shipping for me.  Last year I opened up a Fedex account online ....very simple to do......
You use your account to create the shipment.....enter the destination.....wei gh and measure the box and enter this information also.
You can then print out your own label, and attach it to the box.......drop it off at Fedex of UPS, and you ARE the shipper. It is also much cheaper than having the counter person do it.
Using your account, you can also add insurance.....make the receiver sign for the package......it even sends them e mail updates as to where the shipment is.
BTW.....I found out that the rates for small operations like me are much cheaper through Fedex, as opposed to UPS

Hope this helps you in the future............. .Tim

[quota2000]

Ii used to ship fragile, giant model airplanes.  They would get damaged in freight ALL the time.  Finally, after numerous denied claims due to "improper packaging", I had my UPS rep. over to the warehouse and had each one of our particular models opened up for him to inspect the packaging.  He "approved" all of our models' packaging, saying he was impressed how much thought and expense we had used with our products.  Two days later, one of our customers received his plane.  The box looked like an accordion.  I filed a freight claim.........DENIE D.....IMPROPER PACKAGING!!!!!  LOL

Moral of the story is that every freight company that I have ever dealt with, as a default, will deny every claim until you push the issue.

Regards,

Jeff

[quota2000]

Oh, and here is what my suitcase looked like upon returning home from a recent trip to Las Vegas!

I would've thought the Samsonite gorilla was long dead!




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[rss29]

Oh, and here is what my suitcase looked like upon returning home from a recent trip to Las Vegas!

I would've thought the Samsonite gorilla was long dead!




host gif online

I travel a lot and soft luggage is the way to go. Hard luggage seems like it should protect better but that hasn’t been my experience. Soft bags hold up better to airline abuse.

[Lannis]

Oh, and here is what my suitcase looked like upon returning home from a recent trip to Las Vegas!

I would've thought the Samsonite gorilla was long dead!




host gif online

A human being, even tossing that bag from the height of a A-380 luggage hatch to the ground and landing on a towmotor, couldn't do that.    Something with a motor ran into it and crushed it.

On my overseas flights with riding gear, I use a large Aerostich "Ortlieb Waterproof" bag.    Pack that thing full with fragile items in the middle, strap it shut and cinch it up, and you could take and run a forklift into it with minimal damage ... It has some significant scuff marks on it from where someone apparently tried, but no damage to contents to date.

If you're taking a Stradivarius or something, though, you'd better have it in your hand and not the baggage compartment ...

Lannis

[Socalrob]

A human being, even tossing that bag from the height of a A-380 luggage hatch to the ground and landing on a towmotor, couldn't do that.    Something with a motor ran into it and crushed it.

On my overseas flights with riding gear, I use a large Aerostich "Ortlieb Waterproof" bag.    Pack that thing full with fragile items in the middle, strap it shut and cinch it up, and you could take and run a forklift into it with minimal damage ... It has some significant scuff marks on it from where someone apparently tried, but no damage to contents to date.

If you're taking a Stradivarius or something, though, you'd better have it in your hand and not the baggage compartment ...

Lannis

I recall sitting in a full size passenger jet and watching about 5 suitcases drop off the conveyo belt from pretty close to the luggage hatch.

Has to be quite the fall.