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 1 response by nick778

Both UPS and FedEx use a system of chargebacks to the origin or destination station for these claims. UPS also uses an outside contractor named Crawford to manage the claims process and they are notoriously difficult and make decisions for UPS.

Given the economy and that both companies are in severe cost cutting mode, neither one wants to pay claims like they use to (even then it wasn't fun). Getting one of the stations to accept responsibility or in UPS' case for Crawford to approve a claim is a tedious process to say the least.

As already said here, you have to get to a manager if you have difficulty at all or your claim will never be approved.
With Crawford and UPS, it is much more difficult since you can't get a UPS person unless ou are a business with a sales representative.

The safest way to send heavy (over 80 lbs) amp or speakers is indeed by LTL freight on a pallet. And yes it does cost more.

I worked at FedEx for 20 years. Things have changed.