Original Packaging, you gotta have it.

I have a different perspective on shipping, so let me explain. I've been involved with the trucking industry for most of my adult life, so let me tell you guys what happens. Some of the trucks & trailers have air ride, some don't. Some roads are good, some not. Sometimes the load is stable, sometimes it shifts. Get the picture? The guys on the dock are underpaid & overworked as are the people who load & unload off conveyor belts, planes, whatever. The packages get thrown, dropped, kicked, poked with forklifts, etc. Lots of good suggestions as to packing. The best way to ship is use the original box w/original packing AND THEN put it in another box with a barrier of at least 4" of packing peanuts. If original packing material is unavailable, bubble wrap the component then tape together some sturdy cardboard for a makeshift box THEN put it in a second box with the barrier of packing peanuts. Everything I've ever sent this way has arrived undamaged because I've seen what can happen with my own eyes. Always put "Live Animals" on your package for best results. No wait, I mean put "Fragile Handle With Care". Also put "This End Up". For very large items there are tip over alerts that use a variety of triggering mechanisms like a mercury switch w/glitter for example. The acid test is this: When you're done packing up said item, hold it three feet off the ground. Now drop it. Do you feel comfortable that it will survive the fall? Better, 'cause that's what's going to happen once it leaves your hands. One last thing. When I pack stuff to send Priority Mail, it's packed well enough to be thrown across the room & banked off the wall.

Well Kevziek, I'm not defending anybody's job to do it in a substandard manner. I'm stating facts. As to underworked & overpaid, would you do that job for $8.00 an hour? Out in the elements? Don't deserve the job they have? Maybe it's the only one they could get. I would never defend anybody's kicking, dropping, crushing or otherwise damaging your or my packages, or anybody else's. I'm stating what I know goes on and advising those who care to read the post what goes on and hopefully how to avoid damages.

BTW, UPS is no worse than any other freight handling company. They just handle more packages and (unfortunately) damage proportionally more. It's a crap shoot as to what condition an item will arrive in, but you stand a better chance from the outset if you pack it yourself following some of the proven methods. As for receiving items, when I buy from an individual I always express my concern about shipping & find out how the seller ships. I'll make suggestions if I feel they need to be made & have been very LUCKY so far.

Lastly, I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble with UPS. No, I'm not affiliated with them in any way & can offer no suggestions as how to effectively deal with your situation. Maybe somebody else can shed some light on this.

I want to clarify something. Drivers and dock workers are paid different rates. I was referring to dock workers at $8.00 an hour. That's at the low end of the scale but does not go much beyond $12.00 an hour. The last time I checked, UPS's top driver wage was just above $22.00 an hour. I'm sure I'm in the ballpark with that.

Also there is a question of attitude. We've all had dealings at both ends of the scale. A low paid employee in a dead end job that gives you 110% and you're amazed at the quality of service. Then there's the supposed professional at $55.00 or $80.00 or more an hour that is an arrogant anal retentive incompetent and inefficient worker that thinks the world revolves around them. Of course, reverse these two positions and you see what I'm getting at.

As for the package, it just depends on who handles it. Like I said, it's a crap shoot. That's just the way it is.