Which 'Shipping carrier provides the best overall

Good stuff! Given the limited # of responses so far things are neck & neck... A couple thoughts further... Over 150lbs? Clearly, Global Bax, Yellow, in my neck of the woods "Gator" seem likely choices... matter of fact, I just opened an account with Global Bax. But the caveat there is they are entirely a 'heavy frieght" shipper.

There is also a provider for insurance due to loss for FED EX shippments, independant of FED EX. Some criteria must be met, and they only cover missing items. (TRANS GLOBAL INSURANCE 18002454852 (insurance for items sent via FED EX) Thee cost of insurance is $1, per hundred. Must be shipped via FED EX. No labeling of any kind other than FED EX shipping label. maybe if it's worth it, huh?

My most recent deal involved FED EX. A pair of speakers from Grand Rapids, Mi. to me in Fla...via ground. P/u fine. ..and delivered the next day! ...but to another address in Grand Rapids! Super ..from that day forward no info online... done. kaput!... gotta call for info... half the time the agents didn't know anymore than did I. although late Saturday eve I did get one that did know more... she said the items were now in toledo, oh. great! When are they to be delivered? I said. She goes, "Tomorrow.".. (Sunday?), and figuring she meant Monday, I added to what address? She says "to Grand Rapids Mi." ...you're not serious? Well there you go. Now that's service! Ultimately I did get a supervisor and she kept me informed afterwards including telling me of the morning of delivery, by callin me that they were now on the truck out for del. that last part was really good. Her calling me and all. Although when they arrived it was evident careful handling was not a priority. thank God for the superior containers and packing they were in. Although the paking had some rips on the cardboard outer covering... the plywood crates were entirely in tact... and upon unpacking, everything was in great shape... but always if any abberations, rips, water soaking, holes, or what have you, NOTE EVERYTHING IN THE 'EXCEPTIONS' to the driver. it's far easier to make a claim of undiscovered damage once those notes are on record... it's much harder later on.... also take a pic or two as the carton is biening opend... and if damage is found right off... call the carrier before completely unpakcing it... trust me here... it'll help...

My experiemce says "pack it well', and pray. ..and sometimes even still that seems to no avail... given forklifts,carelessness, or labels indicating handling proceedures... but the latter will help with a claim... provided it ain't ripped off during transit... Take pics - take pics of it packed. and the box open showing the packing... CYA.

as to time frames for shiping vai FED EX, it depends on the city (to and from) , not necessarily the distances. UPS keeps to the time regardless, maybe later, but no sooner. Fed Ex is maybe less than the five days ground... depends of the volume of business in the local areas... one last thing... there is a thing FED EX has called "Home Delivery"... sort of like ground but they come by on Saturdays too and it's abgout the same as ground... pricewise.

I was hoping to hear about another carrier to use with lighter stuff.... or simply a better shipper overall... but do continue to offer ANY thoughts as to shipping, claimns or toherwise as it pertains to this thread as we all need some further insights about this area so often necessary to this 'hobby'. Everything we want, ain't usually everywhere we live...
)

time flies.... but the same stuff still occurs.

Finding recently that BAX Global doesn't want to insure 'electronics' for more than $500, and wants absolutely nothing to do with speakers, they're off the list in my book.

Jj2468 thanks

Was the damage significantly expensive, or past the coverage?

I was told by UPS over the phone, the UPS Stores are like franchises... individually owned. The owner must seek out his own insurance provider. consequently the costs for coverage are far higher, but rates are the same. I know. I was in a spot and had to use one. rates were identical to those online, but the ins was about three times as much.

My curiosity persists as to what exactly was the reason for the carrier to not pay...??

Jj2468 - thank you.

"... there was no visible damage to the box, which appears to be the FedEx benchmark."

sometimes yes, sometimes, no. Exceptions must always be noted upon receipt. Anything about the packaging that 'seems' out of the ordinary has to be notated on the drivers PDA. i DO IT AS FROM EXPERIENCE. Even if it amounts to nothing later at least the door is open.

UPS
Like others the person you get on the phone likely doesn't know... yet they think they know and offer the lesser of the two evils or just something... to placate a caller. Sad but I've found it true more often than not.

2 BOXES
Always makes sense. Crushability is a good thing sometimes... well, minor amounts. when a tow motor shoves something along and drives it into something quite solid... even three boxes ain't gonna help... or if they knock it off a stack of stuff and it just happens to fall flat, showing no apparently crushed areas.

I'm real quick getting on board with the least ime they have it the better. But, that's no slam dunk either.

Pallet-tizing goods and strapping them down appears the only solution which should circumvent 90% of the issues in haulage. Man, it's pricey though... and they will stack pallets if possible.

Safe shipping tips and alternatibves to FE & UPS.

One independant carrier which I know for a fact was being used by VSA is PILOT AIR FREIGHT. the return leg of the shipping to me from vSA was done by Pilot.

PILOT contacted me well in advance of delivery to inform me of it... even asked what would be more convienent for me scheduling wise, which I thought was real nice. As they are an 'air freight' co. Their prices are depandant upon proximity to airports. The further the pickup or delivery is from one, or close to one, will affect the shipping bill at hand. A couple recent inquiries of PILOT for pick up and delivery of even quite large and heavier stuff than UPS or FE would handle, weren't ridiculously priced. Not bad in fact.

BTW I'm not affiliated with ANY carrier whatsoever.

Just to pass on some other important items required of the carriers in the event of some issue during shipping, that will aid immensely IF a problem during shipping arises are:

Receiveing:
Above all upon delivery closely inspect the package and note ANY exceptions. Wet, holes, scrapes, dents, compressions etc. Taking a moment or two here will significantly further any claim effort, and it only takes a couple minutes to do. In fact, if possible, take a couple pics of the box too. Ensure the driver notes the exceptions as you point them out and documents them. it will require another signature from you if he/she did note them properly.

Prior to or during shipping:

1. While at the carrier or as you ship your next package, PICK UP A CLAIM FORM or two, associated with the shipping method. Some carriers have several forms for various means of shippement.

2. Take pics of everyting being shipped including the container (s).

3. Locate any previous bills of sale, cashiers check and have photo copies on hand. Like on a disc or your HD. The Declared value is not insurance. It'll needs be justified in the event of a claim.

4. If no previously acquired and appropriate claim form was obtained opt for the pursuit of a claim online. NEVER OPT FOR A 'MAILED TO YOU CLAIM FORM'... Opting for the online activity is quickest and overall best path. Asking for a 'mailed claim form' can, and with some carriers, does eliminate the online option completely.

5. Stay on the carrier. The squeaky wheel aspect here will help. so will being pleasant but persistent.

6. Take notes. Who did you speak with? When? What was supposed to happen? Where and by whom? Relying on the carriers notes and follow up is not the best choice in the event of a claim.

7. Make copies of the receipt for shipment. The bill of lading too. the carrier will request these from you for sure.

Having some of if not all of these items in place prior to sending a package is more than a prudent thought. Not needing them later is a relief for sure.

98% of this hobby involves using a carrier. giving some greater thought to protecting yourself in such events will serve you well if you're prepared in advance.

In an "Oh, BTW" addendum... Sending items by air these days requires being recognized as a frequent air shipper, if one decides to use resources other than UPS or FE. Pilot, Team Air, etc. require minimal amounts of shipping occurances, say 3 or 4 shippments using their services via air cargo (which is higher than air shipping using passenger planes), or an affidavit provided by the FAA indicating you as not being a threat.

Getting in touch with the FAA agency rep at the local airport and getting the form filled out and turned in is the best way to that end. The FAA app includes a background check too which is also a super idea.

Team Air didn't follow up at all on my requests but Pilot did allow me the alternative. BTW #2 Pilot doesn't have planes... they merely broker the air transportation requirements as to time sensitivity which means land vehicles could be employed depending on the distance being traversed. They use flyers like "Kitty Hawk" etc.

Be advised that some issue may be realized as translation of the post 911 security measures aren't always devined the same way by different airports. That exact thing happend during my last episode of shippnig via Air. One area airport saw things one way, and the other end saw them differently, posing some delays to the timelyness of the contracted delivery. Pilot took care of all of that, informing me along the way what was happening, and what they were doing about it as part of their service I suppose. I never requested them to do that.

IMO it's worth the steps needed to become a 'known air shipper', for cost savings on the transportation end and the greater variety of 'brokers/shippers' then available, as passenger planes can then be used, again, saving time and money.

Lastly, one noteworthy item is a pretty obscure one... I experienced some residual re-breakin time with even well run in components, after using "air shipping'.

Paul Marks of Thor Audio had mentioned that to me on one ocasion referring to his available "upgrades" or "re-warrantied items" on his equipment which included return air freight. He said to expect some residual re-run in time due primarily to the components being exsposed to the pressure diffs encountered during ascents and descents to and from high altitudes as cargo is not usually enclosed in a stable, and pressurized compartment. Regardless if an upgrade or simple inspection for warranty were done.

This was apparently the case with a pair of amps (not Thor Audio) which I recently had flown across country overnight. Nearly two weeks of limited or imtermittant use and several re-biasing events were necessary for them to perform well.

they are now fine and holding bias pretty darn well with no drifts greater than one point from normal. The sound has also become far more natural and involving.

Paul might just be onto something there.

So parting the clouds to get an item out of "perhaps" harms way from those encountered by trucking or trains, has it's own hurdles, advantages, and shhort comings as well.

For my money, I'll look to the airways first for my shipping and receiving efforts. Past that I'll crate the expensive and delicate things... and pray. No method, container, or carrier is exempt from adverse events or failure. Though less handling, and shortened time frames for transport seem to indicate some added assurances. IMO

Alextychkin

Exactly! Thanks.