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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
theunderlyingtheme
90 posts
 

Richard Vandersteen once told me, "Fed Ex for air shipping is wonderful. For anything else - they're total a#$%%les."
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Fedex Ground employs contractors -- is a different company within the FEDEX organization.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
USPS Priority Mail ,, best of all for me...Never had a problem.......Never even had a scrape or dent in a box....
trelja
3,223 posts
 
I've shipped a boatload of stuff over the past couple of years. Previously, my experiences with FedEX Ground were horrific, so when I began this new journey, I used UPS. 2 of the approximately 15 shipments I made were damaged. A friend told me to use FedEX Ground, and once I made the switch, I never looked back. Knock on wood, but I've not had one component damaged since that happened that was their fault (I did have 2 come to me damaged, but was the fault of the people who packed them).
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I guess I would have to say that I am fortunate. I ship Fed Ex Ground because it is the cheapest option, and the buyer rarely chooses to spend more on shipping. In fact, one of my pet peeves is that once a price has been negotiated including all fees, Paypal, shipping etc, a buyer will then ask, "jeez, I really want that abc quickly, could you overnight it or send it 2nd day air?". IMHO that should all be part of the initial negotiations.

Anyway, I ship Fed Ex Ground in the CONUS for the last 8 years, with only one problem, and Fed Ex paid the claim in full. When shipping internationally I use USPS for duties collection reasons (Fed Ex Ground sucks at this).

UPS Ground cost more than Fed Ex Ground, and I'd be happy to ship air if the buyer wants to at least split the additional cost. Normally though the buyer wants the cheapest price, which gets him the cheapest shipping.

Cheers,
John
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