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Does UPS ever open and inspect packages?

Lately, I have had a couple instances where I have shipped a practically mint item via UPS only to find out from the recepient that the item looked as if it had been taken apart or inpected. This happened most recently with a power cable. Again, it wasn't damaged per se, but it wasn't in the same condition that it was originally sent either. Cable was well packaged btw...

So, my question is (maybe a UPS employee can pipe in here) does UPS do any kind of a random package inspection? I can see where some of the weird stuff that we audiophiles ship around could fall under the area of "suspicious" at times, especially in this day and age (and especially if they x-ray random packages??), so I wondered if this was a possiblity.
denf
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
One of the best values (for anything over $500 that won't fit in a USPS Priority flat rate box,) is FedEx's "Express Saver" 3rd day air service.

It's about 50% more than FedEx Ground (and WELL worth it!) HOWEVER you will not see it on their website's rate calculator, and they won't point it out to you at the Kinko's service desk -- even though there's a checkbox for it right on the airbill form!! They're keeping it a SECRET -- can you believe it!

You get minimal handling, often delivery in TWO days, a 150 lb. maximum weight limit per package. For example, I once shipped two 130 lbs. ea. ARC tube amps in separate boxes, insured for $5K, including overnight return to me of the COD cashiers check for $325! Arrived without a scratch.
evander
10 posts
 
No, the packages are not inspected. The box will be taped if it has come open by mistake. Quite a few do come open due to either poor taping or if it gets crushed by a heavier package. Once in a while you will see DEA agents there with dogs sniffing the boxes but it's really rare.

Regards...
timothymar13928
1 posts
 
UPS don't claim for the damage and late deliveries but pitt-ohio tracking is much better in way of safe shipping
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Never heard of this.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

I have seen this with UPS and USPS, but not Fed Ex yet. I take photos of all items before closing the top and after it's sealed and ready to go. Also take photos before I open packages and sometimes video of actually opening. USPS is famous for poking holes to "inspect" contents with camera and probes.

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