Sending Photo equip. USPS vs. Fedex

liupublic wrote in post #8222942
Mostly use UPS ground but use Fedex ground once in a while. Just have to pack the equipment very well. Double pack and bubble wrap every thing. I insure things mainly for complete loss rather than shipping damage. UPS will almost always deny claim if the item is shipped with non-manufactor packaging. Their initial response is usually inadequate packaging.

I've never had to file a claim with something I have insured. So I ask, even if you paid for insurance on the item and it's damaged they can deny re-reimbursing you for non-manufacturer packaging? and what does that mean exactly? just wondering...thanks

10megapixel wrote in post #8222965
I've never had to file a claim with something I have insured. So I ask, even if you paid for insurance on the item and it's damaged they can deny re-reimbursing you for non-manufacturer packaging? and what does that mean exactly? just wondering...thanks

UPS sometimes leaves the package by the door without getting a signature. I am worried that the receiver might say that it never got there.

Once I ordered a Levinson amp for $4k and it never arrived. UPS paid it.

I used to work for eBay, so I've seen a lot of shipping mishaps with ALL shippers unfortunately.

Generally in my own personal situation, the answer with shipping companies is always "Anything but UPS". UPS charges the shipper as much as FedEx will, but then also charges the recipient a massive 'brokerage' fee anytime it goes across a borderline. Often these brokerage fees are more than the original shipping cost was as well. They also have a habit of 'forgetting' to follow requests that are put in, such as calling before delivery, or requiring a signature with signature confirmation is paid for. I've had UPS leave packages on my doorstep when no one was home, when a signature was required.

If you can afford it, FedEx is the way to go, USPS tends to get a bit of a bad rap, personally I've never had them break anything in shipment, but there certainly are horror stories out there. UPS on the other hand has broken fragile items for me as well, im really amazed they manage to keep operating....

I also forgot to mention how one time when I bought two 400 2.8 IS lenses from BH, UPS left the boxes on my front porch. That's only about $15k worth of stuff

I really like all the people who've delivered to my house, and I leave nice notes for them. The UPS man knows me well and will go to wherever I am to have me sign for the box. I work about 4 miles from my house and it's in the same route. Yes, there is a chance the box will be left on the front porch, so having it sent to work may be the best bet. I have never had problems with UPS or USPS or Fed ex, but I do go on line regularly to see where the box is. I've not lost one yet.