Problem with FedEx Ground Shipping?

I decided to try FedEx ground, because they were closer to me and cheaper. The first time I was shipping 3 packages, including a power amp and an electric piano. The buyer of the amp was real nervous about the shipment and insisted on insurance which I always do anyways. The counter person forgot to put the insurance on, and nobody knew how to fix it. So they wrote out a slip saying it was insured (I worried until it got there). The tracking # for the electric piano never showed up, and both me and the buyer were concerned when it didn't arrive by the expected delivery date. Another time, I shipped a very carefully packaged guitar from here in Buffalo to Texas. The buyer said there was a dent in the guitar when it arrived. We both contacted FedEx ground. They picked it up for inspection, sent it back to the Buffalo terminal, shipped it back to Texas, and then back to Buffalo again, where I finally received it. The buyer had sent a pic of the original damage, and it was far worse when it finally arrived back to me. They made no attempt to safely repackage the guitar, and it practically fell out of the bottom of the double box. I filed a claim which took several months to settle. I must say that since then, I gave FedEx ground another chance, and they've been better. One final comment: whenever I go to FedEx to ship ground, they genrally seem to get annoyed. They seem to like handling their little overnight packages rather than the larger ground shipments. Then again there's UPS...where should I start...

I use Greyhound. Yes you have to go to the bus station, but it's quick, can be shipped over the weekend and is cheap. And depending on the distance of travel, it usually only gets transferred a few times without the sorting stations...

I have also heard, from an AudiogoN dealer who seems to ship a lot of goods, that insuring a piece at FedEx for $5000 or more puts it into a 'special handling' category and it is therefore physically separated and/or treated better than the 'cheaper' goods.

I have had good luck with Fed Ex ground. They are significantly cheaper than UPS. I also think Fed Ex's tracking system on their website is superior. Try getting your packages delivered to your work. I have had damaged items with just about all type of shippers and none of them like to pay.

I believe FedEx service quality depends on how heavy the package is. If you are shipping something heavier than 80 pounds then I would try to avoid them because most FedEx delivery truck usually has one person manning the truck. Imagine if one guy tries to deliver a 150 lbs package without help (meaning you are not home to receive the package) then all he could do is to drop the package from the truck to the ground and wheel it to your front door. This is where the damage occurs, so think before you ship any thing with any body.