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Fedex Warning: $100 Limit Insurance on Ground

When I went to Fedex today, I was told that there is a new policy. Any electronics or computer equipment sent ground will only be insured up to $100.

I was ready to go into convulsions! The reason I was given is that there have been "too many claims and losses" so that is what they decided to do.

So, the lower shipping prices of Fedex Ground over UPS Ground are now useless. I find it amazing that they could even legally deny insurance on expensive items.

Considering that their ground treatment of packages was really no better than UPS, I can see why they had so many losses. I certainly hope UPS doesn't follow suit, and do the same.

Now, not only do our packages receive abuse from the shippers, so do we...
saxo
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Shipping is almost invarably a crap game....

I hate every aspect of it.

I find no matter how well I pack stuff Fedex and UPS ground find ways to damage items.

I find that heavy amps and speakers are the most susceptable to damage.

KF
sean
6,229 posts
 
Tok20000: Try shipping a turntable and see how well that holds up compared to speakers and amps. From what i've been told, TT's suffer the most damaged in shipment followed by speakers. Very heavy amps are in third place. I would think that cd players and transports would be right behind amps due to the moving mechanisms. All of these things are probably damaged from rough handling and / or poor packing. After that, it is probably all a matter of improper packing but i'm sure that there are exceptions as no package is treated "gently" anymore. Sean
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stne418
90 posts
 
Rec..an employee at my local MailBoxes Etc. strongly implied a contractual affliliation between M.B.Etc. and U.P.S. That might explain part of the reluctance to ship via Fedex if true. Just a rumor at this stage I might add. A call to my local Fedex customer service person did not confirm the $100 limit.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
I've gotten to the point where wooden crates are my preferred method for heavy stuff. I got a pair of tubed monoblocks (the Stippich amps), 140lb. each net...these were each boxed inside a crate (and bolted to it) made from 1/2 plywood and strapping. That crate was in another larger crate, same construction, surrounded by styrofoam peanuts. The outer crate(s) were bolted to a pallet and then shrinkwrapped to boot. Total weight was about 350lbs. for the amps, 4 crates, and pallet. Over $600 to ship via FedEx air freight. But worth it, since they arrived in mint condition. Took me about 4 hours to unpack and get in the house by myself.

-Ed
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
My Mailboxes etc, confirmed that to me that UPS and MBE share ownership at the corporate level. MBE, I believe, is a franchise operation, so each is independently owned. They also told me they were getting set-up w/Fedex Ground in the near future.
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