When UPS or USPS Damages your items in transit???

[hemifalcon]

What to you do.. I spent an hour and a half packaging this rolling tool chest up and this is what they do?? Granted--the toolbox weighed in at 98lbs shipped, had UPS-applied "HEAVY" tags placed all over it and they did this to it along the way?? I insured it for $250... Has anyone had any luck without losing on one or both ends in a situation like this?? I'm disgusted to say the least and mad as hell that the recipient of the box (only one state away) received the once beautiful tool chest in such a state of disrepair..

From this before shipping--
View media item 42062
To this after UPS shippers "careful" handling..

View media item 45633
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Craftsman-Machinist-3-Drawer-Roll-Cabinet-Original-Heritage-1940s-50s-VGC-/181584876484?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

 

[bluebolt]

I would be so mad if that were mine! That box will never be the same. They should give you a full refund box and shipping.

 

[CNGsaves]

Holy Fawk . . . . trashed your nice C-man crowntop.

Unleash the Beast and tear into shipper like Tasmanian devil !!

 

[shanker]

unless you purchased insurance, you'll loose your ****..

I've always thought it was ironic that you have to pay for insurance, when shipping an item via a carrier like USPS/UPS/FEDEX....you'd think it would be part of their service quality commitment to not want to have ANY damaged items.

 

[Tronyadorable]

PayPal ??? CC company ?

 

[purplezr2]

You should get 200+ACTUAL SHIPPING back if you insured for 250. You need to call and make a claim ASAP. They will fax/email a form to you. You return form and supporting documents (pictures) and you should win. I had no issues when fedex damaged a 750 navigation unit.

 

[hemifalcon]

The problem is this.. I was the seller of this awesome box.. And--like many of you guys mention--I EXPECTED that the shipper will handle things appropriately as maybe I should know better seeing as I've been the recipient of damaged luggage as an airline passenger. It's unbelievable.. However--For the recipient which was the one who was supposed to be the recipient of this awesome piece--do I refund him first?? Do I get the box back?? Or--does the recipient keep it and the money?? I feel like I need to get the box back--after paying the recipient and file a claim??

 

[bargainzplus+]

Just file a claim and send those pictures along with the description of the damage. It may be a long time in-between investigation and getting your insurance money, but the quicker the better.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Was it damaged before it was shipped? Looks like the bottom door is bent out of shape?

You will get fair market value for it no matter what you insured it for -- you could have insured it for $10,000 and you'll still only get what UPS/USPS determines it's worth.

If you have a recent sales receipt that will help your cause, but don't expect them to give you an amount that will fully cover repair costs.

Looks like it was packed in a just a plain cardboard box? Should have had Styrofoam all around and been in the double layer cardboard or maybe even a wood box, if you *really* wanted it to arrive undamaged -- some 3/8" plywood and a couple 1x4's not only cheap, but can make a pretty indestructible box even to those apes that handle it!

 

[kiatech]

going through a claim now.... This is using their "pack and ship guarantee"

 

[mmack66]

unless you purchased insurance, you'll loose your ****..

I've always thought it was ironic that you have to pay for insurance, when shipping an item via a carrier like USPS/UPS/FEDEX....you'd think it would be part of their service quality commitment to not want to have ANY damaged items.

I'm sure it is, but when you move as many packages a day as they do, **** happens.

OP, need details about how it was packaged.

 

[sgs236]

USPS will keep the toolbox when you file your claim. So, whoever has the item, needs to be the one to file the claim. You will need to provide documents supporting the value of the box, but as stated above, it does not matter how much you insuranced it for, their adjuster will be the one who actually determines its value. The last time I went through the process, it took around a month to complete.

 

[thesilverone]

bad time of year to ship a toolbox. From now til Christmas is their busiest time of year so even more shipping damage happens.

 

[Siegel1719]

just a forewarning. UPS can deny coverage by stating that the item was not packaged properly. There insurance generally only covers loss. I hope you have pictures of how it was packaged or else they will likely instantly deny the claim.

 

[herfalerf]

Apparently no one on here is familiar with the 6 ft drop test. If it can't survive that sort of fall then it's probably screwed. I've had a few friends who have worked for both usps and ups and they have all said that almost no care is taken in handling items in the delivery centers.

 

[superchargedv8]

just a forewarning. UPS can deny coverage by stating that the item was not packaged properly. There insurance generally only covers loss. I hope you have pictures of how it was packaged or else they will likely instantly deny the claim.

x2... the few people that i know that have had packages damaged thru usps all got the improperly packaged story...no one got monetary compensations.

 

[Homebody]

I'm sure it is, but when you move as many packages a day as they do, **** happens.

OP, need details about how it was packaged.

Agreed.
Worked for UPS and you'd be surprised at what people called "good packing".
If your not sure how well it's packaged - lift it waist high and drop it, cause that happens all night long at a UPS sorting hub from conveyors or humans.

You did take pics of your packing job right??

Good luck regardless with your complaint. ***** either way.

 

[Stuey]

Was there any padding?

98 pounds? Probably would have been better attached to a pallet and shipped freight, but I imagine that would have been much pricier.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you don't want stuff broken, you have to crate it or otherwise make the package durable in shipment. I have shipped parts up to 150lbs and never once had to file a claim. I also avoid UPS.

Lessons learned.

 

[warmpancakes]

Ups standard operating procedure, deny all claims, keep bitching they will pay off, it will take time

 

[FiendFX]

Depending on the service you are using, insurance usually covers from 50-100. Anymore you have to pay extra. I would send all of those pictures to them and let them handle it. THat's what insurance is for right?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Unless you paid them to pack it, you will lose. I've been through this, insurance is pointless unless the package gets lost in transit.

When it comes to high dollar or large items, you need to have the buyer pay extra to have the carrier package the item.

 

[scw1991]

I've been told by a UPS "pack & ship" facility that you need to have them package it in order to really come out ahead when filing an insurance claim. If UPS determines that you did a piss poor job packaging it yourself, you are SOL.

If an item is damaged because of negligence on behalf of UPS packaging your item, they'll resolve the issue.

 

[SARG]

Your toolbox looks similar to the electric water heaters I ordered from Zoro and UPS rolled them all the way to my driveway.

 

[NJ Marty]

Next time you have to ship something heavy like that I would build a box around it and put on a pallet and ship through Fastenal, there is one in zip 60915. I don't know if that is close to you but they are much better with heavy items than the other shippers.

 

[Red Dirt Powersports LLC]

Damaged is better than lost. Last week Fed-Ex lost one of my packages. We filed a claim, and waited. Later that day the fed-ex dude came by our house and told me he left our package on our door step the day before, called it a driver drop or something. He said if we couldn't prove we didn't receive the package then they couldn't do anything...I was thinking WTF??? We live 60 feet from a main road, with 30,000 cars passing by daily...he thought it would be cool to just leave a large box at our front door at 9:00 in the morning. Now I'm Screwed!

 

[hemifalcon]

Yeah.. Well--I don't half-*** package anything.. I always "over-do" it and this was no different.. I'm sorry--but if you're a weak little ***** working for UPS--you need to be able to lift the weight of allowable packages--if you can't--you better use proper tooling so as to not damage equipment. It comes down to this--I had a 1961 Impala Bubble-Top(convertible) 1/4 panel which was NOS shipped about 7 years ago through Greyhound.. As far as "crude" mailing--that's about as rough as it gets and it arrived undamaged (mind you--the quarter panel was approximately 8 feet in length, and 3 feet wide in ill-prepared packaging and it suffered without a mark.. When I ship an item which weighs 98lbs-I should be able to do nothing but wrap it in saran wrap to ensure it's seen and the shippers/handlers should have enough respect that they actually be careful with it. The "Drop Test" as it has been referred to is an absolute rule of ignorance and its application is pathetic when it comes to customer service. In case of an accident--that it understandable. However--the damage to this box was not "accidental" and should have been avoided. I will definitely be filing a claim and asking the new owner to do the same. This box was "Double wrapped" in a heavy all cardboard which was previously responsible for packaging of a brand new Mazda vehicle body panel. It was very well packaged--and consider the wall-thickness of the sheet metal composition of this toolbox--this damage was preventable.

I'll be broad-based and associate this damage as being part of the far-cry of respect the service industry has fallen. It's very typical of many a large corporation who wants to have no responsibility or accountability for poor services or poor employee work performance.

Anyone who takes this reply in disrespect has read it from the wrong perspective. Please read it as if this was your piece of collectible property which was untarnished prior to shipping.

Also--the "damage" to the bottom door was noted and it had "waves" in it from a prior owner fighting with the locking mechanism. That was previously disclosed damage to the owner which was of no concern. When a fellow tells you he's been searching for a few years for one of these in such condition--you really hope the person receives something they're satisfied with.. Unfortunately--no one at UPS will speak with employee's along the way and nothing will probably change.. Skepticism--nah--more like realistic expectations sadly..
Thank you everyone for your responses.. Always like to share experiences with different businesses--big or small..

Per UPS--my parcel fit easily within their guidelines and this damage is likely to blame on laziness and poor employee use of common sense.. For a charge of $173.**--this should have been an easy gig.. I intend to get my money back..


What are the weight and size limits for shipping using UPS?


UPS has established specific weight and size limits for the packages that you send with all UPS services. The restrictions below only pertain to individual packages. There are no limits to the total weight of your shipment or the total number of packages in your shipment. Shipments larger than the limits listed below will require the use of our UPS Freight services.

Packages can be up to 150 lbs (70 kg).
Packages can be up to 165 inches (419 cm) in length and girth combined.
Packages can be up to 108 inches (270 cm) in length.
Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations.

Note: Packages that exceed UPS weight and size limits are subject to an Over Maximum Limits charge.

 

[gary300]

As an ebay seller, you are responsible to your item getting to the buyer, intact as described in your listing. Damage to the item is between you and the carrier, the buyer is protected under Ebay policy.

 

[CNGsaves]

USPS will keep the toolbox when you file your claim. So, whoever has the item, needs to be the one to file the claim. You will need to provide documents supporting the value of the box, but as stated above, it does not matter how much you insuranced it for, their adjuster will be the one who actually determines its value. The last time I went through the process, it took around a month to complete.

^ ^ No, only person UPS/USPS will deal with is SENDER (ie party that they have contractual relationship). The receiver of the package could be SOL until this is resolved. If OP decides to pay him now, that's good kharma and ultimately OP should get the tool box back. UPS/USPS have no need for the damaged item and would just throw it away anyway.

OP should get in writing that receiver agrees to return tool box and OP will refund his money.

For future shipments . . . . avoid like the plague . . . . UPS/USPS . . . unless you pack that baby so it's indestructible !! I received a computer CPU years ago and it had about 3 inches of bubble wrap around every surface of the CPU. Then the bubble wrapped CPU was put into box. Then that box was put inside a bigger box surrounded by packing peanuts. THAT is how you pack an item to ensure safe delivery.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Was it damaged before it was shipped? Looks like the bottom door is bent out of shape?

You will get fair market value for it no matter what you insured it for -- you could have insured it for $10,000 and you'll still only get what UPS/USPS determines it's worth.

If you have a recent sales receipt that will help your cause, but don't expect them to give you an amount that will fully cover repair costs.

Looks like it was packed in a just a plain cardboard box? Should have had Styrofoam all around and been in the double layer cardboard or maybe even a wood box, if you *really* wanted it to arrive undamaged -- some 3/8" plywood and a couple 1x4's not only cheap, but can make a pretty indestructible box even to those apes that handle it!

My aunt owns a UPS store. Anything big or questionable gets put in a crate. I build all the crates for them. We have shipped huge cannon printers to a collection of very old crystal glasses (3 dozen drinking out of type). Shipper said they were worth over 60k. I made a crate and they used air bags with peanuts inside the crate. Tyrpically a crate is considered freight and treated differently.

 

[Askme42]

unless you purchased insurance, you'll loose your ****..

I've always thought it was ironic that you have to pay for insurance, when shipping an item via a carrier like USPS/UPS/FEDEX....you'd think it would be part of their service quality commitment to not want to have ANY damaged items.

You're covered up to $100 or $120.

 

[Askme42]

Yeah.. Well--I don't half-*** package anything.. I always "over-do" it and this was no different.. I'm sorry--but if you're a weak little ***** working for UPS--you need to be able to lift the weight of allowable packages--if you can't--you better use proper tooling so as to not damage equipment. It comes down to this--I had a 1961 Impala Bubble-Top(convertible) 1/4 panel which was NOS shipped about 7 years ago through Greyhound.. As far as "crude" mailing--that's about as rough as it gets and it arrived undamaged (mind you--the quarter panel was approximately 8 feet in length, and 3 feet wide in ill-prepared packaging and it suffered without a mark.. When I ship an item which weighs 98lbs-I should be able to do nothing but wrap it in saran wrap to ensure it's seen and the shippers/handlers should have enough respect that they actually be careful with it. The "Drop Test" as it has been referred to is an absolute rule of ignorance and its application is pathetic when it comes to customer service. In case of an accident--that it understandable. However--the damage to this box was not "accidental" and should have been avoided. I will definitely be filing a claim and asking the new owner to do the same. This box was "Double wrapped" in a heavy all cardboard which was previously responsible for packaging of a brand new Mazda vehicle body panel. It was very well packaged--and consider the wall-thickness of the sheet metal composition of this toolbox--this damage was preventable.

I'll be broad-based and associate this damage as being part of the far-cry of respect the service industry has fallen. It's very typical of many a large corporation who wants to have no responsibility or accountability for poor services or poor employee work performance.

Anyone who takes this reply in disrespect has read it from the wrong perspective. Please read it as if this was your piece of collectible property which was untarnished prior to shipping.

Also--the "damage" to the bottom door was noted and it had "waves" in it from a prior owner fighting with the locking mechanism. That was previously disclosed damage to the owner which was of no concern. When a fellow tells you he's been searching for a few years for one of these in such condition--you really hope the person receives something they're satisfied with.. Unfortunately--no one at UPS will speak with employee's along the way and nothing will probably change.. Skepticism--nah--more like realistic expectations sadly..
Thank you everyone for your responses.. Always like to share experiences with different businesses--big or small..

Per UPS--my parcel fit easily within their guidelines and this damage is likely to blame on laziness and poor employee use of common sense.. For a charge of $173.**--this should have been an easy gig.. I intend to get my money back..


What are the weight and size limits for shipping using UPS?


UPS has established specific weight and size limits for the packages that you send with all UPS services. The restrictions below only pertain to individual packages. There are no limits to the total weight of your shipment or the total number of packages in your shipment. Shipments larger than the limits listed below will require the use of our UPS Freight services.

Packages can be up to 150 lbs (70 kg).
Packages can be up to 165 inches (419 cm) in length and girth combined.
Packages can be up to 108 inches (270 cm) in length.
Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations.

Note: Packages that exceed UPS weight and size limits are subject to an Over Maximum Limits charge.

For that much you should of shipped it freight on a pallet. Packages like this are simply not meant for the ups system. I deliver them every day tore up falling out all kinds of madness.

People simply don't realize what a ups/fedex/usps parcel goes through to get to its destination. At any point and time your package could fall 4-5 feet. It could have a 150 lbs box fall on it. It could be jammed up on a conveyour belt with 1000 lbs of packages pushing against it. I'm not blaming you or anyone else most just don't realize what their package could easily be subjected to.

 

[CNGsaves]

For that much you should of shipped it freight on a pallet. Packages like this are simply not meant for the UPS system. I deliver them every day tore up falling out all kinds of madness.

People simply don't realize what a ups/fedex/usps parcel goes through to get to its destination. At any point and time your package could fall 4-5 feet. It could have a 150 lbs box fall on it. It could be jammed up on a conveyour belt with 1000 lbs of packages pushing against it. I'm not blaming you or anyone else most just don't realize what their package could easily be subjected to.

^ ^ ^ UPS sure didn't turn down the guy's money when he asked whether they could ship the item !!

If UPS doesn't know what the hell they're doing, they should NOT have taken the guy's money !!

Saying UPS "just can't handle" that package is just **** . . . . UPS CHOSE to put package through conveyor belt system or other dangerous path of that classic C-man toolbox that should have had special handling.

Why in world can't UPS figure out "Special Handling" and actually do it ??

 

[Askme42]

^ ^ ^ UPS sure didn't turn down the guy's money when he asked whether they could ship the item !!

If UPS doesn't know what the hell they're doing, they should NOT have taken the guy's money !!

Saying UPS "just can't handle" that package is just **** . . . . UPS CHOSE to put package through conveyor belt system or other dangerous path of that classic C-man toolbox that should have had special handling.

Why in world can't UPS figure out "Special Handling" and actually do it ??

Lol. Once again just shows how little most know. What makes this package special compared to another's? Im sure everyone wants their package to be carried around on clouds but they also want free shipping.

The op says they reused a box. Step 1 for proper shipping in the ups shipping guidelines is don't reuse a box. I could go on and on but I'll bet the op claim is denied for improper packaging.

 

[sgs236]

^ ^ No, only person UPS/USPS will deal with is SENDER (ie party that they have contractual relationship). The receiver of the package could be SOL until this is resolved. If OP decides to pay him now, that's good kharma and ultimately OP should get the tool box back. UPS/USPS have no need for the damaged item and would just throw it away anyway.

Been down this road before. They will deal with whoever has the insurance paper work. Either way, they need the item, so if the op wants to make the claim, he needs to convince the buyer to ship it back to him. If I was the buyer, I would not pay for shipping it back. Plus its Ebay, all the buyer has to do is open a case not as described and he will get all of his money back. It will be a lot easier on the OP if he can convince the buyer to file the claim and just up make up any difference the buyer comes out short,

 

[Aquamoose]

Not that it makes a difference but I ship stuff with values of upwards of $7,000 per box (60 lbs). In my dealings with customers, all of my invoices are FOB my town, which contractually, it states that my responsibility for the item(s) end when UPS signs for the packages (manifest). The corrugated boxes we use are the thickest single wall. Insurance are always purchased (and paid by buyer) and I've had zero issues. Sometimes the boxes get reused for returns AND for returning the repaired items back to them.

You'd be lucky to get any type of resolution from UPS with all things considered.

 

[Skeetobite]

Man, you have to buy insurance. I bought a $1,500 laptop for a business partner and shipped it to him via UPS the next day. UPS ran a fork lift through the screen and offered me $100 for the trouble. They were pretty much dicks about it and told me flat they wouldn't do anything more about it.

I haven't shipped with them since and now have all remote purchases shipped by the supplier or retailer.

 

[hemifalcon]

I knew I'd get some replies from people in the shipping business.... And I pretty much knew what the responses would be like... However--it's awfully ignorant to think that "reusing" a box is unsatisfactory when you don't know the details.. It's also ignorant to be in the business of handling parcels and not take inventory if the particular characteristics of the package.. I find it funny when blame is errant it placed--but it really does fall into the child's view of "who touched it last" and that's the UPS handlers..

I did purchase insurance which again is a funny concept as it's through a third party.. We will see how that goes..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KinzeMech]

just a forewarning. UPS can deny coverage by stating that the item was not packaged properly. There insurance generally only covers loss. I hope you have pictures of how it was packaged or else they will likely instantly deny the claim.

This is it right here. If you packaged it yourself, they will deny coverage 100% of the time. If you use their pack and ship service, they will deny coverage most of the time. It is a ******** racket. They will say it was your packing, and they have no burden of proof. All they have to do is say it was your packing, and they get off the hook.

If by some chance you do find a way to stick it to them, post it here. Those bastards owe me either for a damaged package, or they should pay me back everything I spent in my lifetime on their insurance, since they had no intent to pay from the beginning.

Normally I despise lawyers and lawsuits, but this should be a class action for fraud. They have declined enough claims to show they are selling insurance with a clear intention to never payout. That's got to be some kind of fraud.

 

[bluebolt]

This is it right here. If you packaged it yourself, they will deny coverage 100% of the time. If you use their pack and ship service, they will deny coverage most of the time. It is a ******** racket. They will say it was your packing, and they have no burden of proof. All they have to do is say it was your packing, and they get off the hook.

If by some chance you do find a way to stick it to them, post it here. Those bastards owe me either for a damaged package, or they should pay me back everything I spent in my lifetime on their insurance, since they had no intent to pay from the beginning.

Normally I despise lawyers and lawsuits, but this should be a class action for fraud. They have declined enough claims to show they are selling insurance with a clear intention to never payout. That's got to be some kind of fraud.

Its been a few years but I got all my money back when I shipped a camshaft in it's own box inside a larger box to California. Buyer contacted me about an empty box with hole in the end. UPS had put a large enough hole in the box where the camshaft in its own box slid out. I got my money back and refunded the buyer.