Damaged during shipment...

[John Mazza]

Has anyone ever had an item damaged during shipment by UPS ?

And, if so, did they demand that the item be shipped back to them (at their cost) for "evaluation" of the claim ?

That sounds to me like that would leave them "holding all of the cards."

Comments, suggestions please ?

Thanks !

[Eric Eis]

They do hold all of the cards... If the box was damaged and you could see the damage never accept it send it back to the shipper. If you did open it the shipper is responsible for the shipment. And yes it's going to be a rocky road:eek:

[John Mazza]

This was an item I already owned. I sent it our fo repairs. Once fixed, it was being shipped back to me by the repair person. Thata's when the damage occurred.

This item has sentimental value. Although "injured" - at least I got the damn thing back in my possession. However, if the carrier thinks I'll let them come & pick it up - so they can take it god knows where & "evaluate" the damage claim, they're crazy !

If their settlement isn't adequate, are they going to hold this item for ransome ?

Do I sound nuts, or do you think they should be fine with quality photos for proof ?

(I just don't want to lose this item !)

[Dean Romig]

Why not simply hand carry it to your nearest UPS center and let them examine it without surrendering it to them completely?

[Justin Julian]

I had a pristine LC Smith 16nr damaged during shipment. I called and reported the damage the day it arrived. They promptly sent a claims inspector to meet me at my office, which was a 3 hour drive from their office in Spokane. They took my statement and photos of the damage. A few days later they sent me a letter offering to pay the cost of repairs if I would send them 3 estimates from licensed gunsmiths. I explained that a vintage gun in original 100% condition was not "repairable", and that the only proper measure of damages was the before and after value comparison. They said that they did not recognize that method of quantifying damages, so I told them I would file a small claims suit and asked who their registered agent for acceptance of service was? That finally broke a settlement loose, but it took several weeks and I had to work my way up the food chain to a big corporate claims adjuster in Atlanta. So don't expect to be compensated soon or easily. AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT PART WITH THE GUN, SHIPPING CARTON OR INSURANCE RECEIPT! If they wish to inspect it, they can send an adjuster to view it at your place and take all the photos they need.

[John Mazza]

Justin/Dean - I agree.

I will NOT relinquish possession of this item !

Sometimes I'm shocked that any packages survive their journeys...

Thanks !

[Bill Holcombe]

While it is in vogue to bash the USPS and other shippers, I have to say when you consider the sheer volume of mail they handle, it is rather impressive how good a job they do.

Think we have it bad, compare notes with our cousins across the pond some time about all the mail strikes they have had to put up with in London Town.

[Harryreed]

FYI, there are confirmed reports of deliberate damage by postal personnel to packages containing long guns shipped via the United States Postal Service. I have had so many problems with USPS that I will no longer ship long guns through them. UPS/FedEx is a better option. If you do ship via USPS don't use a shipping carton that has a gun manufacturer's name printed on carton. This can be difficult because these cartons are engineered so well for preventing damage.

[Eric Eis]

FYI, there are confirmed reports of deliberate damage by postal personnel to packages containing long guns shipped via the United States Postal Service. I have had so many problem with USPS that I will no longer ship long guns through them. UPS/FedEx is a better option. If you do ship via USPS don't use a shipping carton that has a gun manufacturer's name printed on carton. This can be difficult because these carton are engineered so well for preventing damage.

Harry UPS is notorious for damaging guns if the employees know what is in the box far worse then USPS.

[Patrick Butler]

I have never read a report contrasting the package damage rates for
USPS, UPS and FedEx, but would suspect they all have relative low rates when the item is properly packaged. For long guns a dedicated double-walled heavy cardboard gun box and bubble wrap is a must. For high-end guns you can also buy an inexpensive hard plastic case and send that inside a cardboard box. Some auction houses use this method.

I like USPS Registered mail, as the basic cost is low and it is hand carried from one locked area to another. It takes longer (five working days from coast to coast), but due to the high security the insurance is very inexpensive and has a limit of $25,000. The one pain is that you need to cover all box openings with brown paper tape. When the package is accepted they then stamp the tape every six inches. There are also restrictions on hand guns, and (this is from memory) you must be sending to an FFL, have an FFL or have a C&R and be sending to a C&R. The regulations and rates are all online-but hard to find as they do not exactly push this low-cost service.

As for UPS claims, I bought a vintage slot (about 100 pounds) which arrived broken. It was delivered by one guy, and the truck had no lift. I reported it to the sender, emailing him photos, and he called UPS who sent an inspector out from an office two hours away and also took a lot of photos. Be sure to take you own photos and save all of the packing. The sender told me he was fully compensated by UPS.

Last, I would avoid sending any long guns over Christmas, when all the shippers hire extra help as they are slammed by millions of packages.

[Chris Travinski]

If you tell them to provide you with a proper FFL to send the gun to, that will probably negate any effort for them to take possession of the gun.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

I always use UPS I guess I have been lucky but usually ship in wooden crates that I make, At least they are harder to damage, Gary

[Harryreed]

Just a follow up. I have shipped over 50 long guns in the last 2 years. No problem with UPS and most USPS shipments have had issues. Tracking problems, slow delivery, and two have come back to me with significant damage and labels torn off via USPS. Just my experience.

[charlie cleveland]

i ve had a broken stock thru ups a gun that was suppose to be signed by me was left at a neighbors house and they were not even home...then a 10 ga was sent to the wrong ffl address they were suppose to get a browning a 5..lastly a money order took almost a month to get to new jersey from mississippi..charlie

[Bill Murphy]

I haven't received a damaged package for decades. When shipping, I use USPS Registered Mail. No problems there either.

[Bobby Cash]

1 piece brass headboard.
You've got to love UPS!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/2low8s/photo_zps23fd0140.jpg

[Rich Anderson]

I hate shipping guns but have been lucky and have had no issues either sending or receiving. I have received a double gun in a LOM case and the hard plastic Gun Guard type of case and these seem to work out well.

I hope my luck continues as I await the UPS delivery truck.

[Rick Losey]

1 piece brass headboard.
You've got to love UPS!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/2low8s/photo_zps23fd0140.jpg

:rotf:

I got an airline approved gun case like that once- when i told the sender what it looked like they were incredulous - couldn't understand how it happened

BUT - as for not accepting damaged packages- that is Okay for items you need to sign for-(did not have to for the case)- but normally they drop it on the porch and go- I just took the dogs out and found a fly rod on the front steps-


issues -->

I heard the UPS truck once and went to open the door- the driver was actually running across the yard to the truck- i picked up the package and heard the broken glass- a framed print shredded by the shards of broken glass. :rolleyes:

did come home once and found a shotgun left on steps- unsigned for

and my favorite - came home from a bird hunt late in the afternoon on a Halloween - there was a packaged labeled 500 rounds small arms ammunition sitting on the front steps - trick or treat :eek:

over all - with the number of packaged I have received and sent- only a had a few issues - but those are memorable

[todd allen]

I had a high grade lifter shipped to me some years back, can't remember if it was UPS, or Fed-Ex. The gun was packaged in a cardboard box, and arrived wet. Somewhere along the line the package was left out in the rain. I was told by the driver that my choice was to refuse the un-opened package, and put in a claim for settlement, or take my chances, and accept whatever shipping damage their was. To me, this was a ticking timebomb situation. I didn't know how long ago the package got wet, but this gun needed to be saved. Letting it remain in the wet packaging would guarantee significant rust damage, opening it locked me in. I took my chances, and opened it up. I went to work with dis-assembly, and water displacement oiling. Fortunately the water hadn't had time to permeate the inner packaging, and I think I saved the gun from any significant damage. I'll never know if I lost any original finish, but it is what it is. The driver went happily on his way.

[ed good]

never, never ship valueable merchandise via fedex nor ups...usps regisered mail is your best alternative.

[George Lander]

I have shipped several hundred guns over the years almost always by Fed Ex and have never had a claim that a gun was damaged in any way. Perhaps I am just lucky or perhaps Fed Ex does their job well. JMHO & 2 cents.

Best Regards, George

[Mike Franzen]

I had a G grade I was sending out to be restored several years back. UPS broke the stock at the wrist. The trials and tribulations are recorded in the archives of the old forum if you want to see what I did to recover my damages. It's not easy and takes time but can be done. Initially UPS told me the insurance was void because they have a policy against shipping guns.

[allen newell]

I have shipped long guns via USPS and UPS both without any issues. Just fortunate I suppose and I think the one thing that can be done to 'try' to mitigate any potential damage is to wrap these guns up extremely well with all manner of cushioning material (bubble wrap) in a container that is difficult to bend or break. Then say a good prayer as the mail clerk takes your package.

[Mills Morrison]

Julia got our UPS store to show her how to pack guns and (knock on wood) that has worked so far. Some of the people we ship to have a hard time getting the guns out is the only minor issue.

[Rich Anderson]

I just received a fine old Winchester M94 from UPS. The sender had made a wooden shipping crate, lined it with foam if I recall and put the gun in a sleeve. It came through no problem. The shipping carton was so well done I saved it just in case I'll need to recycle it sometime.