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Topic: close er up thanks |
Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 12:14 pm |
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Pack It Better. We Have No Other Option. Randy. 
Last edited by Randy Gilliam on 13 Nov 2008 10:07 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 12:28 pm
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Pretty soon DHL with bust something so you will be out of luck.
I have have fine sucess with FedEx. A few problems, but not enough to X them. |
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Ben Jones
From:
Seattle, Washington, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 1:20 pm
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Sorry your stuff got damaged Randy.
Its not the shipping agent, its the packing.
As someone who has worked in shipping/receiving of valuable and fragile goods for over a decade and used every shipping agent there is hundreds and hundreds of times, this is my opinion/conclusion.
Best of luck with DHL. |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 1:37 pm
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I, too, have had pretty good luck with Fedex and even UPS. I used to work for a company that used DHL about 15 years ago and they were horrible, but it's possible they got their act together.
I semi agree with Ben. The package has to be packed well, but I do think there is abuse on the part of the shipping companies too. Shipping anything with anybody nowadays is a crap shoot. |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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John Ummel
From:
Arlington, WA.
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 2:26 pm
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Packing, packing, packing. I worked for many years in warranty dept for manufacturer of heavy electronic equipment...peanuts are a bad choice as the item shifts around and finds the edge of the box. Builder's foam on all sides is very good.
Best regards,
John |
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John Ummel
From:
Arlington, WA.
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 2:32 pm
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Years ago there was a rumor about Fed-Ex and UPS having a merger......they were gonna call it FED-UP!
Seriously, very sorry to hear about anyone's gear being damaged.I have a guitar being shipped to me by DHL right now...keeping my fingers crossed. |
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Ben Jones
From:
Seattle, Washington, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 3:00 pm
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I didnt mean to suggest it was never the shipping agents fault. Certainly damage can occur with any shipper regardless of how well the item is packed.
There are certain packing techniques and materials that can greatly decrease the odds of damage tho. I will spare you all my thesis statemnt on the subject  |
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Darvin Willhoite
From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 3:54 pm
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I have never had any problems with anything I shipped on Fedex or UPS. But, I've had lots of problems with stuff that has been shipped to me on both. BUT, it was the packing, or lack therof.
_________________
Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro. |
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Donny Dennis
From:
Atlanta, Texas
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 4:42 pm
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Carl Vilar posted a note on 15 Sep 2008, under the topic "U.P.S. shpping" that there is shiipping material "called shockwatch, shock indicators, impact indicators, depending where you buy them most go from clear to red when handled roughly. drypak.com sales them...When a shipping employee see them they treat the box with care and slow down".
I had a Carter Starter that needed to be shipped, and called several stores in Texarkana, and was unable to find any store that sells that shipping material so I decided to deliver it myself. It was only about a 3 1/2 hours drive one way, and a nice day so not a problem for me. Had it been farther then I probably would have placed an order with drypak.com for the material.
Donny |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 9:56 pm
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| Quote: |
| As someone who has worked in shipping/receiving of valuable and fragile goods for over a decade and used every shipping agent there is hundreds and hundreds of times, this is my opinion/conclusion. |
yep.
I've had two damaged packages out of thousands that were actually damaged - run over. That can happen with any shipper with the number of things I've shipped.
I go by the lost/delayed/lousy tracking experiences I've had, and rate Airborne/DHL at the very bottom (how do you LOSE an upright bass in a small warehouse for a week?) with FedEx Ground a close second for lousy service (they are NOT the same as FedEx - in some areas they use contract haulers). Regular FedEx has good tracking but can't read directions, pay attention to signature waivers or fill out their OWN "missed delivery" forms worth a darn.
I used to dislike the USPS but they're now my backup - I use them or mostly UPS - UPS has been far more reliable than any other company.
And again, as Ben said - damage = bad packing. I YOU ship something, pack it so it will survive a 6-8' fall onto concrete and you'll not have problems. You can't do that with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. 2-6" of hard foam in every corner (if shipping a guitar or amp), double-boxing, and forget all the stuff like writing "this end up", "fragile" etc (there IS no "up" - machines do most of the movement and they can't read - so your item has to be able be moved with any side up or down) and exposed handles - which ONLY help the driver (the one who has the LEAST contact with a package) and can foul up automated lines.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Ben Elder
From:
La Crescenta, California, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2008 10:08 pm Delivery Route to Perdition
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If UPS and FedEx were a thousand times more efficient and conscientious than in real life, they'd both still be incompetent, destructive, stonewalling irresponsible sub-Neanderthals. I have shipped, and have been the recipient of, solidly well-packed shipments that UPS and FedEx managed to damage or destroy, then refuse to own up responsibility for. Insurance? Eet ees to larf! Their greatest energy goes into dodging responsibility for their actions and taking any absured and aggressive means necessary to avoid paying a claim, however righteous or flagrant.
My miniature dachshunds can't tell brown from purple from green, but they all but claw, bite and tear through the front door when they hear whosever truck pull up, never mind the rookus when its driver makes a daring run to deposit the shipment in front of the seismically shaking front door.
In anything resembling a righteous world, UPS and FedEx would be drummed into bankrupt nonexistence and good effing riddance. No circle of Hell is hot enough for Purple, Green and Brown.
When it comes to shipping, I say the dogs have it figured out.
_________________
"Gopher, Everett?" |
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Ned McIntosh
From:
New South Wales, Australia
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 2:35 am
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My Carter D10 arrived safely in Australia, well-packed by the good folks at Carter Steel Guitars. It was sent Bax Global/Schenker and arrived without any damage whaotsoever. From Texas to New South Wales, Australia sure is a long trip for a li'l ol' steel, all on its own. Came via Singapore Airlines/Qantas and started its long journey at DFW airport.
My thanks to Ann and John Fabian; they chose a carrier who did seem to give a damn about the goods. Guess I was one of the lucky ones.
_________________
The steel guitar is a hard mistress. She will obsess you, bemuse and bewitch you. She will dash your hopes on what seems to be whim, only to tease you into renewing the relationship once more so she can do it to you all over again...and yet, if you somehow manage to touch her in that certain magic way, she will yield up a sound which has so much soul, raw emotion and heartfelt depth to it that she will pierce you to the very core of your being. |
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Roy Davis
From:
Denton, Texas, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 3:30 am
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| I heard "Fedex" was buying out "UPS" and it's going to be called "Fed-Up. |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 3:49 am UPS/Fed-Ex
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| When shipping a heavy item in a case such as a steel guitar or an amp, I do not leave the handle exposed but do leave the handle on the case accessible to the delivery driver. When packing the item, I use the 3/4" thick blue foam insulation sheets available at Home Depot or Leow's, cut them into the appropriate size pieces, and double or triple the thickness depending on the item. On the handle side I cut the packing strips so that just the handle area is left exposed and fill that space with a piece of heavy foam (old carpet padding works well). After boxing the item, I serrate the area just above the handle and write, "Driver, handle below" on the box. By simply punching out the serrated area and removing the foam, the driver can now use the handle which may make him less inclined to mishandle your package. |
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George McLellan
From:
Duluth, MN USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 5:27 am ooopppssssss
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sorry - double post.
Geo
Last edited by George McLellan on 8 Nov 2008 5:31 am; edited 1 time in total |
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George McLellan
From:
Duluth, MN USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 5:29 am My lesson
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I bought a 63' Fender RI Reverb unit from a fellow Forumite and he shipped it USPS. Even though the unit was well packed in a box, marked "Fragile" and the pan was in the "locked" position, what must have been a hard drop or something in that order, the locking slide tore out the screw that holds it and one of the tubes was shattered. He didn't insure it so I bit the bullet for $80.00 in repairs for a new pan and tube. My lesson learned is anytime I would ship something that has tubes, remove them and pack in bubble or some other material to protect them.
I just revceived my new Webb amp from Tom Bradshaw via FedEx and there wasn't even a mark on the box. (Tom had that baby packed extremely well)
Geo |
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Paul Wade
From:
mundelein,ill
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 5:49 am
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just got my dekley back from mike cass from D.H.L
and they smash up my guitar  broke off toggle
switch cross shafts were knock around case was damage
and it was dbl box. going back to FEDEX... |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 8:06 am Shipping
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Packing Is A Big Part Of It and also Rough Treatment.What about Greyhound?  |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 9:10 am
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I used to use Greyhound a lot,Had one problem,Charlie Norris sent me a LDG one time,it was going to Columbus Georgia,instead it went to Columbus Ohio,was two days late,Also have sent trade in guitars to Bobbe by Greyhound,always[except the Columbus mixup]got there very fast,no damage.DYKBC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 9:34 am
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As George mentioned, tubes can be a problem - either remove them and bubble-wrap as suggested OR stuff the entire back of the amp with bubble wrap, which also protects the speakers. I've found this to be a little less hassle and just as effective...because if I remove the tubes I STILL stuff the back so NOTHING can rattle around. Actually, the only internal damage I had on an incoming shipment that was otherwise packed perfectly was both speakers tearing loose - because some knucklehead had attached them with wood screws instead of the existing T-bolts. Tore up the speakers, destroyed tubes; if the back had been stuffed there would have been less chance of that happening.
| Quote: |
| Insurance? Eet ees to larf! |
I read these stories about "perfectly packed" items with denied insurance claims and such, and never has a single one been accompanied by any photos or hard data. I've had a couple claims (as mentioned, the two runovers plus one I'd forgotten about - exterior damage to a piece of electronics equipment that was well-packed but the buyer "claimed" was damaged (there was a chip in the plastic on a small door - it may have been there when I shipped it it was so small and unnoticeable). In each case, though, I filed a claim with UPS - and each one was paid within 2 weeks with just pictures of the damage and the packaging.
Other regular UPS shippers know have had the same experience - they pack right, and in the rare case where there is a problem UPS handles the claim quickly - in fact, on the dubious one I had THEY contacted ME so I could file a claim after they got a call from the buyer.
All of the companies will have something go awry at some point, but I've found that as far as shipping damage goes packing is the single most important thing in avoiding damage AND in "no questions asked" reimbursements from insurance coverage.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 9:42 am
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I recently ponied up for 2nd Day Air on Guit shipment from a shipper who only uses FedEx and UPS.
It was like $30 more (which is a little more than twice as much as ground), but was still only 50 bucks.
I really hope it arrives safe! |
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Casey Lowmiller
From:
Kansas
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 3:52 pm
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It is certainly all about the packing. The less something can move, the better off you are. Double boxing seems to go a long way...especially is there is padding/some sort of spacer material between the 2 boxes.
I can say that most people here on the forum take the time to care when packing stuff. I bought an amp from Randy Gilliam & it was wrapped up like Fort Knox. I bought a pedal steel from Bob Knight and it was also wrapped up like Fort Knox.
Good sellers take the time to care!!!
Casey
_________________
Known Coast to Coast as
"The Man with The Plan" |
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Joseph Barcus
From:
Volga West Virginia
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Posted 8 Nov 2008 6:28 pm
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the postal service lost a steel guitar for me, yeah I can understand a letter getting lost but a big guitar. it was registered and all. now comes to funny part I sold it for I think 900.00 its took them 60 days to look into I got a check for 700.00 said that it had lost that much in value since I sold it lol
_________________
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvuH7H8BajODaL_wy3_HSJQ |
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Benton Allen
From:
Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA
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Posted 9 Nov 2008 8:05 am
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As a friendly reminder!!!!! FYI!!!
If your considering FedEx they may be fine for less expensive items, or even newer model guitars, but be aware of their policy concerning guitars 20 years old and older.
We can all learn from Mike Cass' experience.
Back in June Mike wrote:
| Quote: |
I had a talk with F/E Ground today regarding a damage claim I had filed with them earlier this year. In the course of the conversation I was informed that F/E Ground no longer honors claims filed on any damaged or lost musical instrument 20 yrs old or older. Maximum allowable compensation on loss or damage is $100.00, regardless of any insurance purchased from them.
I was told that this has been company policy for 2 years. Has anyone else ever hear of this? Needless to say, there goes yet another shipping option for vintage instrument delivery in general. Not sure if it affects Fed-Ex Air services, but ground is definitely out.
I wanted to pass this on as its news to me.
Be warned. |
I am also including the following extracted from the Fed-Ex web site at:
http://www.fedex.com/us/services/terms/groundtariff.html?link=4#declared
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Declared Value and Limits of Liability (Not Insurance Coverage)
1. FedEx Ground liability with regard to any package is limited to the sum of $100 unless a higher value is declared at time of tender and a greater charge paid as provided in the FedEx Service Guide or online FedEx Retail Counter Rates Book.
2. The declared value of any package represents our maximum liability in connection with a package, including, but not limited to, any loss, damage, delay, misdelivery, nondelivery, misinformation, any failure to provide information, or misdelivery of information. Exposure to and risk of any loss in excess of the declared value is either assumed by the shipper or transferred by the shipper to an insurance carrier through the purchase of an insurance policy. The shipper should contact an insurance agent or broker if insurance coverage is desired. FEDEX GROUND DOES NOT PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE OF ANY KIND.
3. In cases where the shipper declares or agrees in writing that the property being shipped is released to a value exceeding $100 per package or article not enclosed in a package, an additional charge for each $100 or fraction thereof of total valuation will be assessed to which the base rate applies, up to a maximum declared value of $50,000 per package.
4. Packages containing all or part of the following items are limited to a maximum declared value of $100:
1. Artwork, including any work created or developed by the application of skill, taste or creative talent for sale, display or collection. This includes, but is not limited to, items (and their parts) such as paintings, drawings, vases, tapestries, limited- edition prints, fine art, statuary, sculpture and collector's items.
2. Film, photographic images (including photographic negatives), photographic chromes and photographic slides.
3. Any commodity that by its inherent nature is particularly susceptible to damage or the market value of which is particularly variable or difficult to ascertain.
4. Antiques, or any commodity that exhibits the style or fashion of a past era and whose history, age or rarity contributes to its value. These items include, but are not limited to, furniture, tableware, glassware, and collector's items such as sports cards, souvenirs and memorabilia. (Collector's coins and stamps may not be shipped. See the Prohibited Items section.)
5. Glassware, including, but not limited to, signs, mirrors, ceramics, porcelains, china, crystal, glass, framed glass and any other commodity with similarly fragile qualities.
6. Plasma screens.
7. Jewelry, including, but not limited to, costume jewelry, watches and their parts, mount gems or stones (precious or semiprecious), industrial diamonds, and jewelry made of precious metal.
8. Furs, including, but not limited to, fur clothing, fur-trimmed clothing and fur pelts.
9. Precious metals, including, but not limited to, gold and silver bullion or dust, precipitates or platinum (except as an integral part of electronic machinery).
10. Stocks, bonds, cash letters or cash equivalents, including, but not limited to, food stamps, postage stamps (not collectible), traveler's checks, lottery tickets, money orders, gift cards and gift certificates, prepaid calling cards (excluding those that require a code for activation), bond coupons, and bearer bonds.
11. Guitars and other musical instruments that are more than 20 years old, and customized or personalized musical instruments.
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Hope this helps,
Cheers!
Benton |
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