Federal Express does NOT pay valid claim!

[WA3TJO]

Shocking and unbelievable but true. I purchased some valuable transmitting tubes from a person on the East coast. I wanted to "Make SURE" they arrived to Colorado intact. I had him deliver these old high power AM broadcast tubes to Mailboxes Etc. for PROFESSIONAL packaging. I paid $130.00 for them to JUST PACK these tubes. They double boxed them. They went overboard. I insured them for $1,300.00. Upon receipt FOUR of the largest tubes were totally smashed. They must have literally thrown the cartons OR dropped them off of a high place. The cartons appeared ok. The seller and the manager of MailBoxes Etc confirmed that each tube was intact and wrapped carefully. After filing the claim FedEx REFUSES to pay ONE penny of my $1,300.00 claim!!! They site the reason "You should not have shipped FRAGILE ARTICLES with us" !!!! UNBELIEVABLE! I spoke to the President's Office of Fedex. They STILL stood by the decision of the "adjustment department". Lets see now, Professionally packed to EXCEED packaging guidelines, Insured for replacement value proveable, Shipped via AIR service and they refuse to pay the claim. What is wrong with this picture. The ONLY thing they did for me was to offer a $500.00 "Courtesy reimbursement" due to my "difficulties". They said this was NOT a payment on the claim, ONLY to "make me happy". Happy I am NOT. Just a heads up to other hams that might want to ship delicate items. Stay AWAY from FedEx is my motto. I still can't believe it! I don't know how the other carriers would perform in this situation. I honestly believed that FedEx was a class act. They ARE a class act. You decide which class. I even PHONED FedEx PRIOR to having these items shipped to determine if such articles were acceptable for shipment and insurance. I specified EXACTLY what I wanted to ship. They said "As long as you package them appropriately you are covered." I even had and HAVE this phone conversation recorded. They didn't even want to hear it OR the name of the representative I spoke to!! They must be PAID to deny claims! Signed: EX FedEx. Len Rusnak, WA3TJO

[KB2JSG]

You may want to try small claims court, that might work! But remember, document, document, document. Also, UPS won't accept anything made of glass unless you pay some high priced fee for the molded foam insulation protection, that's if you tell them it's glass. I really believe if the package is marked "FRAGILE" the apes at UPS or FEDEX play soccer with the box.

[N3BIF]

My beef would be with "Mailboxes" or whomever packed the items for you. They were acting as your agent and should have made sure they were properly packed. Did you actually see them pack them up and were photos taken before and after of the packaging ?
My guess is that these tubes shifted in transit and struck against each other. I do not see how if they were properly isolated that they could have broken unless the box was crushed under deliberate external forces beyond the normal rigors of FEDEX handling.
I Have shipped probably 750,000 packages in the past 17 years with both carriers and can recall only 6 or 7 damage issues and each time the issue was brought to my attention by the respective companies themselves and quickly and fairly resolved.
I am sorry to hear of your situation but do think the "packer" be brought to bear .

[KD7RHO]

You may want to check with your state if they have a commissioner of insurance, they may be able to help with your claim against FedEX. You paid for the extra insurance you should be able to collect it.

Good luck
Ed KD7RHO

[K8UPA]

I agree with the other posts. By using mailbox, ect as your agent, they should assume responsibility. Knowing they were glass tubes should have made them all the more carefull in they way it was packaged. If the box was in good shape and the contents damaged, obviously they didn't go overboard enough. Don't let them get away with it, it is there business to make sure that your merchandise arrives in the same condition that it left, (according to their commercials anyway), why else would anyone pay for that service? Besides they know how packages are handled by these carriers, they should have packed your tubes assuming the worst. I would wonder if the person you bought them from actually had mailbox, ect. pack it or simply bought the supplies himself. Seems to me they know the business better than this. Good luck.
73
Lou

[wa2rqy]

Mailboxes may have done a good job on your tubes but I would'nt send a can of Tuna thru them , I've sen stuff sent thru them, terrible packing or non-existant!
Contrary to wat some may believe, If you insure items for $1000 but are really only worth $500, you would be lucky to get 80% of the $500 & thats even if you can prove it.
I once had a situation with UPS involving an antique radio. UPS would not believe the value without getting a letter from an antique dealer on his letterhead.
They like taking your insurance money but don't like paying but usually "the squeaky wheel does get the grease"
Persistance OM!
GL.......
Rich WA2RQY

[K0KAV]

Usually, the shipper [or seller] is the insured and they are the only one's who can file a claim. I had an amp shipped to me via UPS that was packed by MBE. The tubes were broken and upon contacting UPS, I was advised the shipper [MBE] was the insured, regardless of who paid the shipping, and they had to file the claim. It ultimately turned out okay, but what a hassle. The seller would not refund my money and left it up to MBE.

[W8OB]

I have never had a problem with claims from either carrier. First of all take the time to photograph the packing of the items, second if in doubt insist that the counter person look at the contents of the box for proper packing and get a certification from them. I once ran into this problem when I shipped out 4 8950 tubes to the west coast 2 of them arrived in hundreds of pieces even thought they were foam wrapped and placed in individual boxes and then well packed inside a double thick ship box. The carrier balked but I showed proof of the packing and in 6 weeks I received a check for the amount of damage. In the mean time I had a pair of the tubes drop shipped to the person from the supplier and everybody was happy. Best thing you can do is avoid mbe they have never impressed me and the only thing missing when you walk up to the counter is the clerk wearing a mask.

[K1DPM]

Exact same experiance. SB-200 in MINT condx shipped double boxed and insured for full value ($650). SMASHED bt FedEx. 5 letters, 9 phone calls, 6 faxes and 60 days later, they paid $100. Guess I was lucky to get that however my normal billing rate far exceeded time invested. FedEx (NEVER AGAIN)!

[N3EYA]

I don't see how you can blame FedEx when you said the box the tubes were shipped in was OK. It has to be the packer/shipper. I'm not saying there have not been other instances where FedEx is to blame, but I think you are wrong in this case. Go after Mailboxes.

Don't give up. 73 and good luck.

Ed