galtjunk wrote:UPS is self insured and will do almost anything to avoid paying a claim.
I received an 18 watt chassis from GDS that was bent by UPS and he elected to just send me a new one rather than trying to file a claim with UPS.
I filed a claim with Fedex for a $65 computer case that was bent during shipping and they sent 2 inspectors out to see it. I had a new one in 2 days.
Every shipper breaks things. UPS just doesn't seem to care.
I own a computer shop and have had UPS break things. They always say they will be sending an inspector. Usually they don't for a few hundred dollors worth. They also usually say to dispose of the broken stuff! yeah right! I have lots of scavengers that look for used stuff and I sell the good parts for 1/2 off and toss the broken ones! UPS buys lunch for a week!
I have been using DHL and shipped a few amps. So far they have been great and cost less and the package actually showed up a day earlier than the stated time. When was the last time you actually got a 3 day ground package in two days instead of three using Fedx or UPS?
Allyn, i run a local computer shop also, and we do the same thing with used/scavenged parts... got a guy that comes in once a week and we make enough to buy lunch for a few days:)
Holy Cow,I have heard a bunch of stories like these from a variety of people.That said when I know I have either ordered/bought a guitar or amp it is normally a custom order-the last time was April of 2003-I have gone with overnight Fed Ex.I don't know if it's the best,but I DO know that if you only have 24 hours to get an item delivered and it's obviously labelled 'fragile' and insured for a fucking(excuse my french) small fortune,the FedEx people are just a little more likely to take care of your stuff.Whether it's a guitar or an amp,it makes a diff when you pack well.The only other shippers I have recently dealt with is DHL,and I had a gift (amp combo cabinet)sent to me from out in California.It got here in a timely fashion and was not damaged by DHL.
It was shipped via FedEx to "Ibanez Rules" a small company in NJ. for a pro setup only. (The guy is one of the best guitar tech's around) The guitar was in mint condition, (before FedEx put it on a three story flight off a conveyor) yes, well insured...... and the claim???? DENIED! (so far)
Note, no apparent damage to box...... Why??? Because it fell "flat" and the force literally exploded the case corner out not to mention the fatal "internal" injuries sustained. It "was" a JS1200 Joe Satriani model. Fortunately not mine. You'll love the picture sequence. but brace for the shocking pic's at the end!
So when it comes to shipping anything via airline, UPS, FedEx, etc....... always remember ATA flight approved cases. Even then, no guarantee! And always open the box in front of the driver or better yet go and pick it up. He (the driver) may get pissed but then there is no question when damage occurred. When it comes to tube amps..... remove the tubes and pack each separately and well secured in the head/combo. A couple of hundred bucks for a quality locking flight case is cheap "extra insurance" especially if it's a one of a kind baby to you.
UR12 wrote:I have been using DHL and shipped a few amps.
I ordered a couple of speakers which were delivered by DHL. They were left half way up a sloping driveway, in plain sight of the street and 30 feet from the appropriate front door. It was just a couple celestions -- didn't weigh anything.
UR12 wrote:I have been using DHL and shipped a few amps. So far they have been great and cost less and the package actually showed up a day earlier than the stated time. When was the last time you actually got a 3 day ground package in two days instead of three using Fedx or UPS?
I've heard DHL described as "The Suck Of All Suck" and I'd have to agree. I had a customer schedule a DHL pickup, DHL and I chased each other around for three weeks! THEY weren't here when they said they'd be there and I wasn't here when they finally did show up. I've got better things to do than wait around all day for a carrier that never shows up.
The thing with DHL is that they're an affiliation of contract carriers. They're associated with BDR Freight (Best Direct Route), apparently BDR thought concepts that work in the freight expediting industry would work in the parcel industry. Yes it works but not as well as UPS or FedEx. The DHL organization is fragmented (individual contractors), it's impossible to get information or answers from your end to my end via DHL. Fair warning!
If you're shipping something like a vintage guitar you should really pack it in an Anvil case then pack the whole works in a cardboard box. My basic rule it that if I can't replace it I should pack it so it CAN'T be broken.
Back to the original topic... the bent chassis. I think Bruno uses an extruded aluminum chassis and I'm thinking along those lines myself. I'm going to build a chassis UPS can drive the truck over! Ever seen the insides of a Neve console? THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!
yeah right! I have lots of scavengers that look for used stuff and I sell the good parts for 1/2 off and toss the broken ones! UPS buys lunch for a week! 
It "was" a JS1200 Joe Satriani model. Fortunately not mine. You'll love the picture sequence. but brace for the shocking pic's at the end! 
