Warning for UPS shippers/packaging info

[Mtn_Infantry]

Also note USPS Registered mail is handled hand to hand and must be kept in locked compartment at all times so its not just chunked on a conveyor. As well as has a higher level of insurance you can purchase, max out at $50,000. I am sending JJ a gun this week and will be using Registered mail and Ins.

This, anytime I ship a firearm that’s worth a bit of money I ship it registered mail. Just be careful if they journey through Cali. They like to kick the guns back over and over to the last destination. It’s happened to me twice now.

I also carry a Gun & Trophy Insurance Policy.

 

[ftrovato]

That is criminal and there should be something someone could do. I wonder if the BBB could help? Ugh!!!

The most BBB will do is if the planets align against in this case UPS downgrade their rating. They will not assist in the actual claim.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Just when you think a corporation can not find another way to avoid responsibility they come up with another twist. Bloody sad.

 

[dogcat1]

This happens occasionally. Advice - always take out the bolt as it is point of leverage to break the stock. Pack in pelican case then dense cardboard. If a Pelican is not available, use hard and soft foam, cut to fit with bolt removed.

 

[Robmill70]

This is what happened to a rifle I had shipped through FedEx. The recipient sent me this pic and said FedEx denied the claim.

 

[Tanks]

My previous insurer specifically stated that guns shipped by UPS would not be covered.

 

[skydiver386]

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how a stock could be broken when shipped in a hard case.

I had a $3,000 Olympic level 10meter air rifle with a factory Walther hard case around it had the cocking handle broken in shipping. There was a BOOT PRINT on the outside cardboard where some Jackwagon had obviously stepped on it.

Until there is a huge Boycott things won't change.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Look at @Wildwillalaska recent experience with shipping a rifle to me. Luckily he had insurance through Cole? who took care of this quickly and it was not a inexpensive rifle. If I ship a gun you bet it will be insured through someone besides UPS

I think if folks buy, sell, ship enough guns over enough time, sooner or later one of these nightmares will prove your own. I consider myself fortunate that I had collected and traded guns for more than 30years before experiencing my first and hope last experience shared above. But…even 1…is too many. I think the quality of labor and care of handling is not greater today than it was in years ago and don’t expect it to improve in the future.

That said, and knowing your first mail order or shipment to a gunsmith could prove your time…you owe it to yourself and your investment to properly insure your firearm. I can personally attest from my recent incident that @GUN & TROPHY INSURANCE is a wonderful option…and way cheaper than insurance through shippers. It will cover you from purchase for receiving shipping, even importing from abroad, selling until reaching delivery dealer, shipping to gunsmiths, and travel abroad to remote hunting grounds, even while afield.

I can not say enough about the coverage…very reasonably priced, quick attention to claims, and even with unique custom rifles like the Sterling Davenport in my case, they had a fair and accurate appraisal completed. From date of loss it was barely 2.5-3 weeks before I received a direct deposit paying my claim.

So…pack safe…but insure properly…which is not with the shipper.

 

[BRICKBURN]

My previous insurer specifically stated that guns shipped by UPS would not be covered.

That's telling.

 

[Robmill70]

This one happened to a rifle I received a couple of years ago that was shipped through USPS, claim and appeal were both denied.

 

[GUN & TROPHY INSURANCE]

This is why if you have nice guns you have to have an external 3rd party insurance policy. Many have been discussed on here, I use Collectibles Insurance Co., haven't had to use them yet thankfully. When I was looking at buying the policy I specifically asked about transit with the airlines, and shipping domestically, they told me that the guns were covered no questions asked.

Depending on the values/type of shipper that may not be 100% accurate. I believe Collectibles has special sub limits depending on class/shipper as well as signature requirements - see screenshot below

 

[WyoBull]

I spent my entire career in the transportation industry. Trust me when I say the claims departments at these companies are well trained in how to avoid paying out claims. They will use small print and technicalities to deny claims when they know good and well they damaged the goods.
My only advice is to be a pit bull when it is time to take the gloves off.

 

[farmer_john]

Didn’t know where to stick this so figured the classifieds would get this good traffic.

So a word of warning for those who ship UPS. I recently got a Ruger custom M77 in .458 win mag. Even being shipped in a hard case, it arrived broke at the wrist. Cracked the plastic hard case as well. Of course issued a claim with UPS.

After a month of run around and the same ruling from the UPS managers at both shipping and delivery point. And then a third ruling from the appeals person the consensus was:

They denied the claim because of inadequate packaging. Being a hard case we were a little incredulous and asked for clarification:

The UPS requires 2” of padding between the packed object and the outer cardboard shipping box in order to make a payout for damage.

A hard case counts as ZERO packaging because the hard case becomes the “object” which must be padded. So two inches of padding must be wrapped around the OUTSIDE…… of a hard case in order to be eligible for payout.

Since we were curious we asked about other stuff. Factory cardboard/foam boxes also don’t count unless padded 2” all the way around as well.

Which basically means 95% of shipped guns via ups are uninsured as everyone I know assumed a hard case counted as adequate packaging. Two additional inches of padding means a massive box which would almost double the cost of shipping.

Just take em to court. Just showing up will cost them alot more than solving your problem.

 

[Twraska]

Ea

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how a stock could be broken when shipped in a hard case.

sy, the gorilla jumped on it

 

[Altitude sickness]

I had two rifle wrists broken last year. One shipping to a buyer and one being shipped to me.

Do not waste your money paying for FedEx, UPS or USPS insurance. Use Gun & trophy or other legit underwriters.

 

[whisk(e)y hunter]

I like to internally frame my boxes with 1” X and plywood to help avoid breaks. Increases shipping cost for weight but an inherent safeguard to some damage. Still wouldn’t prevent a forklift running over it of course.

 

[Tucketed]

Let’s be careful here, @GUN & TROPHY INSURANCE is watching this thread and premiums might change with all of these broken guns.

 

[Altitude sickness]

It’s still very rare.

 

[RR 314]

I detest shipping nice rifles. I usually will not do it even though I vastly decrease the buyer’s pool by limiting to local pick up. I recently broke down and shipped one in a Kalispell aluminum case. . . and still lost sleep over it. . Hate to read these stories. They give me heartburn.

 

[BGHNTR416]

This is great info!