FedEx delivery next door...

[tjmangum]

My stepson worked several years for UPS in a regional distribution center. He told me that when he and others on the line sorted large trailers into smaller trucks (prior to sorting to the delivery trucks) the key was always speed and the accuracy of the scans of where an item went. That's what they were rewarded for. Avoiding breakage or damage was never part of the culture, nor a concern.
Regardless of the carrier, many hands handle a package from point A to point B and all it takes is one careless person to damage an item. I'm surprised more items aren't damaged, broken or lost.
T

 

[chazmo]

I only want to chime in that here in friendly, humble, (very foggy today), rural central Massachusetts the delivery personnel for USPS, UPS, and FedEx are exceedingly careful with packages on the truck. I think it must be a cultural thing. Most of the time, they know what's in the box.

The issue that really scares me with UPS and FedEx at least, as others have pointed out, is the depot transfers. I don't know how much USPS uses the high-speed conveyors for fragile packages, but these other guys... so, sure, the delivery guy can surely pooch the deal, but there's an awful lot of risk to the guitars as they get handled out-of-sight to us.

 

[chazmo]

Sigh... I just realized that this thread was started by Bill's observations. Bill is a neighbor. So, basically ignore my kind words to the central MA delivery guys.

 

[ladytexan]

I've posted this one before, but seems it might be OK to do so, one more time! Glad you're new guitar arrived safe and sound, Barbara.

 

[Bill Ashton]

The reason I stated that it was a Mercedes Benz van as I didn't think a contractor would be springing for one of those!

Interesting sidebar...sold an antique lap steel through a private sale, have to send it to Pennsylvania. Buyer suggested using reagular postal service. Boxed her up well yesterday, went to local P.O to get rate. Counter man told me parcel post is the cheapest, but it goes in a big container that is dumped out and travels along via conveyors, and even if the box is covered with "Fragile" stickers, nothing is stopping a larger box next in line from squishing it...he suggested Priority Mail as an alternative and in this case is a $12 to $20 difference. He also advised that even though I wanted to insure it for $500, I would need documentation to prove it was worth that much should the bad thing happen. So my guess will be postal roullette, Priority-style.
This was all just before watching the situation play out next door.

My experience this summer with my computer back and forth to Sandy on Long Island by Fedx was cheap, quick and reliable. My observations yesterday make me think I was very lucky...twice!

 

[twocorgis]

My experience this summer with my computer back and forth to Sandy on Long Island by Fedx was cheap, quick and reliable. My observations yesterday make me think I was very lucky...twice!

It's also a lot harder to wreck a desktop computer though Bill!

I've gotten so good at packing acoustic guitar since I joined here (and removing the end pin is essential!), that it would take a tremendous amount of mishandling to inflict any damage on them. I think you could evenh trow one over a fence with no ill effects. It's all in the packing, and a good hard shell case inside the box. 8)

 

[chazmo]

Don't get cocky, Sandy!

I think you guys need to see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... VMmmMqmQdY

I've been meaning to point you guys at this for a long time. Does anyone recognize the venue? New form of package delivery, my boys!

 

[twocorgis]

Don't get cocky, Sandy!

I'm sure that I'll get tripped up somewhere along the way Chaz, but I do know that it will take a concerted effort on the part of the handler to inflict any damage.

I think you guys need to see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... VMmmMqmQdY

I've been meaning to point you guys at this for a long time. Does anyone recognize the venue? New form of package delivery, my boys!

Yikes! Is that Ski Sundown?

 

[chazmo]

ding-ding-ding!!!! A few years before we Guilders came into the picture, my friend.

 

[powerwagonjohn]

O dear, as I sit here awaiting the Fed-X truck I didn't need to read this. At least I have a 14 day return. Wish me luck.
Thanks John

 

[adorshki]

O dear, as I sit here awaiting the Fed-X truck I didn't need to read this. At least I have a 14 day return. Wish me luck.
Thanks John

Put a big sign on your front lawn with your street number and the wording:
"ATTENTION FED EX SIGNATURE REQUIRED"
That oughtta get 'em to stop at least, instead of throwing it out the door as they drive by.

 

[Bill Ashton]

I appears that you had good luck, John!

 

[powerwagonjohn]

yes, it worked out fine but I did put out a 4' cardboard sign with my address on it. The package was in good condition with no damage. The lady was nice and friendly and I was thrilled, as you would expect.
Thanks John

 

[Bill Ashton]

The nice lady came today, and handed me my ink cartridge from Dell...

 

[chazmo]

I have to admit.... I have the jitters right now. I'm discussing a cross-country swap with a fellow in California, and we'll both be using UPS ground. We talked about it and decided to go ahead, but I'm going to try to find a window where the weather will be somewhat warmer here. Sigh... Excitement of a NGD, but fear of a broken NGD!

 

[adorshki]

I have to admit.... I have the jitters right now. I'm discussing a cross-country swap with a fellow in California, and we'll both be using UPS ground. We talked about it and decided to go ahead, but I'm going to try to find a window where the weather will be somewhat warmer here. Sigh... Excitement of a NGD, but fear of a broken NGD!

If it's logistically feasible (meanig a big enough box can be found), styrofoam peanuts in the box in which the guitar case is properly packed add additional insulation, not just impact protection. :wink:

 

[chazmo]

You bet, Al. As usual, I will pack this guitar well with peanuts everywhere... I'm certain it'll be well insulated from rapid change, but the temp's been freezing here for a couple of days already and going to get worse. If the guitars sit in a truck, they're going to chill down. Sigh. Cross your fingers for us.

 

[geoguy]

That's a long bumpy ride in a series of trucks, between left coast & right coast.

Are you sure that you don't want to spring for air delivery, next day? I'd do that with a hard-to-find instrument.

 

[chazmo]

I've been thinking about that. This is soooooo borderline.

Well, we'll see if my jitters change the plan. I am not planning to do anything until next Tuesday because I'm too busy at the moment, and my counterpart agreed to that.

This morning it was 3degF at my house.

 

[adorshki]

This morning it was 3degF at my house.

Inside or outside?