Preferred Carrier for Shipping in the U.S.

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi all,

I need to ship a chanter within the U.S. What service do people prefer, UPS or USPS? I am excluding FedEx because they actually ran over a chanter of mine with a forklift or something. They crushed the chanter cap and getting the insurance claim was like pulling teeth and took over six months. The only reason I ended up settling was that the claims inspector was the brother of a high school friend of mine.

So, carrier preference, insurance amount, 2 day vs overnight etc…

Thanks!

2

I would suggest USPS Express or Registered Mail. The later works out cheaper if you need a high insurance value. I have sent plenty of stuff Express and have never had a problem yet. Just sent my Rogge set off for repair via Express mail Monday actually. UPS destroyed one of my accordions so I’m never giving them my business again.

3

I would say USPS Express Mail. Declare your value and pay the extra. Registered mail is for extremely valuable stuff like bullion, jewelry, or heirlooms. It is extremely slow since the piece must be held in secured facilities (safes), while in transit. There is no real effort to speed or expedite the transit of Registered Mail.

Bob

4

FedEx destroyed a package I sent. Brown is too expensive. USPS once lost an uninsured flute I sent by express next day mail. It showed up a month later. USPS priority is my choice now. Works fine, is fast and reliable. One day longer than express mail for half the price.

5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKUDTPbDhnA

Yeah, this could happen, just hope you don’t get this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q6_9A90cUk

6

I have successfully posted several chanters through USPS Priority Mail. If you wrap the chanter in foam, and put that into a piece of PVC pipe, it is virtually postal worker proof.

7

Thanks all for the tips. Yup, that’s what I usually do - put the whole bundle in a PVC pipe. Adds a little weight but adds more peace-of-mind.

8

I have had to do damage claims with UPS, FedEx, and the USPS. Of the three, the Post Office paid the claim with the least hassle. I had to spend a bunch of time fighting with UPS and FedEx before they would pay. USPS insurance is the most expensive, but for something smallish like a chanter I would go with them.

I work restoring antique stringed instruments- we had a situation with UPS where they denied a claim because we “couldn’t prove that the damage occurred during transit”, ie. they were accusing us of shipping it that way, or maybe accusing the customer of breaking it and then trying to blame UPS. Now, when we ship anything valuable, we take photos of it with the day’s paper before packing it.

Andy