UPS question regarding the declared value of package

[woody]

I am having something shipped 2-day air that is worth about $3500-4000. It cannot be damaged unless there is a severe mishandling of the package. However, declaring that value will jack the price of shipping up to around $200, instead of under $100 if no value is claimed. My understanding is that the declared value is in case the package is damaged, and not necessarily that it will get lost. That UPS pretty much guarantees that the package will get to its destination, but you can declare a value in case of damage in route to destination. Am I off base here or does that sound right.?

[Smoke68]

I believe UPS packages are insured for $100 automatically. If you don't declare a higher value (and pay a higher shipping cost) they'll only cover up to the minimum insured value.

[teul2]

Should it fall out of the truck, you'll be out $3400 - $3900.

[jtdumallard]

Should it fall out of the truck, you'll be out $3400 - $3900.

Correct. If they loose it they will only pay you $100 for it. Much better to be safe than sorry and think of it as a wise investment.

[deltadukman]

I'd call it a bet rather than an investment....

Now, why should I have to insure something against damage or loss from a company I am ,for all things considered, "Hiring", to transport my goods and trusting them while its in their care, custody, and control is beyond me. Are they not responsible? Thats like a mechanic shop keeping your vehicle for repair, and their mishandling causes it to get wrecked, and its not their fault?

[Smoke68]

I see UPSs side of it. Accidents happen, no matter how careful you are, when you're moving that many packages.

Therefore, it costs more to move expensive things if you have to pay for those things when they break. It's either charge everyone more, or charge according to what the package costs to move.

[teul2]

Work a summer in a UPS sort facility, and you'll see just how "careful" your packages are handled. The smaller and bigger it is, the harder it is handled.
I loaded four of the full sized 18 wheeler trailers per night headed to New Orleans. It was all about speed.

[Smoke68]

Work a summer in a UPS sort facility, and you'll see just how "careful" your packages are handled. The smaller and bigger it is, the harder it is handled.
I loaded four of the full sized 18 wheeler trailers per night headed to New Orleans. It was all about speed.

I'll bet they mark those $4,000 packages well.

"Slow down boys. Don't drop this one."

[edub20]

Work a summer in a UPS sort facility, and you'll see just how "careful" your packages are handled. The smaller and bigger it is, the harder it is handled.
I loaded four of the full sized 18 wheeler trailers per night headed to New Orleans. It was all about speed.

I'll bet they mark those $4,000 packages well.

"Slow down boys. Don't drop this one."

"F-R-A-G-I-L-A"

[kb7722]

I'd call it a bet rather than an investment....

Now, why should I have to insure something against damage or loss from a company I am ,for all things considered, "Hiring", to transport my goods and trusting them while its in their care, custody, and control is beyond me. Are they not responsible? Thats like a mechanic shop keeping your vehicle for repair, and their mishandling causes it to get wrecked, and its not their fault?

Why would UPS ship something of high value and not charge more for the increased risk they are undertaking b/c they are liable if the high value package is lost? Their base price is based on an assumption that the package is valued at $100. They will ship for that price b/c they have calculated the risk/liability at that value. If the value is much more they have to charge more. If they had a policy to pay for any lost package regardless of value, we would all be paying much more for shipping.

[woody]

I understand the damage part and having to pay more, but the part that gets me is the package being lost. Why should I have to pay more for a more valuable package to insure that it will not get lost? Do higher value packages get lost more often? Whether I ship a $100 package vs. a $1000 package, isn't it the service of guaranteeing my package will get to its intended destination what I am originally paying for?

[Smoke68]

I understand the damage part and having to pay more, but the part that gets me is the package being lost. Why should I have to pay more for a more valuable package to insure that it will not get lost? Do higher value packages get lost more often? Whether I ship a $100 package vs. a $1000 package, isn't it the service of guaranteeing my package will get to its intended destination what I am originally paying for?

I would say high value and low value packages probably get lost at the same rate, and it costs more to guarantee a $1,000 package than it does a $100 package in the event that it is lost.

[teul2]

They look at damage and loss the same way. Because if either one happens, they have to pay the same amount to you.

[levi127]

Im a manager for UPS, currently looking for another job.
Your envelope you mail will get the same treatment as the 5k product your shipping.
only 1 way to protect it... you better follow all guidelines to packae requirement to a T or it will not be covered period. If it says you need 3in of padding, itll be measured .
PM me and I will be glad to help you anyway I can.

[randywallace]

FedEx or UPS, either way those trucks don't always get where they are supposed to. Insure the package for what it is worth or risk losing some $$$.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov ... lzura-chp/

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breakin ... nd_in.html