Has Anyone Had Success with a FedEx Damage Claim? (Warning- Disturbing Images)

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TMH

TMH

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Jul 26, 2020
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CA, United States
So I received my RAW HM1000x in the following condition after a rather short shipment down the U.S. West Coast:

IMG_2195E.1636553803.jpg


IMG_2196E.1636553803.jpg


Gun had been shipped wrapped in bubble wrap, in eggcrate foam with additional foam pieces to limit movement inside the inner corrugated shipper box, and with additional foam pieces at each end of the inner shipper box, within the outer corrugated shipper box. There was no visible damage to the exterior of the shipping boxes when received.

I put through a damage claim to FedEx, and this morning got the response that the claim was denied as "We have found no evidence that the shipment was mishandled while in our possession." I guess that a stock broken into 2 pieces doesn't count as 'evidence'.

They don't really give any opening as to what I might be able to do to have them re-assess. In the initial claim I had provided photos of the broken gun, as well as the extensive protective packaging.

Has anyone had success with a FedEx damage claim - especially after it has initially been denied? Is it just useless for us to continue paying extra $$$ to these shipping companies to cover loss/damage to guns during shipment?

Thanks for any assistance, and sorry about showing such graphic images so early in the morning.
 
So in my experience with ups, they look the the packaging….there a minimum requirement in terms of inches of packaging material (with ups 2” packaging all the way around the item). And they also want to see the actual box to inspect for damage. 

UPS will want the item and it’s packaging back in hand…for inspection.


Is the box crushed or mangled? If the box is still in ok shape, they are obviously saying the item was shipped In a broken state. 
 
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Sorry to see such a nice gun like that end up to the buyer in that condition . But I wouldn't blame FedEx , the person that sent it is really the one to blame . Should have been sent in a hard case with pick and pull foam or in 2 box's with the stock removed still with pick and pull foam . That gun would still bounce around inside the original box because of it's weight but needed the pick and pull in between the egg crate to secure it . Sorry to see this happen to you and hope it work's out . We all have seen too many examples of this on here so shippers beware ! Good luck with getting it resolved .
 
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Curious...

Was there any attempt by the manufacturer to glue a wooden dowel up through the bottom of the pistol grip?

A long screw perhaps?

Always makes me wonder when I see a stock break right at that point.
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No, there is no manufacturer installed reinforcement of any type in the wrist of the stock.

Is the box crushed or mangled? If the box is still in ok shape, they are obviously saying the item was shipped In a broken state.
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No apparent or visible damage to the exterior of the double corrugated box shipper.



The seller immediately agreed to reimburse the cost of a replacement stock. He and I have purchased multiple guns from each other and I completely trust him. And the gun was shipped in essentially the same packaging configuration as a used one purchased from AoA, which had arrived safely.

I do have a replacement stock on the way from Martin. The RAW buckskin laminate was my very favorite of the stock colors, but now I'm getting a very good looking blue one.

I will likely, on my own dime, work with a local FFL/gunsmith friend who has a great deal of experience with powder burning hunting rifles. I'm pretty sure that he can assist me in finding someone who may be able to do a nice repair on my Buckskin stock. And the repaired stock will likely be substantially stronger in the wrist as compared to OEM.

Now I need to re-think future shipping of rifles in a broken-down configuration as mentioned by biohazardman . Especially those which aren't shipping in a form-fitting hard case.

In the end this is either a very unusual situation, or I have been very lucky as this is the first rifle I have either received or shipped which has sustained any damage. And there have been a whole bunch of incoming and outgoing shipments over the past year and a half.

Thanks for all of your input.


 
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To answer the question directly:

Primary claim success yes, thousnds of dollars for high value packages. Partial loss success yes when box corner torn and some barrels missing. Had experience when I shipped valves package in eggcrates. No outside box damage but when they arrived the egg crates were vaporized (vibration and shock literally ground the eggrates down) valves were in a pile at bottom of box. Fedex paid the claim.

Appeals never attempted. Did have a couple claims turned down for insufficient packaging. Ups claim turned down because round tube packaging isnt approved packaging, only rectangular boxes (ups).

‐--------

Repair, fine furniture restoration people should be able to handle. As someone stated wooden dowel or pins/screws. Line up and glue back together. Then from inside drill some 1/4 holes and glue in "rebar" type reinforcment.
 
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So I received my RAW HM1000x in the following condition after a rather short shipment down the U.S. West Coast:

IMG_2195E.1636553803.jpg


IMG_2196E.1636553803.jpg


Gun had been shipped wrapped in bubble wrap, in eggcrate foam with additional foam pieces to limit movement inside the inner corrugated shipper box, and with additional foam pieces at each end of the inner shipper box, within the outer corrugated shipper box.  There was no visible damage to the exterior of the shipping boxes when received.

I put through a damage claim to FedEx, and this morning got the response that the claim was denied as "We have found no evidence that the shipment was mishandled while in our possession." I guess that a stock broken into 2 pieces doesn't count as 'evidence'.

They don't really give any opening as to what I might be able to do to have them re-assess. In the initial claim I had provided photos of the broken gun, as well as the extensive protective packaging.

Has anyone had success with a FedEx damage claim - especially after it has initially been denied? Is it just useless for us to continue paying extra $$$ to these shipping companies to cover loss/damage to guns during shipment?

Thanks for any assistance, and sorry about showing such graphic images so early in the morning.
Click to expand...

The key words in bold above !

I had a similar problem with a shop after buying a rifle. The factory case had/has a corner missing. As not even in the shipping box. The rifle was not damaged. As you also stated, my shipping box had no damage. If the shipping container had no damage, the shipping company (FedEx) could not have damaged my case or your rifle.

I tried several times and ways to contact my seller...with no luck. A shop that I can't buy from again !

Mike
 
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That is nasty! Myself I never ship guns with wood stocks assembled. I disassemble them and pack them separately but in the same box.

I wish you luck with your troubles.
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Good luck with that. I shipped a rifle with the stock and action separated with the trigger and sights removed and packed separately. UPS managed to crush the box the break a well protected plastic trigger carrier within the action. Both the action and stock were well padded with foam and bubble wrap. Next time, I'm going to put major parts in PVC pipe.
 
Upvote 0
So I received my RAW HM1000x in the following condition after a rather short shipment down the U.S. West Coast:

IMG_2195E.1636553803.jpg


IMG_2196E.1636553803.jpg


Gun had been shipped wrapped in bubble wrap, in eggcrate foam with additional foam pieces to limit movement inside the inner corrugated shipper box, and with additional foam pieces at each end of the inner shipper box, within the outer corrugated shipper box.  There was no visible damage to the exterior of the shipping boxes when received.

I put through a damage claim to FedEx, and this morning got the response that the claim was denied as "We have found no evidence that the shipment was mishandled while in our possession." I guess that a stock broken into 2 pieces doesn't count as 'evidence'.

They don't really give any opening as to what I might be able to do to have them re-assess. In the initial claim I had provided photos of the broken gun, as well as the extensive protective packaging.

Has anyone had success with a FedEx damage claim - especially after it has initially been denied? Is it just useless for us to continue paying extra $$$ to these shipping companies to cover loss/damage to guns during shipment?

Thanks for any assistance, and sorry about showing such graphic images so early in the morning.
Click to expand...

The key words in bold above !

I had a similar problem with a shop after buying a rifle. The factory case had/has a corner missing. As not even in the shipping box. The rifle was not damaged. As you also stated, my shipping box had no damage. If the shipping container had no damage, the shipping company (FedEx) could not have damaged my case or your rifle.

I tried several times and ways to contact my seller...with no luck. A shop that I can't buy from again !

Mike
Click to expand...

Look for evidence of re-taping the box. Never know if the box was opened during shipment and re sealed.
 
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your stock can be repaired.Sorry this happened ;I have seen enough of this type of damage to know it is not uncommon.... the best thing to do when shipping is to take stock off of rifle, especially when it is laminated......Small wooden doles drilled into stock will strengthen it...Has to be right-on then glue and light clamping....Most good wood workers can do it.....

Because this is not rare....you should be able to get it done to almost new...that is a good looking stock,good luck on your journey.
 
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YES ... last claim I had with FEDX was over a broken stock on an HW35 Walnut ..... They paid for an entire gun !! because stock was broken they did not want it back. So we replaced the entire gun, removed the stock putting it back onto customers gun and reshipped. Took custody of the broken stock, repaired it placing the new action into it .. FREE GUN !!



True story ....



Scott S
 
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Unfortunately this is a good example of how NOT to package an expensive rifle. The bubble wrap acted like anti-friction lubricant to compromise the very reason for the egg-crate foam; that being to prevent stuff from shifting around inside the package.

Never, never, NEVER put lubricant between the gun and the foam! Then, surround the whole circumference of the gun with a (non-lubricating) cocoon.

I always assume every hand that touches the package once it is out of my hands is attached to a rampaging gorilla, aka- package "handler", so package contents in such a way as to make them virtually impossible to destroy when the package is dropped end-first 3-4 feet onto pavement or concrete. Because IT WILL BE!
 
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