Anyone heard of this new FedEx option?

67standup

For submissions I always send USPS Registered Mail. Most overnight carriers such as FedEX have a $100 maximum payout rule. Years ago I only received $100 from Airborne because collectibles weren't covered, even though extra insurance was paid.

However, I heard that FedEx has a new shipping product called "DVX", where you can ship collectibles, negotiable instruments, and can be insured up to the declared value. Anyone know of this?

packCollector

don't know but would love to hear about it if it is available? I learned about the fedex scam after paying for the insurance for about a year for no reason. I think UPS has a similar exclusion but it is not as stardard as they say 1 of a kind items.

mcastaldi

67standup> Couple things. . .

I found out that sending orders to and from PSA via FedEx is not new. For a long time you've been able to use FedEx to send orders and have them returned. You just need to have your own FedEx acct in order for PSA to be able to send your cards back to you that way. Considering you can set up a FedEx acct on their web site for free, this isn't a big deal.

Also, since when did UPS or FedEx have limitations of $100 for insurance claims? Now, both FedEx and UPS give you $100 of coverage with each shipment but you can purchase extra coverage if need be. When I sold my PSA-graded 1975 set, I shipped it via UPS in two boxes and each box was insured for $5000. We regularly ship computers insured for over $1000. $100 coverage is free, but you can always pay for more - up to $10,000 per shipment, I believe. Now they're not going to just take your word for the value - they're going to want something to prove the insured vaalue if there's a claim. Something such as the eBay transaction or SMR would work for graded cards. Granted, raw cards would be a bit more slippery in this regard.

Mike

67standup

mcastaldi,

First, I like that Chris Rock quote, one of the funniest stand up videos I've seen.

What I believe to be FedEx fact:

FedEx will insure up to $100 at no additional cost to the shipper (claim between $.01 - $49.99 does not require a claim form.)

Shipper can purchase additional insurance for declared value over $100. However, if the item is deemed an "extraordinary item/irreplaceable", then the maximum insurance coverage that can be purchased is $500.

Shipper can purchase coverage for more than $500 through Transglobal, a FedEx partner.

"DVX" is an approved only program, i.e., not an option for average Joe calling about shipping choices, that's intended for packages containing high value items. So, this would be another way to have more than $500 coverage.

I'm not not versed on UPS.

Bottom line, I like USPS Registered since it's generally under lock and key, and there are multiple audit points along the process.

mcastaldi

I guess it would depend on whether cards would be considered "irreplaceable". At least for the issues I collect (1969-84), I'm not sure I'd consider any of those cards to be "irreplaceable". Inconvenient, expensive, or darned tough to replace maybe. . .but replaceable nonetheless.

And while USPS Registered may be under lock and key with multiple audit points I wonder what benefit that is when the following happens - I drop off my submission to PSA - securely packed and insured for $500+ - only to see the counter attendant try to imitate Joe Montana and sling my box the 20 feet or so to the appropriate bin. And I'm supposed to be happy about paying a premium for this? Unfortunately this happens about 35% of the time I ship a box of cards.

Mike

ctsoxfan

I didn't realize that FedEx would limit insurance coverage on collectibles. I routinely submit via FedEx, and usually pay extra for $1000.00 or so of coverage on the package. Never had an issue, but I would expect my claim to be honored if I paid for such coverage. I think I might give them a call and ask about this before my next submission. By the way, that is very true about the USPS registered "football" analogy...I have seen it with my own eyes!

67standup

If this turns into a FedEx versus USPS thread, then we've broken new ground.

I've seen the USPS Montana pass, but have also seen the FedEx Janikowski kick since I deal with them on a daily basis. I believe that USPS Registered Mail is a more secure shipping option, not necessarily the gentlest or least expensive.

qmayer

<< <i>only to see the counter attendant try to imitate Joe Montana and sling my box the 20 feet or so to the appropriate bin. >>



This was done with one of my shipments to PSA, only Michael Jordan was involved. It had been a long day up to that point... as I'm pulling out my wallet to pay for the postage, the lady turns around and pulls a Jordan turnaround jumper and swishes it into the cloth bag wagon deal. I kid you not, I almost passed out. Luckily for her I was waaay too tired to let her know how I felt (and I was fairly confident in my packing). I think a way to avoid the problem is to write "FRAGILE" real big on the side, but I haven't tried this yet.

Justin

67standup

That's a classic story, I'm sure that she was proud of that shot. The FedEx scene I witnessed came close to the beginning scene of Ace Ventura, about three kicks to a package in order to get it closer to the truck.

mcastaldi

qmayer> You have more restraint than I do. When that happens to me, I blow up like The Godfather.

Mike