What USPS does with packages marked "Fragile"

AnkurJ · May 18, 2011 10:31AM

Not coin related, but I think everyone should see this. I sold this 1920's lamp on ebay. Wrapped it in FOUR layers of bubble wrap, and then surrounded the entire thing with foam peanuts. Marked the box Fragile, Glass! Below are images of how it looked before it was sent, and how it looked when it got there. The buyer is going to handle the insurance claim. He paid me via money order so I dont have to worry about a paypal dispute.

Insurance will pay for it, but the only way this could happen to the lamp is if someone literally threw the box HARD or launched it. I love it.

AJ

blu62vette · May 18, 2011 10:34AM

I think UPS USPS and Fed Ex have all told me boxes need to be able to survive 10 foot drops. Not much fragile is safe.

epcjimi1 · May 18, 2011 10:38AM

Too bad, that was a nice lamp. What a shame.

ColonialCoinUnion · May 18, 2011 10:41AM

That was one extremely fragile looking lamp. Looks like it needed the bubble wrap and foam peanut treatment plus crating.

LogPotato · May 18, 2011 10:42AM

It looks like the postman went "Ace Ventura" on that lamp. What a shame. Guess he or she was having a bad day.

AnkurJ · May 18, 2011 10:42AM

The lamp itself is made of metal, and was one piece. And the base is marble. To break marble that thick, I cant imagine what was done to the box.

Moldnut · May 18, 2011 10:46AM

Maybe it wasnt the USPS. Could the buyer have done this?

InternetJunky · May 18, 2011 10:46AM

<< The lamp itself is made of metal, and was one piece. And the base is marble. To break marble that thick, I cant imagine what was done to the box. >>

epcjimi1 · May 18, 2011 10:47AM

And oddly, the fragile shade is A-OK. Go figure.

ColonialCoinUnion · May 18, 2011 10:49AM

<< The lamp itself is made of metal, and was one piece. And the base is marble. To break marble that thick, I cant imagine what was done to the box. >>

Oh - I was thinking it was porcelain.

jom · May 18, 2011 10:52AM

>>>What USPS does with packages marked "Fragile"

Evidently, they place the packages under a bus.

jom

PipestonePete · May 18, 2011 10:55AM

Yesterday I received a signed copy of Paul McCartney's new book featuring the photographs of his wife Linda. The book is incredibly luxurious and plush. The signed edition sold out at $1,000 per copy. I happened to meet the UPS man on the sidewalk leading to my house. When I approached him he simply dropped the box on the sidewalk and handed me the unit that you sign your name on. He didn't set the package down....he dropped it from waist high. I was surprised, to say the least. Fortunately the book was packaged extremely well.

drwstr123 · May 18, 2011 10:55AM

What a pretty lamp.

llafoe · May 18, 2011 11:00AM

<< Maybe it wasnt the USPS. Could the buyer have done this? >>

We think alike...

SamByrd · May 18, 2011 11:00AM

insufficient packaging for something that fragile. UPS and FEDEX would deny the claim postal almost certainly will as well. Hopefully it was not high value.

Moldnut · May 18, 2011 11:03AM

<< 

<< Maybe it wasnt the USPS. Could the buyer have done this? >>

We think alike... >>

You never know! Maybe it was sold with no returns.

How many times have you heard of girls wearing a dress and returning it the next day. People do strange things.

AnkurJ · May 18, 2011 11:13AM

The buyer is a collector who apparently has a few of these lamps with different variations. He didn't have this one. From how upset he sounded on the phone, I dont think he would be capabale of destroying this lamp.

In order to destroy this by hand, you would really have to work at it with a hammer. I have a feeling the package was dropped from a substantial height causing the marble base to break. The breaking of the marble base then destroyed the figure.

llafoe · May 18, 2011 11:15AM

<< I have a feeling the package was dropped from a substantial height causing the marble base to break. The breaking of the marble base then destroyed the figure... and left the most fragile item in the package perfectly intact. >>

Fixed it for you...

aj2525r · May 18, 2011 11:16AM

aj2525r · May 18, 2011 11:27AM

Hello

This thread reminds me of a time I watched a UPS truck unload. The way this particular loading dock was set up the truck backed in and then down five or six steps was the area the freight elevator was in. From the back of the truck the guy tossed the boxes out. The drop was probably around ten or twelve feet to a concrete floor. I watched him drop stereo equipment like this.

Oh, one box he took down carefully by hand and set down. The box was for the biology department and labeled something like "live biologic samples, handle with care."

yellowkid · May 18, 2011 11:30AM

It sounds like you packed fairly well, but there is no such thing as "fragile" delivery, no matter what you write on the outside. I have shipped, and received, hundreds of packages contaning antique ceramics, they have to be double boxed. If something like a lamp has a heavy section, extra care has to be taken to ensure it can't move around in the peanuts, usually bubble wrap will take care of that.
Sorry that you lost that nice piece, all the insurance in the world doesn't replace it.

19Lyds · May 18, 2011 11:38AM

I'm curious as to what the package looked like when it arrived?

Bubble wrap would, IMO, only be sufficient if it were the 1" bubbles. 1/4" or 3/8" bubble wrap would simply have been a waste.

Packing peanuts need to be STUFFED into the box completely surrounding the object to prevent movement.

I half expect that your package looked a lot worse than the lamp for that lamp to have incurred that much damage whic is really too bad!

MsMorrisine · May 18, 2011 11:46AM

criminal

once beautiful lamp

ArizonaJack · May 18, 2011 11:55AM

Gorgeous art-deco lamp, reminds me of Atlas Shrugged for some reason.

When I shipped fragile objects, usually multiple cases of glass hot sauce bottles, I bubble wrapped and stuffed peanuts of course, only, THEN, take that package and put it into a larger box completely surounded by at least another 2" layer of stuffed in peanuts. Never lost a single bottle that way.

seanq · May 18, 2011 12:03PM

A big part of my day job is designing protective packaging for fragile and/or hazardous products, so I'm fascinated by this post and the amount of damage, especially to the marble base. If you had a picture of the unopened box (and it was still recognizable) I might be able to piece together what happened to your lamp.

My guess is that the box was dropped against something hard and sharp like the corner of a table or a curb. I'm also assuming that while you wrapped the top of the lamp carefully, you rested the base directly against the bottom of the box. Once the integrity of the marble was compromised, the destruction of the rest of the lamp was almost inevitable. It is also possible that the package was damaged in one of the automated sorting facilities (I see that a lot more with UPS than USPS). Packages are processed in large facilities with conveyor systems that can occasionally jam, or sometimes a much heavier box will follow a smaller box down a chute and crush it.

I would also advise everyone reading this that it doesn't matter how much packing material you use if the box itself is not strong enough. The boxes provided by the USPS for Priority or Express shipments are made of thin-gauge corrugated material which will not stand up against impact or absorb shock. For fragile shipments you want to use a brown box such as those available from an office supply store or a Mailboxes Etc type retail outlet. Those boxes have a manufacturers seal on the bottom with a number indicating the strength of the material - either via an Edge Crush or Bursting Strength rating. The higher the number, the stronger the box - for fragile shipments you want a box that is rated either 200lb (burst) or ECT-32 (edge crush). For something like your lamp I would probably go one step further and use a double-walled box rated 350lb or ECT-48.

Best of luck with the insurance claim and I'm sorry for your (and the buyer's) loss.

Sean Reynolds

ormandh · May 18, 2011 12:16PM

I would have wrapped it in bubble wrap and put it in a box. Then that box would go into a bigger box with packing peanuts. JMHO. -Dan

SeattleSlammer · May 18, 2011 12:19PM

Glad that you had insurance.

Many, many years ago while an undergrad I worked at a USPS truck loading dock/warehouse. I remember a conveyor belt of packages moving seemingly non-stop that needed to be loaded onto semi trailers. Given how fast that belt moved, we were inside the truck chucking packages left and right trying to keep up. Didn't matter if it said 'fragile' or not! Not malicious, just reality.

Bochiman · May 18, 2011 12:23PM

Ya should have had CRO pack it for ya

BaseballAbs · May 18, 2011 12:32PM

I have watched my USPS mail lady chuck packages out of her jeep while she's sitting in it. Tossing them out the passenger door onto the concrete in an arch formation. I was shocked to see it. I wanted to go up the jeep and toss her onto the concrete. Makes me mad! I'm not usually the snitching type, but I did report her. Who knows if it did any good. I will be keeping my eye out.

Justacommeman · May 18, 2011 12:33PM

On the bright side the cord looks like it survived pretty well. What a shame. MJ

derryb · May 18, 2011 2:35PM

<< My guess is that the box was dropped against something hard and sharp like the corner of a table or a curb. I'm also assuming that while you wrapped the top of the lamp carefully, you rested the base directly against the bottom of the box. Once the integrity of the marble was compromised, the destruction of the rest of the lamp was almost inevitable. >>

Bingo, we have a winner. When the base broke, the rest of the lamp went with it.

NotSure · May 18, 2011 4:00PM

The USPS is deplorable. This month alone, 2 packages in one week went 'missing' once they hit the Boston sorting facility. Delivery confirm tracked them to the Boston facility, and they're status has not moved since...one on the 8th, and one on the 14th. I've had other packages since then arrive just fine, but these 2....just disappeared? Packages just don't up and walk away...and there was no indication there were coins in the packages (no XXX Coin Co., or anything like that on the label....even Teletrade uses only 'TT' on the return address....though delivery confirm plus insurance must paint a target on them). A call to Wash, DC is in order, seeing how the Boston Regional can't come up with answers.

USPS is absolutely the worst if you don't use Priority, Express or Registered....and even they aren't safe 100% of the time.

Now, they are also responsible for me to have to pay CW an extra $20 a year to wrap the issues in plastic. I can't count the issues that have arrived looking like they've just had pages ripped off....and I know for a fact it isn't my carrier, as he and I have a good 'working relationship' when it comes to my numismatic related items. Two thumbs down for the USPS.

As far as the OP's situation, no way in hell would I have used the USPS for anything breakable....just no way. They can't be trusted to deliver a simple padded mailer....how can they be trusted with something fragile?

Just my 2C worth on the USPS...I know most have no problems at all...but unless it's Boston, specifically, or just my luck....I don't trust 'em (and these 2 aforementioned packages come on the heels of a $600 claim I filed, and won, for a coin that was shipped sig confirm......the sorting facility mgr signed her name, added 'delivered' at 9PM (what letter carrier is delivering at 9PM???), but was actually delivered to another address, which is still unknown...didn't take long for the USPS to pay that claim, or for the night sorting facility mgr to either lose her job, or be reassigned....as she isn't there any longer....that's what a call to D.C. can get accomplished).

gonzer · May 18, 2011 8:30PM

All my packages are sent with "CAUTION! LIVE SCORPIONS" written across the box, never had a problem.

ebaytrader · May 18, 2011 9:40PM

<< Gorgeous art-deco lamp, reminds me of Atlas Shrugged for some reason.

When I shipped fragile objects, usually multiple cases of glass hot sauce bottles, I bubble wrapped and stuffed peanuts of course, only, THEN, take that package and put it into a larger box completely surounded by at least another 2" layer of stuffed in peanuts. Never lost a single bottle that way. >>

This is the correct way to wrap & ship truly fragile items.

BTW, the hot sauce bottles should also be in a locked plastic bag with enough absorbant material inside the bag to soak up the contents if broken.

ambro51 · May 18, 2011 9:48PM

Like my postmaster told me "The machines cant read FRAGILE but it helps on the end delivery"

shorecoll · May 18, 2011 10:23PM

I remember years ago Dell had a big problem with returns and investigated and found that UPS had a system at one TX airport that dropped packages from a 12 foot height onto concrete. I know that one has been resolved, but you never know what any shipping company is doing.

AnkurJ · May 18, 2011 10:50PM

<< 

<< My guess is that the box was dropped against something hard and sharp like the corner of a table or a curb. I'm also assuming that while you wrapped the top of the lamp carefully, you rested the base directly against the bottom of the box. Once the integrity of the marble was compromised, the destruction of the rest of the lamp was almost inevitable. >>

Bingo, we have a winner. When the base broke, the rest of the lamp went with it. >>

Actually the base was also bubble wrapped, and rested on top of a layer of foam peanuts. Not placed directly at the bottom of the box. In any case, USPS insurance better take care of this.

Bobbo50 · May 18, 2011 10:55PM

<< Now, they are also responsible for me to have to pay CW an extra $20 a year to wrap the issues in plastic. I can't count the issues that have arrived looking like they've just had pages ripped off....and I know for a fact it isn't my carrier, as he and I have a good 'working relationship' when it comes to my numismatic related items. Two thumbs down for the USPS. >>

I too had a lot of trouble with Coin World editions getting shredded en route or not arriving at all.
Never had a problem with their giant monthly edition that comes wrapped though.
When I renewed this year I opted to get only the monthly edition and now read the weekly editions online.
Coin World could stop a lot of headaches if they either printed the cover of the weekly editions on heavier stock or just go ahead and wrap everybody's copies.
I never had a problem with Coin World delivery until they switched from their newspaper style format.
I get Canadian Coin News (a newspaper format to those unfamiliar with the publication) every two weeks, shipped all the way from Canada and in 5 years have only had one issue not arrive and only a couple torn (CCN always cheerfully sends a replacement).

diamondman · May 19, 2011 12:20AM

I remember being told by UPS rep. that any package must be able to withstand a 5 foot drop and than have a 50 pound box dropped on top of it from a height of 5 feet. if it can withstand that your package might survive.
UPS & USPS favorite excuse is improper packaging , so we don't have to pay your claim.

the lamp was beautiful , it is a shame it was destroyed.

TheBigB · May 19, 2011 12:27AM

Sounds like inadequate packing to me, you destroyed it. I agree with yellowkid about the need for double boxing with heavy fragile objects..

devious · May 19, 2011 12:28AM

<< I would have wrapped it in bubble wrap and put it in a box. Then that box would go into a bigger box with packing peanuts. JMHO. -Dan >>

I couldn't agree more. This is the precise way to packing fragile materials. Peanuts, bubble wrap, box, fragile? I don't think so. Bubble wrap, box/peanuts, box/peanuts, fragile....a go! bomb proof, too! I ship a lot of small and large fragile items. From the US to all over the world and not once has anything arrived broken. On my receiving end though, absolutely. Some of the packaging jobs have made me wonder about some people and what they think fragile really means...

In my opinion, do a better job of packaging next time.

devious · May 19, 2011 12:31AM

<< Packing peanuts need to be STUFFED into the box completely surrounding the object to prevent movement. >>

Another bad idea and mistake many people selling items make. STUFFING the box with peanuts can take away the shock absorption that is provided by the peanuts for drops if a package handler accidentally or willingly drops your package. Always leave the peanuts just a little bit on the loose end.

habaraca · May 19, 2011 12:59AM

Something is not right here..... Solid Rock and Metal destroyed....

Yet the most fragile part of the Lamp the glass globe not damanged...

Just weird to me.....

fiveNdime · May 19, 2011 2:00AM

sorry for your loss.

[Edit] i have had 3 (non-fragile) packages (2 USPS, 1 UPS) arrive on the other side of my 8' gate. they were defintley not placed there. i was happy my dog didnt try to open them for me.

<< we were inside the truck chucking packages left and right trying to keep up. Didn't matter if it said 'fragile' or not! Not malicious, just reality. >>

often times ive heard that there are distance contests as well. IE. fragile means throw farther/harder.
i bet they could break unbreakable combs!

hopefully every future shipper knows/learns about the lack of respect for any package receives and packs it accordingly.

IMO peanuts are the worst packing materials! especially for heavy/large fragile items.

fiveNdime · May 19, 2011 2:04AM

<< When I approached him he simply dropped the box on the sidewalk and handed me the unit that you sign your name on. He didn't set the package down....he dropped it from waist high. >>

i would have been tempted to drop the unit on the ground!

SaorAlba · May 19, 2011 2:19AM

Dang, I would have liked that lamp myself.

ElKevvo · May 19, 2011 3:56AM

Too bad, that was a nice lamp. What a shame.

I agree and I hope the buyer does not have trouble with the insurance! No reason to believe they would, just wanting something to work out for them.

K

Peaceman · May 19, 2011 4:13AM

That's why I mail out flat rate boxes with 69 pounds in them and mak it REAL HEAVY.....lol....

SaorAlba · May 19, 2011 4:18AM

Seriously I have some interests in those early lamps like that as artwork - should post a linky to your ebay handle. Just pack mine like it going to Siberia and all is khorosho.

Papi · May 19, 2011 4:37AM

People sending packages are just ignorant to the process.

They think they bring their package and give it to good 'ole Joe the postman; he's such a nice guy. Joe then takes your package to the airport and puts the package in the hold of the plane. When it arrives, Joe's postal buddy John picks up the package from the airport, puts it in his car and drives it to the delivery point.

E-gads!! How about trucks, trains, planes, weather, turbulance, conveyour belts, deadlines, humans .... etc etc etc

Try covering yourself with bubble wrap and foam peanuts, get inside a flimsy cardboard box, and have someone gently push you down a flight of stairs.

Let me know where to send flowers.

Mitchell · May 19, 2011 5:03AM

It's a shame, that is such a gorgeous lamp.

What USPS does with packages marked "Fragile"

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What USPS does with packages marked &quot;Fragile&quot;

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What USPS does with packages marked "Fragile"