Unfortunately, courier service performance has always been an issue. Several years ago my company sold a JDS air cleaner that was bulky to say the least. We sold one to a fellow that called to tell us that it had been damaged in shipping. So we paid for the return shipping and shipped another. A few days later we got another call. Yep, damaged in shipping. Unfortunately, because of the size of the box, there was little we could do to improve the packaging, and JDS kept telling us that their packaging had been certified by the major carriers. So, we paid for the return and shipped another. A few days later we got the third call. This time the fellow said that he tracked the package and knew what day it was to be delivered, then kept an eye out for the delivery truck. Sure enough, he heard the truck and rushed upstairs to assist the driver. Before he could get to the door, he saw the driver "walking" the huge box down the driveway, end over end. Needless to say, we were now 0 for 3 on JDS air cleaners. At least we did not have to pay to get the third delivery back. And shortly thereafter we discontinued sales of that item. I would guess that 50% of the units we sold were "damaged" in shipment.
On the other hand, I was at a catalog conference one time, talking to a very nice woman about her company. She sold antique, out of production crystal and china. I asked her if she had problems with delivery damage, and she replied that they were very careful to package everything with multiple layers of bubble wrap and dunnage, but that occasionally it appeared as if their boxes had been run over by a forklift. I smiled and said, or maybe one of the 50lb boxes of screws I sold fell on top of it as it came off the conveyor!
We also used to sell an 8ft long clamp similar in shape to the guide rails. After numerous damage in transit issues, we began strapping them to a 2 x 4 to ensure safe delivery. Finally we got smart and had a very sturdy triangular box made that we used as a stiffener for any long skinny shipment. Lots cheaper to ship, and highly effective. Even then, if something heavy lands on a long skinny box, damage is almost certain. I wish I had pictures to share of some of the 8ft Bessey K Body clamps that came back damaged!
Jim Ray
