Avoid using DHL as a shipper....read why... - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesStein · #31 01-24-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

the first I heard of that was the heres some money so shut up letter that accompanied the paultry check.

Did you already cash/deposit the check?

If you haven't already don't. Cashing of the check might be considered acceptance of payment and could hurt any lawsuit.

KCM · #32 01-24-2005, 03:42 PM

Had a couple packages sent to me through DHL within the last few months. They were being delivered to a rural address just outside a small town, but with street signs posted. On the first, they couldn't find the address and called the next day for directions. Understandable. But the second was delivered several houses down the road, left on the door step, and the neighbor called us to see if the package was ours. I can understand not not finding an address, but in both cases our address is plainly painted on the mailbox, plus we are the first house on the street. Evidently they can't read addresses. Plus with all the electronic maps available, internet and portable, you would think they could look it up and find the address.

For my money, UPS is the best choice. The guy that runs the truck in our area has been on the same route for at least 15 years, so knows exactly who lives where. And he's a nice and friendly guy.

boneheaddoctor · #33 01-24-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStein

Did you already cash/deposit the check?

If you haven't already don't. Cashing of the check might be considered acceptance of payment and could hurt any lawsuit.

No.......its setting on the table for that very reason....

PatrickW · #34 01-24-2005, 08:41 PM

There are lots of stories about shipping companies.

I've worked for a couple of the bigger ones: 6 years with UPS, and 1 year with CCX. I also spent a few years as an OTR trucker hauling just about anything you can imagine.

I can't speak much about DHL, as I have never used them, nor have I ever worked for them.

I can comment on a couple of them, though. I would not use UPS for anything other than a small and well packaged cardboard-box type parcel weighing no more than maybe 50 or 60 lbs. Use an LTL carrier like CCX or Yellow for anything that is not in a small lightweight box. Like a transmission or engine block, for example.

Likewise, you probably don't want to use an LTL carrier for small parcels.

It's all in what the particular shipping company is geared up to handle in their internal system. Conveyor belts (UPS's) vs forklifts (CCX's).

- Patrick

boneheaddoctor · #35 01-24-2005, 08:48 PM

The seller finally responded to my email just as I was leaving the office....

Sort of sounded ticked off...........well tough...I told him generally that I never got full reimbursement from DHL, and somebody owed me an additional $175 ....or the goods I paid for. Need to see what he answered in the AM as I can't pull office email from home. With some luck he will be cooperative.

Jimmy Joe · #36 01-25-2005, 01:50 AM

It seems odd that they refunded the parts, thus admitting liability, and won't refund shipping. Unless the seller got it. Either way, it only costs $20 to file a claim, I am told.

#37 01-25-2005, 03:38 AM

Ditto on DHL being disorganized. Have had shipments delayed for several days when they are warehoused 90 miles away (Evansville In.). The same for Airborne Express their counterpart. Dispatcher would call for directions to my rural location in the morning and call again the next day for the same. In bad weather ..forget it. They have contractors, not employees and they will not leave their house if they have the slightest excuse.

thewoobie · #38 01-25-2005, 04:17 AM

I have worked at several packaging and shipping places on and off for a couple years while at school. Used DHL, Fedex, UPS and some small freight companies. For something like that, as was mentioned go with one of the freight companies. DHL is no worse than the others in terms of lost packages. They all lose packages and when it does happen it is crucial to let them know immediately. They catalogue all their shipments every 1.5-2 months so if you don't contact them with a claim they probably won't be able to help you out too much. It sucks but it's the way they operate. As for boxes being delivered smashed and abused, it's their job. They are called 'throwers' for a reason. Plus if you watch a video of a properly loaded semi transporting boxes, they are going everywhere all the time. The package with the $5000 equipment probably should have been a less dense foam and more room on each side considering the value. I've packaged and shipped standard voltage probes to Japan at an approximate value of $30000 each and not had a problem. If you've got something expensive like that it's worth it to take it to a store for the ease of mind. Matt

boneheaddoctor · #39 01-25-2005, 08:02 AM

OK, semi good news...........I would rather have cash after all of this but the seller has calmed down and is trying to make a deal....

DHL is refunding the shipping to him.........he will refund that to me........there ends up being a $126 diference......he has offered me a store credit for that amount........towards any items their wrecking yard has on hand. Not perfect but better than nothing. Now to figure out if he has anything I need.

bhatt · #40 01-25-2005, 11:55 AM

Perhaps you can negotiate for a "transferrable" store credit then sell it on the Buy & Sell forum at a discount?

Maybe you can offer someone the $126 credit for $100 and then be out only the $25 or so. There must be something this guy sells that someone on this board needs.

I'd be interested, for one. If you can PM me his website URL, I would be happy to look quickly and see if he has anything I need.

Neal

gsxr · #41 01-25-2005, 02:59 PM

What a mess! BTW, FedEx bought RPS (Roadway Package Systems) several years ago, and renamed it 'FedEx Ground'. I know, because I used to work for RPS loading trucks when I was in college. I've had good success with FedEx Ground, which is how I ship almost everything (they're cheaper than UPS, deliver on Saturdays, and are usually faster too.) There is no connection between FedEx 'Express' and 'Ground' - they have totally different computer systems, delivery trucks & drivers, the whole nine yards. They only share the FedEx name.

Advice to all: When packing an item to ship, assume it will be drop-kicked the entire trip. Double-box heavy items, use tons of foam or other padding, and generally make sure it would survive a fall from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. So far, I haven't had any complaints of damaged goods when people buy stuff from me. Yeah it's a pain to be so careful packing, but IMO it's worth it. I have received packages where I was amazed they arrived with the contents still in the box, but most of the time it's the shipper's poor packing job. (It *should* be rare that the shipper really abuses the package and causes damage... but I know that's not always reality.

)

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