DO NOT ship via USPS

[JayhawkJumper 0]

Just to let everyone know, its a bad idea to ship any insured skydiving equipment through the US postal service, especially overseas. I was in Scotland for a study abroad program and I had my camera helmet, freefly suit, protrack, and logbook shipped over to me. I never got it and this was back in October. Once I got home in December I filed the insurance claim for $1200. I was told I would hear a response within 3 weeks. After 5 weeks I went in to get an update. When I called the regional office they said that in about 3 monthes I would get a letter telling me that they were looking for it. In another 3 monthes I would get a letter telling me if they had found it or if they were going to pay the claim. If they decide to pay the claim it would take another 3-6 monthes go get the check. End result: I am out of my camera helmet, freefly suit and protrack for 6 monthes to a year and I won't even know if I'll get a check or my package back. The only recourse would be to file a lawsuit in federal court but this is so expensive it would negate its purpose. Lesson learned: pay extra for fedex or UPS.

ps I don't suppose the postmaster general is skydiver?

[Shotgun 1]

Ouch, that sucks. Sorry to hear about your gear.

I too have seen that USPS makes it really difficult to claim on the insurance, so I agree that it's a good idea to use Fedex or UPS when shipping anything of value.

[osuskydiver 0]

I just shipped a RW suite to GErmany Via USPS. got there very fast, I would do it again.

By the time you read this you have already read it.

[slug 1]

Quote

I just shipped a RW suite to GErmany Via USPS. got there very fast, I would do it again.

Was it to a APO or whatever the army thing is called.

R.I.P.

[DaGimp 0]

i usally ship....if i ship my gear....through UPS or FED-EX

"Professor of Pimpology"~~~Bolas

[lister55 0]

i have used USPS a few times and twice overseas. I have always been nervous using it.

[mx757 4]

Fedex is good about tracking your shipment and if you insure it. they'll pay for damages or loss
mike

[skybytch 273]

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and if you insure it. they'll pay for damages or loss

And they'll pay quickly too. Unlike USPS, who can take up to a year to pay if they pay at all.

I will only ship via USPS outside the US if the recipient knows and accepts that even with insurance I am not in any way, shape or form responsible for replacing the contents of the package once I hand it to the clerk at the post office.

[yardhippie 0]

I only use FedEX for MY items, or if specifically requested. UPS has a tendency for the loading gorillas to get ahold of it. but theyre good about paying claims and such.

Goddam dirty hippies piss me off! ~GFD
"What do I get for closing your rig?" ~ me
"Anything you want." ~ female skydiver
Mohoso Rodriguez #865

[Andrewwhyte 1]

UPS does not do borders well. FedEx tends to be pricier but the service is better.