Received a small order of 9mm Ammo delivered by Fed-X.
The container was left at the door.
The container appeared to have been the victim of a cattle stampede.
Somewhere enroute the container had been broken open, repacked with a large amount of tape used to hold the container together.
The shipping label was torn but my address was still visible.
Inside the container the ammo boxes were torn and ripped with loose cartridges rolling around. 50 rounds of ammo were missing.
I contacted via telephone the ammo company and i was one of many customers who have had this happen with Fed-X.

Has anyone else had this happen ?

I once had a carton with several “buckets” of bulk 9mm ammo. The buckets opened up, bullets poured into the carton and then out of the carton thru holes. I had video of the driver picking up rounds that sprinkled on the walk and grass between his truck and my door.

Sometimes I think the sellers could package their products better, but when it comes to damage in transit, there is not much they can do about it. With the USPS not being an option for ammo shipping, for all practical purposes, that leaves only FedX and UPS. Burning bridges with either shipper could leave a business that has a large amount of its profit tied up in internet sales in an unattainable position should that shipper decide to refuse any business from that company.

Maybe ammo / components should be shipped in sealed steel ammo cans, with the buyers name and address stenciled on the side of the can?

And yes, I have received shipments of heavy items from all three major shippers in battered condition, including an expensive digital camera that was ruined in transit (UPS). The seller stepped up to the plate, and replaced it upon my returning it. Don't know what settlement they reached with UPS.

Larry

I am pretty unhappy with Fedex in general. Poor experiences abound.

Had a Fed EX shipment from Brownells take 3 weeks to bet to
me.

Actually I have had good luck with FedEx. Trouble with ammo (and components) it is heavy for the size and I expect sometimes it gets dropped.

Small boxes get tossed around like baseballs, I had one with loose rds spilling from a box inside but package was intact

Fed aEx must use contract drivers here. had a gal get out of a big unmarked yellow cargo van and carry my case of 7.62x39 right up to me working in garage, 'its heavy she says', thanks babe, lol

Last year I ordered about $50 worth of gun cleaning supplies from Midway. I got my order and about $350 worth of expensive Underwood Extreme Perpetrator ammo in a few different calibers. It was pretty obvious my order and someone else's had broken open and someone at Fedex threw everything into one box and sent it to me.

When I called Midway they told me they cannot accept returned ammo so it was mine to keep. They also asked me to list exactly what the ammo was so they could determine who would not be getting a shipment on time, contact them and send a replacement shipment to them ASAP. Kudos to Midway for being proactive.

The problem is ALSO that the buyer almost NEVER has a say in who does the delivery! Companies make deals that fits their best needs unfortunately.
If I had a choice I'd never ask for FedEx!!
Just hope you never get an ammo package requiring a signature because if they can't hook up with you you'll have to go to the closest FedEx hub since they won't/can't leave it at a FedEx store because they[the company] has deemed ammo as hazardous and they have 'no place' to store it safely at a store.

In our area UPS is rougher on packages than Fedex.

So when purchasing something heavy like ammo,
I try and find an outfit that knows how to pack properly.

The biggest problem I have with X is getting to my house in the winter. From what I see their trucks are not as good as UPS or the mail guy. Their trucks slip and slide a bit but others no problem. (possibly the other trucks have better drivers!)

I do my own plowing and sanding on my curved hilly driveway and other than the day I'm working on it no one seem to have trouble but X.. They will put small stuff in my mailbox on occasion, they come after the mail has been delivered and neither I or the Post office driver seems to mind.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

This is totally avoidable by the shipper.

I have had 50-60 pound boxes of bullets shipped to my door that arrived fully sealed with no losses.

All the shipper has to do is double-box the items and put a few wraps of fiberglass-reinforced tape around the box in all 3 directions.

The box may still get a little "soft" and flexy from handling in transit, but it will still arrive unbroken.

They just aren't willing to pay the labor and materials to pack these heavy items properly.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

The one time I had a problem with an ammo shipment was the one time the vendor shipped via FedEx. Everything was fine. Tracking showed it out for delivery just a few days after ordering. So far, so good. Then tracking information just disappeared. I ended up having to call FedEx twice, I think, to try and find my misplaced shipment. It finally arrived about 2 weeks later. Never got an explanation, or even an apology for the delay. Fortunately, everything was intact. Never had a problem with ammo shipped via UPS (*knocks on wood*).

I always pay an extra $1 when companies offer an extra outer box, cover up protection, I'm cheap but that seems a wise investment, lol

I have ordered and received more component bullets from both Berry's and Xtreme than probably the bulk of American gun owners have ever actually sent down range in their lifetimes. (over 100k) It comes via UPS, FedEx and USPS.

These are component bullets in boxes that weight 65 pounds each. Smaller, denser and heavier than ammo shipments in a smaller space.

Never have I had a package failure because these guys make, sell and ship bullets so they know what they are doing.

It's fantastic sport for everyone and their brother to blame all the three largest carriers for beating up their shipment but the demostrated fact is that all this stuff travels safely and for an absurdly low cost if the shipper would put some damn effort in to packaging it well.

I'm 30+ years in this industry. I know, I've seen, I've handled and I've rescued far more stuff than anyone here has packaged and shipped with their own hands. I know where the problem lies. Blame the carrier if it makes you feel better but it's miles from the reality.

FedEx and UPS operate very differently. FedEx drivers are independent contractors who buy their routes and provide their own delivery vehicle. They have an annual vehicle inspection which explains why in between some get shabby or unmarked. UPS drivers are unionized employees who drive UPS built and provided vehicles.

UPS never sells their used vehicles on the open market. It's a security thing for their customers.

Over the years I've had overall good service from UPS and mostly good from FedEx.

My newest "addiction" is ordering from Sams Club,,
most of what I want can come with free shipping, as I have the "PLUS" membership.

Well, Sams ships to me by FED EX Ground,,
The packages get here quickly, but, like the OP, the packages seldom arrive without damage.

I only order trash bags, paper plates, vitamins, etc,, so the product arrives OK,,
It is just that Sams Club image takes a beating when the packages can not arrive in as nice of condition as Jeff Bezos' packages.

The Amazon stuff always arrives perfect, Sams Club boxes look like they were used for batting practice,, literally.

I get everything from Amazon delivered UPS, you're right, it always arrives immaculate.

Plus I bought some holsters and grips from them I just didn't like and returned it for refund, no particular reason, easy as pie.

Just get their QR return code downloaded to your cell phone, drop the item off at the UPS outlet desk and flash them the code, done.

No return packaging required, just the item, no charge.

I think a lot of the condition issues on packages shipped via common carrier depends on which hubs they go through. I order from Midway and the packages go the Columbia MO hub then to the Sedalia MO hub and then to the package car. Never had a damaged box.

Well, FWIW, I just got a car radiator delivered by FedEx.

Unfortunately the drain petcock on this one is part of the plastic tank on the bottom, and sticks out perpendicular to the tank towards the back of the vehicle.

It arrived with one hole in the box - you guessed it, right where the drain petcock is. Of course the petcock was broken off the tank and lying in the bottom of the box.

The problem could have been easily prevented if the shipper had put a block of Styrofoam with a hole in it around the drain petcock to protect it. They didn't.

So now I have to go through the hassle of returning it, not to mention the delay of having to wait for a replacement.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

A few years ago I ordered a case of 9mm pistol ammo and it was shipped via FedEx. I watched the tracking info and saw where it indicated delivery. One problem, it was not on my front porch. I contacted FedEx and they said the driver left it on my front porch. Driver evidently could not read numbers. He left it on a neighbor's front porch, a porch without a roof and it was pouring rain. Next day, that neighbor brought me my soggy case of ammo.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

While my normal USPS carrier is great the one that fills on days he is off, not so much. A few weeks ago she left a package in front of my garage door, in the rain, where it stood out like a big "steal me" sign to any passing porch pirates and where it would be easy to back over in my car. My nice dry and sheltered front porch is 25 feet away from where she left it.

This isn't the first time and its not just me. I see a lot of packages in front of my neighbors garages when she delivers the mail. But this is the first time she did it to me on a rainy day. Fortunately it was just some clothes.

You can add specific delivery instructions for UPS to tell then where you want it... you'll find a 'Add delivery instructions' button above your tracking details when they email you.

Always works for me, USPS too

Regarding the specific delivery instructions. always when I do a powder or primer order I tell them to go under the back carport and ring the bell. I'm always home when expecting a delivery. So far so good. Frank

I am going to start doing this. But I thought not leaving a package in a cardboard box out in the rain when dry porch is clearly visible wouldn't require special instructions.

I should have known better.

Bulk bullets, and USPS flat rate box. My mail lady "berates" me. I keep her placated with ammo for her carry gun.

Over the years, I have ordered dozens of case quantities of ammunition and reloading components, all delivered by UPS or FedEx. The ONLY time I have ever had a problem with a shipment is when the SENDER fails to properly package the order. It is true that packages are occasionally treated roughly by a carrier, but if packed properly the contents are protected from damage or spillage. I have never had an issue where I can fault the carrier for damage to the contents of a package.

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FBINA, 204th Session

Just ordered 2x50 9mm for a friend of ammoseek. Came via FedEx and exterior was OK. Inside, the somewhat flimsy boxes (Norma) has split open and ammo was rolling around. I think quality of the ammo supplier probably could have at least helped prevent this one. I agree that the small packages probably get tossed some significant distances. In general have had pretty good luck with FedEx otherwise and the place near by that I send from is super friendly. With one simple idea a couple weeks ago they saved us (from me to another inmate here) $11 by putting the box in a "one rate" bag.

I've had good & bad service from both FedEx & UPS. But for the most part UPS Is the worst of the two as far as damaged boxes & boxes not being delivered. About a week before the Chicom flu hit I sent my S&W 624 back because I heard about it had been recalled years ago. Thankfully I received my gun back, it was in the SN range but mine tested OK. After 5 months I received an email for S&W saying my gun had been tested & shipped by FedEx, with adult signature required. @ days later I was eating dinner & the fed Ex guy drove up Before I could get Up & go to the door, I'm old, he threw the package on my front porch from 8 feet away, hauled it back to his truck before I could get outside & chew his butt out for throwing my gun. Thank goodness S&W had packaged my gun well.

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I'm 67. I don't do timeouts.

Just gonna leave this here...

I did Frontline Customer Service for FedEx, for about 6 month's and then got promoted, (? ), To the Customer Advocate Team which handles everything that Frontline Service can't So, I know what I'm talking about here!!!

Finally, Right??!!!!!

FedEx Express drivers are actual FedEx employee's.. About 80-90% of the Ground and Home Delivery drivers are contracted.

The point of my post is that when you have problems with delivery and the Frontline People can't handle it to your satisfaction, Politely ask to be connected to Customer Advocate Team..

Now, Here's the Trick!! There are two types of Customer Advocate Teams for FedEx!! One does service related issues ONLY and the call centers are located all over the world!! The other is the Bristol Customer Advocate Team, Bristol CAT for short, and handles service And Revenue issues and is located in Bristol, Tn...

Getting back to the Point, If you are having problems understanding the agent or need more than Frontline service can do for you, ask to be connected to the Bristol Customer Advocate Team SPECIFICALLY!!!!! 99.9% of the Agents there are locals so, if you can get past the Southern Drawl, You should have someone you can talk to!! The CAT Teams can open a case for you and provide callbacks to you also as they find out information.

ALSO, Write their name down!! If you have further issues when you call back, ask for "XXXX" with the Bristol CAT Team and you'll get the Same Agent!!!

Any Questions about this just Ask!!

I cannot get MIDWAY to answer the phone in 3 months so I quit using them.
Claymore33

Newest FedEx driver delivering in our area is one hyper dude who bought a truck and secured the delivery contract. Constant complaints about his speeding abound, delivers packages like a basketball player shooting 3's. Whenever a package arrives fully intact without some sort of damage gotta figure he's off his game that day...lol

Not had that problem but they did take several weeks to deliver a package that started out only 90 miles away from me . Like everything else that is not getting done in the manner that it should be , they blamed it on the Bat Flu.

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun