Mugs

[Andrew]

I have used Fedex, UPS, DPD and Fastway all of which insure my mugs sent out. I sent out a couple of hundred large latte mugs about a year ago and only 80 made it intact. The packaging inserts for this type of mug are always quite flimsy so isn't that good at protecting them so was expecting a few not to make it. I took a few photos of the boxes which obviously had been knocked about and they paid up without any problem and that was with Fedex.

[Andrew]

One other things with couriers, it is worthwhile finding out which ones use a conveyor system for parcel sorting and which ones don't. With most conveyors there tends to be the drop points where they fall of the end. Non conveyorised are done by hand and should be safer. Having said that, I've seen some of the delivery guys throw boxes a fair distance when loading a van even though they know mugs are in the box. I pity the stuff it lands on as we often shrinkwrap 72 together so they can't throw then as far.

[JSR]

I have used Fedex, UPS, DPD and Fastway all of which insure my mugs sent out. I sent out a couple of hundred large latte mugs about a year ago and only 80 made it intact. The packaging inserts for this type of mug are always quite flimsy so isn't that good at protecting them so was expecting a few not to make it. I took a few photos of the boxes which obviously had been knocked about and they paid up without any problem and that was with Fedex.

I'm looking at those websites now. I can't find anything on the Fedex website about damages, but the DPD website says this -

Subject to the provisions of this clause and of clauses 4, 10, 11 and 12, the Company shall be liable for any physical loss of, or physical damage to, goods during transit as defined in Clause 7, and storage other than storage under clause 7(c)(ii), except to the extent that such loss or damage has arisen from or consists of :

(c) damage or breakage of articles of, or for that part of any articles that comprises of china, glass, porcelain, earthenware or other similar materials;

Which, in my mind, sounds like they don't pay out for breakages to mugs.

Likewise, Fastways smallprint states -

The Carrier does not accept for carriage livestock, second hand car parts, perishables, cash, jewellery, glass, fragile items or other such valuables. The above items are carried at the Consignor's Risk.

Ceramics and china mugs would, presumably, be come under the description "fragile items".

Perhaps there aren't so many couriers that'll insure mugs for breakage after all.

[Andrew]

I use both Fedex and UPS currently both who definately cover ceramics. I have had a successful claim with Fastway but it was agreed before hand that we were covered. DPD have been totuting for business and also told me I would be covered. You should keep an eye who the blanks suppliers use when mugs come into you as I am sure most would have insurance on their orders ...... unless hey have a clause that says tough luck if they get broke coz you ain't claiming from me after.

[JSR]

I use both Fedex and UPS currently both who definately cover ceramics. I have had a successful claim with Fastway but it was agreed before hand that we were covered. DPD have been totuting for business and also told me I would be covered. You should keep an eye who the blanks suppliers use when mugs come into you as I am sure most would have insurance on their orders ...... unless hey have a clause that says tough luck if they get broke coz you ain't claiming from me after.

It's nice that you've had success with these companies but their smallprint is what would apply to everyone else.

If Fedex and UPS cover breakages to ceramics, then it's a shame they don't give this higher priority somewhere in their T&Cs or on their website given that it's a feature that so few couriers appear to offer.

As for who the suppliers use, a popular supplier on here uses Parcel Force - who definitely do NOT insure for breakages to ceramics or china.

From the smallprint I've read, most couriers will insure these items for delay or loss but not for damage. Asking a courier if they insure ceramics might have them answering "yes" when they're only referring to delay or loss insurance.

[Andrew]

I guess you need to confirm if "fragile" means ceramic mugs. A well packaged mug is no more fragile than an electrical item/toy etc or many other items. Never really read the small print on Fedex and UPS to be honest but they have always been reliable in mostly keeping the deliveries intact but on the couple of occasions where I have had to claim all went well.

Having said that, I just lost well over £1k on a pallet claim that wnet up in flames with a haulier recently due to being well under insured. I thought I had enough cover if the pallet took a bump and a small amount of stock was needing to be replaced. Hadn't counted on the wagon going up in flames.