UPS shipping issue

[Reefanatik]

So I shipped a package via ups on Thursday. It was delivered on time with one major issue. I packaged the 4 frags in sealed bags which were then all placed in a ziplock bag and in a styrofoam container. I received a text from the buyer asking me if I didn’t believe in styrofoam boxes, this had me puzzled. After a few back and forth text and finally a phone call, we realized UPS damaged the box and reboxed the frags in a 4ft plastic bag and box without the styrofoam container. This is crazy. Has anyone had any experiences like this? The customer quickly temperature acclimated the corals and dipped. They are showing polyp extension and no tissue damage as of a couple hours after delivery but we’ll see how they fare today. Very frustrating that UPS would do that. Why would they repackage and not put in styrofoam container? Would it possibly be inspected due to liquid in box?

 

[GlassMunky]

The only time I’ve ever had a package like that it was because the original box was sooo badly destroyed that water was leaking everywhere and the cardboard box was basically paper so they put everything in a big bag with a zip tie.

Have you tried talking to UPS customer service? What did they say?

 

[twentyleagues]

Was it shipped to a different country? or a state with very strong invasive species laws?

 

[Reefanatik]

The only time I’ve ever had a package like that it was because the original box was sooo badly destroyed that water was leaking everywhere and the cardboard box was basically paper so they put everything in a big bag with a zip tie.

Have you tried talking to UPS customer service? What did they say?

No I haven’t called them. The sealed frag bags weren’t leaking when the customer received them so the styrofoam and box should not have been damaged from water. I guess I should call today to see if they can explain what happened.

 

[Reefanatik]

Was it shipped to a different country? or a state with very strong invasive species laws?

Two frag packs were shipped to two different customers from Texas to California. Only 1 shipment had this issue. Not sure about their (CA) species laws.

 

[twentyleagues]

Two frag packs were shipped to two different customers from Texas to California. Only 1 shipment had this issue. Not sure about their (CA) species laws.

California is strict and getting stricter. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they had "inspected" the shipment.

 

[Reefanatik]

California is strict and getting stricter. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they had "inspected" the shipment.

Yeah I was talking to a friend who ships allot and he told me the package was probably inspected…. I would think if that’s what happened they could have attest put it back in the styrofoam container.

 

[twentyleagues]

Yeah I was talking to a friend who ships allot and he told me the package was probably inspected…. I would think if that’s what happened they could have attest put it back in the styrofoam container.

They dont care. They just want to make sure the shipment is "legal and safe" for them.

 

[Reefanatik]

They dont care. They just want to make sure the shipment is "legal and safe" for them.

Crazy, I’ve never heard of this happening before.

 

[twentyleagues]

Crazy, I’ve never heard of this happening before.

If it went through a major hub or port they may have had state inspectors there. This came up a few years ago on a fresh water forum I am on, but the shipment came from overseas I think... Anyway, they held the fish because they didnt know the difference between a snakehead and a Bichir. 10 expensive rare fish dead because they sat in bags in the warehouse over the weekend out of the styrofoam packing waiting for conformation on what they were. The shipping invoice was labeled with scientific names of the fish, but someone thought they knew better. 10 dead fish arrived in different packing on wednesday. According to the member they said they were still alive on repackaging. May not be the same scenario or I may be remembering it differently.

 

[Reefanatik]

If it went through a major hub or port they may have had state inspectors there. This came up a few years ago on a fresh water forum I am on, but the shipment came from overseas I think... Anyway, they held the fish because they didnt know the difference between a snakehead and a Bichir. 10 expensive rare fish dead because they sat in bags in the warehouse over the weekend out of the styrofoam packing waiting for conformation on what they were. The shipping invoice was labeled with scientific names of the fish, but someone thought they knew better. 10 dead fish arrived in different packing on wednesday. According to the member they said they were still alive on repackaging. May not be the same scenario or I may be remembering it differently.

Whatever happened there’s nothing I can do now. Just talked to customer and he said the coral look good this morning so hopefully they will be fine

 

[twentyleagues]

Whatever happened there’s nothing I can do now. Just talked to customer and he said the coral look good this morning so hopefully they will be fine

Well thats good news! Hope for the best.

 

[B-RadReefer84]

California is strict and getting stricter. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they had "inspected" the shipment.

UPS is allowed to open up your box and look at what you’re shipping for no reason?

 

[twentyleagues]

UPS is allowed to open up your box and look at what you’re shipping for no reason?

Not ups that I know of. If it says live animals on it certain states have inspectors that can and will check the package to verify contents. Most of which probably couldn't verify if the lights are on or off....

 

[Acro76]

Yeah, I've had it happen several times both to orders I've shipped and from orders I've received. Worst was a box of coral so destroyed, they just put everything (corals, cardboard chunks, styrofoam box pieces) into a wheeled igloo cooler.

The best solution is to try and keep the box weight down. If it's a heavy shipment, split it up into multiple boxes. Also if it's a heavy box it needs to be reinforced with lots of tape around the styro in all directions. Typically what happens is the boxes get tossed around, the styrofoam box cracks, and then the bags leak. UPS won't freak out about very minor leaks, but if it gets bad they re-box it and usually delay the shipment.

 

[littlefoxx]

I hate UPS… their customer service is awful and they cant ever give a straightforward answer

 

[Cell]

I recently had a shipment delayed, it was supposed to arrive on a Thursday and was at my local post office that morning, but it was sent back to a hub in Mpls and made its way to St Paul, then back to Mpls over the weekend and finally back to my local post office on the following Tuesday. When I finally received it, it was wrapped up in plastic wrap and a corner was smashed and clearly had been leaking. Really annoying it has to go back to the hub or special location for inspection/repack.