FedEx Advice (maybe George can weigh in too?)

I sent a package FedEx and did not declare a value / take out additional insurance. The form is pretty clear that limits their liability to $100. I got a call from FedEx last night that the package was stolen from them, and I should file a claim. (I can see from tracking that the package made it as far as their delivery truck in Los Angeles. I guess the truck was robbed?) They say a police report was filed, and I am trying to get a copy. The goods in the box were actually worth much more, and I have e-mails with the intended recipient, going back before the box disappeared, confirming this and referencing the tracking number. Do I have any chance at all in recovering more from FedEx? FWIW, I sent the package while I was doing a job for a large company, and used their FedEx account. Thanks!

I am sorry to hear that. We always encourage people to set the correct Declared value when shipping, to the point that we ask again; If this package were to be lost and never found, not just damaged, How much money do will you want back from us to be happy with me, George, again?

That is the Declared Value!!!! So often it goes from No Value to $3,000. The cost to set the correct Declared Value is so cheap. The problem you now have is never cheap.

This happens to stuff I ship from time to time. My suggestion is:

File the claim promptly and correctly and alway refer to the Value as the Full Value that you can document from an eBay Sale, receipt or from a Catalog.

Sometimes the Carriers will accept full responsibility and just pay the claim at Full Value if they view the loss as negligence on their part.

If they settle out that the $100 rate, and it often includes the cost of the shipping charges as well, minus some taxes or fuel charges, cash the check. You are not accepting that as full payment by cashing that check.

Now contact the Claims contact and file asking for a supervisory review for the full value because the loss is not a damage claim, rather a total loss while the package was under their control, not yours. Often times the Carrier will pay the balance out of a 'Good Will' account, or from the settlement of their Insurance claim.

But you have to keep at them, knock on that door more than once or twice. Stay calm and polite. Screaming, yelling and threats often change the outcome as people do not like to deal with people like that.

Good luck!!

Thank you SO much for the advice, George!!