Another FedEx question

As some of you may know I got a box a few weeks ago that should have had a laptop in it, but it was empty. Well this morning I got my replacement in, and the driver wouldn’t let me open it until I signed for it. I did sign for it with the condition that he witnesses it, and it was all there. Does that sound right because I thought you could open it, and refuse it if it was damaged?

[GreekGodX]

In my experiences you should be able to inspect the package before you sign for it. Once you sign you have accepted responsibility for the package. Once your signature is on there anything that happens/or already happened to the package is your responsibility.

I believe he was in the wrong for giving you grief!

[kydsid]

You can only inspect the overall condition of the box looking for holes, squishing etc. You can't open it until you sign because it isn't your property yet.

Originally Posted by kydsid

You can only inspect the overall condition of the box looking for holes, squishing etc. You can't open it until you sign because it isn't your property yet.

That's what he told me, but I have opened with UPS before. I just didn't know, and it didn't matter in the end.

[kydsid]

Originally Posted by Junior

That's what he told me, but I have opened with UPS before. I just didn't know, and it didn't matter in the end.

UPS was being really nice. With UPS, FedEx or any freight company they are on the hook until you accept the shipment, with or without a signature depends on the exact shipment. So if you don't sign and open it and break it they could still be on the hook. Heck FedEx/UPS throw a **** fit if US Customs opens a package and doesn't have their tape to prove they opened it and not the company or it's employees.

I used to work in a warehouse in receiving and I can think of only a handful of times that something was damaged without noticeable damage to the packaging. I think in all those cases the product was shipped from source damaged and not the fault of the freight company. So give it a good lookover and sign for it.


EDIT: Some freight shipments are contracted to be opened with both parties present. This isn't the case AFAIK with normal FedEx/UPS.

[Tarks]

Glad to hear you finally got your laptop, in 1 piece!!

[St. Lou Stu]

Most will only let you open before signing off on it if there is visible damage.

Regardless, your driver sounds like a real gem.

He was not my normal driver, but he was just doing his job. Everyjob has rules, and I didn't know this one.