I have to agree that UPS (or OOPS!, as I call them) are to be avoided at all costs when shipping anything of value. They are expert at determining which corner of the package to drop it on to create the most internal damage. I learned this lesson years ago buying pinballs on eBay. Finally began asking sellers to just remove the glass and ship machine without. New glass is cheap compared to rebuilding a machine. UPS brought a machine to from California to Michigan once, while I tracked it all the way. Said it was "Out for Delivery". when it didn't arrive, I called and was eventually told it was at the depot 10 miles away with glass falling out of the box, so they were simply going to send it back to the SHIPPER in California !. Apparently, with the broken glass rattling around destroying the play field. Went through hell with their "Customer Service" to get authorization from the shipper for me to pick it up instead. Managed to save that one from further harm.
Haven't done this for a while, but for slots, I built a sturdy wooden box big enough for most machines, with a top that screws down with a dozen screws, Depending on the machine, I added styrofoam pieces in the box to pack around the machine. I opened my own FedEx account (no cost to do so). I ask the seller if I can send him a box and prepaid label for shipping, and have the machine picked up at his door. Most are delighted to save the hassle of finding packaging materials and a trip to the shipper. I then go to FedEx on-line and create a Return Shipment. They send the seller an email with the label to print. Now, I take one of my least favorite CDs and throw it in the box, screw down the lid, and take it to the post office marked MEDIA MAIL. The box weighs 28 lbs and the media weighs 28 OZ, but USPS doesn't care, and they ship it to the seller for less than $15. When he gets the box, he has to unscrew the lid, put the machine inside with styrofoam, and maybe add some extra stuff etc around it, screw the top back on, and wait for FedEx to come by and pick it up. Last one was a few years ago, but the FedEx was $100, or less. So, Save time, money, and no damage.
I wouldn't try this with UPS toughh. They are quite capable of finding a way to break it anyway. Maybe like that guy in the insurance commercial throwing things off the back of a pick-up truck speeding down then highway. They are practiced at the art of destruction and its apparently the kind of thing they just like to do.
