Jennings Peacock

[Dave]

Why is it that only nice original or rare machines get destroyed by FedEx and UPS?

[marsonion]

Why is it that only nice original or rare machines get destroyed by FedEx and UPS?

I have a theory on this one: The most desirable machines are also the most likely to have "HANDLE WITH CARE" and "THIS END UP" and "FRAGILE" and "USE NO FORKS" scrawled across their cartons, and these blunt orders and admonishments tend to "trigger" the typical UPS/FedEx handler into a resentful and perhaps even violently spiteful attitude, which, ironically and unfortunately for us, becomes focused upon our hapless items in transit.

About a week ago, I had the opportunity to purchase my Dream Machine, but I'm already bracing myself for its probable destruction in transit. I've already learned my lessons many times over re UPS and FedEx, so this time I've got an overland freight outfit handling the transport from the opposite end of the continent, at something like three times the highest price I've ever paid for shipping, plus hundreds of dollars (really) to the seller to package the merchandise as protectively as possible. The item is scheduled to be picked up and put on a truck early next week. Call me a crotchety old curmudgeon, but I'm already expecting the worst.

[SLOT DYNASTY]

Why is it that only nice original or rare machines get destroyed by FedEx and UPS?

I have a theory on this one: The most desirable machines are also the most likely to have "HANDLE WITH CARE" and "THIS END UP" and "FRAGILE" and "USE NO FORKS" scrawled across their cartons, and these blunt orders and admonishments tend to "trigger" the typical UPS/FedEx handler into a resentful and perhaps even violently spiteful attitude, which, ironically and unfortunately for us, becomes focused upon our hapless items in transit.

About a week ago, I had the opportunity to purchase my Dream Machine, but I'm already bracing myself for its probable destruction in transit. I've already learned my lessons many times over re UPS and FedEx, so this time I've got an overland freight outfit handling the transport from the opposite end of the continent, at something like three times the highest price I've ever paid for shipping, plus hundreds of dollars (really) to the seller to package the merchandise as protectively as possible. The item is scheduled to be picked up and put on a truck early next week. Call me a crotchety old curmudgeon, but I'm already expecting the worst.

Have you ever tried using Craters & Freighters? Many of us machine collectors have used them for several years, with excellent results.
They are headquartered in Golden, Colorado (800)736-3335, but have over 65 locations nationwide. My local one, is only 10 miles away.

[madmelons]

You mark them as fragile because they are fragile

Few post a thread to say it's delivered in one piece!

So you only discuss the ones damaged in transit...

Generally the better packaged ones survive better

However, some of these will be delivered damaged

As the machine may have hairline cracks already &

the forces in the delivery process are too great and

that already damaged part just fails further visibly.

These machines were not designed to withstand a

FedEx or any other delivery system. The design of

some vintage machines make them better equipped

To deal with that process and others less so.

Unfortunately collectors want some machines that are

mles away and the only feasible way of delivery is via

UPS or similar. I live in the UK and every machine could

be personally collected as maybe maximum only x5 hours

drive away. So no machine should be damaged in transit.

The downside in the UK is far fewer vintage slots available.

[oldtimeslots.com]

I have to say I did use Craters and Freighters for a one of three known to exist machine and they destroyed it.
Now I also have to say again that I use UPS and in my career as an antique slot machine dealer I have shipped hundreds of machines with UPS in the last 20 plus years WITHOUT any damage or claims. It is all in how you pack. I buy machines, ship the seller my container via UPS, they pack it and use my prepaid label and UPS picks it up from the seller and delivers it back to me. I am able to use the same container up to 6 round trips, that is 12 times out on a brown UPS truck. They are labeled THIS END UP, FRAGILE, PLEASE DON'T DROP, etc. Just got in an oversized Center Pull last night that barely fits in my container without issue. I have never used FedEx just because their fine print says that they do not cover antiques or anything that is not packaged in the original manufactures packaging. The key is don't have the morons at a pack and ship facility pack your machine. I am happy to share my packing method, I use new materials and boxes for each machine and it runs about $35.00 per machine but that is peace of mind.
Thanks,
Bill

[norabt]

Just to add to the conversation - I have been shipping slot machines for over 16 years. I use a fiber [card board] barrel called a short 55 gallon that cost me $16.00. I first bubble wrap the machine, then put a 2" thick sheet of styrofoam in the bottom of the barrel then after I place the machine in the barrel I then cut 2" x 6" strips of Styrofoam and place them on the corners of the machine leaving a 2" space between the top of the machine and the top of the barrel. Then I continue to jam 6" x 2" strips around the whole machine [you can use 1/12" thick Styrofoam also] until the machine cannot move. Then fill all the voids with Styrofoam peanuts and finish with a 2" sheet of Styrofoam between the top of the machine and the top of the barrel. I use UPS and have only had two cases of damage in 16 years, one was a fork lift damage to the side and another where apparently the barrel was dropped from an unknown height.

[Dave]

....
These machines were not designed to withstand aFedEx or any other delivery system.

...

I don't agree with this.

99% of these machines were built in either Chicago or Detroit and they were shipped around the world.

So, they were designed to be shipped.

The problem is today's shippers have such a high volume that they literally just throw packages around.

Dave

[madmelons]

Dave

I was discussing the thread on damages caused by FedEx and other couriers

The any other delivery system comments after I had mentioned FedEx simply

meant I included all other similar current shipping companies eg UPS & others.

Obviously the machines were shipped after original manufacturer, however I'm

pretty sure not all of them arrived in one piece either. When these were shipped

originally they were in the main newly manufactured. The machines being shipped

now by FedEx etc as discussed in this thread are x50/60/70 years old. They would

have had an initial hard working life then gone thru numerous owners in numerous

locations now with parts missing, non original parts fitted etc culminating in a slot

far more likely to have either visible or non visible damage.when it's then shipped

individually thru a shipping system the now more fragile than an original machine

is far more prone to failure, sometimes catastrophically so. As I said in my earlier

response the better it's packed, the better chance you have.of minimising damage.

[pb4sc]

Oldtime slots,
I would be interested in your packing method.

Phil

[marsonion]

Just to add to the conversation - I have been shipping slot machines for over 16 years. I use a fiber [card board] barrel called a short 55 gallon that cost me $16.00. I first bubble wrap the machine, then put a 2" thick sheet of styrofoam in the bottom of the barrel then after I place the machine in the barrel I then cut 2" x 6" strips of Styrofoam and place them on the corners of the machine leaving a 2" space between the top of the machine and the top of the barrel. Then I continue to jam 6" x 2" strips around the whole machine [you can use 1/12" thick Styrofoam also] until the machine cannot move. Then fill all the voids with Styrofoam peanuts and finish with a 2" sheet of Styrofoam between the top of the machine and the top of the barrel. I use UPS and have only had two cases of damage in 16 years, one was a fork lift damage to the side and another where apparently the barrel was dropped from an unknown height.

According to an "insured" seller/shipper who assisted me in pursuing a (denied) damage claim against UPS, that "unknown height" is four feet. He said he grilled one of their reps about their handling practices, and it was admitted that parcels of all weights and sizes are run over roller-conveyers on-and-off of trucks, and they frequently are inadvertently pushed, or simply fall off onto concrete floors before the "handlers" can throw them (literally) onto the aforementioned trucks and floors. Those conveyors typically operate at four-feet altitude. "Proper packaging" for UPS, therefore, would require that the item be containerized in such a way that it will remain undamaged after being dropped-- or thrown-- four feet onto a concrete floor. Repeatedly. Good luck writing "FRAGILE" and "HANDLE WITH CARE" and other love-notes to these goons...

Those who wish to satisfy any remaining morbid curiosity might visit this site:

http://dontthrowmypackage.com/