UPS may have a scandal on its hands after several expensive shipments reported as lost have turned up for sale online.
The issue came to light after 7 On Your Side, a local ABC News affiliate, reported that a Hayward, California man discovered an expensive guitar he had ordered but never received listed on a resale website and two additional Bay Area residents reached out to tell their stories.
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Mike La Marca and Pam Daniels told 7 On Your Side that valuable items they shipped — a motorcycle engine supercharger and a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork — were reported lost by UPS. La Marca later found his supercharger for sale on eBay. When he contacted the seller, they said that they purchase “lost freight”.
"I was like, ‘What, is this a ring? What is going on?" Daniels said.
While UPS maintains no foul play is suspected, the pattern has raised serious concerns about how missing packages are handled, and how you can ensure you don’t end up in the same situation.
‘Too many coincidences’
La Marca, who lives in New Jersey, shipped the supercharger to a Bay Area bike builder who was customizing a motocycle for Derek Kriebel of Ohio.
"He explained he was building a bike for a bike show, and I had sold some superchargers that were put on bikes for that bike show previously,” La Marca said. “That’s how we struck a deal.”.
La Marca insured the shipment through UPS. But it never arrived.
"Ugh, my heart sank," he said. "Number one, just because of the rarity of the supercharger."
Months later, La Marca spotted what he believed was the same part for sale on eBay. He contacted the seller, who claimed they buy lost freight from shipping companies.
La Marca provided 7 On Your Side with photos showing markings on the eBay listing that matched his original item.
"It’s too many coincidences," he said, referring to the earlier case of the lost guitar. He has filed a police report, but the seller told him police has not followed up.
UPS declined to answer specific questions about whether it sells lost or damaged freight. Instead, a company spokesperson issued a general statement: "We’re committed to delivering excellent service. Issues with shipments are uncommon, but when they happen, we work with our customers to resolve them."
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‘Artwork is irreplaceable’
Daniels, who recently moved to the Bay Area from Chicago, said she didn’t buy insurance for her shipment because she had never had issues with UPS in the past.
"On a trip back to Chicago in February, I prepared it and shipped it. It never arrived," she said. "Artwork is irreplaceable. This is not something that exists in any other form.”
Daniels said UPS gave her the same explanation it gave La Marca: "All merchandise is missing, and the carton has been discarded."
"I don’t think it could disappear,” she said. “It’s not like it was a couple of loose bolts in the bottom of a box that fell out. I don’t know how you lose something that’s 5 feet by 7 feet big."
What to do if your courier loses a shipment
All reported shipments were sent between January and February this year.
While those affected wait for more answers, there are some things you can do to protect your shipments:
- Label your packages: Clearly write your contact information and the recipient’s on the parcel. Discreet packaging can help prevent theft, especially for high value items.
- Use tamper-evident seals: If you’re shipping something valuable, consider using protective labels. Even better, opt for a private delivery service or one that specializes in shipping certain items like superchargers.
- Purchase comprehensive insurance: Be sure to insure the item your shipping, including any additional coverage options available. Keep all the documentation provide and keep a full record of the transaction.
- Label it fragile: Provide the carrier with detailed information about specific handling requirements.
- Monitor your package’s delivery: Use the tracking number provided by the carrier and use its website to ensure it arrives at its final destination.
- Ask for proof of delivery: If the item being shipped is valuable, make sure the recipient has to sign for it in order for it to be delivered.
UPS’s policy for lost or stolen goods states that full reimbursement for the item, shipping costs and packaging is only available if a UPS store employee packs the item. If no declared value is listed at the time of shipping, reimbursement is capped at $100. Packing your own item also adds liability risk.
According to ShipAid.com, sellers are usually responsible for packages until they’re delivered. That’s why insurance is important. Regardless of the carrier, know the company’s lost-package policy before you ship, especially if your item is expensive or irreplaceable.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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