Folks, here are some things to ponder when it comes to shipping larger objects.

1. Freight costs have not gone down
2. Packaging is not necessarily more robust today then it was, say, 10 years ago
3. Generally, cost of goods continues to drop, and packaging expenses are a part of the cost of goods
4. If you have a trucking company drop something off and you sign the bill of lading, that means you are accepting the product in it's condition. Even if anyone can see there's a huge hole in the middle of the box
5. Which means that having a person to receive the shipment is important. They can look at the items, refuse as needed or mark on bill of lading creases before they sign. They can document with their cameras box issues. They can count boxes to make sure that all items shipped are present.
6. Once you have a PRO number from the freight line, contacting the trucking company and talking to someone increases the chances of your getting delivery near the time you want it.

Fred....surely you jest....accepting a package trashed by an shipping company is ONLY the fault of the shipper...I NEED A RMA!!!

The fact that packing materials are a shadow of their former selves is a good reason to make sure the supplier has more than one of the item in stock. A rack is one thing, but an amplifier or speaker is another. If anyone accepts a package with visible damage and doesn't immediately open it, regardless of the protests by the driver, they're in for a battle. If it has no outside damage but the item(s) inside didn't come through unscathed, it's time to file a hidden damage claim, usually through the sender.

Having someone at the destination doesn't guarantee much- I ordered a projection screen and on all sides, it had 'DO NOT STAND ON END'. As the person at the FedEX store searched, I pointed to it and said "It's the tall, skinny box with 'DO NOT STAND ON END' leaning against the wall".

I pass through the shipping charges to all my clients. I have yet to have one client baulk at it. Maybe because its stated in the contract they sign, or maybe its because my clients are just nice......

I dont recall the last time I had a shipping charge of any significance.

Because you buy all of your gear at Best Buy?

Yes David, that's it. All from Best Buy. You are a genius! You always amaze me with you intellect and insight. Simply stunning!

I see you are back here to be the wonderful contributor that you are. Take off your stilettos and relax. It shouldn't be too long before your booted again.

Several suppliers waive shipping charges if orders are made online or if the total is sufficient.

Best Buy doesn't give you "free" vans!!!

Actually, it's "you're" not "your". And, by the way, I was never "booted". I've been doing two things: 1. Working, and 2. Reading a fascinating 448-page report.

Why thank you for the typo. You're so together.

Booted? Sorry, not familiar with your culture, but that one was easy to figure out. Actually, pretty slick slang there. I like it! Thanks for that for that too.

Ya, read the same report. The one that clearly stated no collusion? You know, that term the far left pounded over the airwaves as fact for over two years? The same farce you believed. Ya, that report. Good one. Wait for the next report as to how this all came into play. Can't wait to see you spin that one. Oh the fun of watching the silliness.

Actual footage of DavidCasemore reading the Mueller report.

Jeeze, no wonder his husband left him

Well, there's the proof you didn't read it. It stated no such thing. Just because Sean Hannity thinks so doesn't make it so. Really, you should read the entire report - you can get it on Amazon.com

Now, if you still are going to claim you read it, please tell me the page number where it clearly states no collusion. You won't, because you can't.

Yep, he's inside you right now. Squeal like a pig!