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"USPS International insurance help..." Topic


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napthyme26 Feb 2009 1:49 p.m. PST

HI All… Faced with a probolem here that I don't think has any happy solution, but figured I'd ask here first.

I shipped a large marvel statue to a buyer over in Spain and it naturally arrived broken very badly. I've done the crap I am supposed to do on my end here to file the claim, but the USPS says despite him going to his post office and filing a claim they have no paperwork that says there was any damage.

So what form was he supposed to have filled out there to ping there computers? I can refile in writting if we can get this sorted ASAP.

Or is it as I suspect that the USPS insurance for loss and damage is a fraud and they have zero intentions of paying in the first place?

Figured I'd check here before calling the service number again that the auto computer assistant refuses to let you talk to a real person in the first place and can't even understand the words Yes/NO at all

Thanks in advance…

aecurtis Fezian26 Feb 2009 1:57 p.m. PST

Call this number; it's the San Diego USPS Customer Service Region, but they should be able to provide a similar number for the region you are in: (858) 674-2670

I have good success resolving issues through that office, including identifying local post office "training problems" (i.e., the counter staff are morons, but it's nicer to suggest it's a training shortfall). The most useful thing (besides their supplying accurate information) is that they can generate an action to which the local postmaster must reply by endorsement, which is usually a good way to get a local PO's attention.

They also tend to have a far better knowedge of the Mail Manual and other USPS rules and regulations than even the specialized departments. And if they don't know something, they will research it and get back to you, normally in 24 hours.

So find out how to contact your customer service region (they're well-kept secrets: I had to contact one of my congressmen to find mine!) and have fun!

Allen

Ed the Two Hour Wargames guy26 Feb 2009 2:01 p.m. PST

Or is it as I suspect that the USPS insurance for loss and damage is a fraud and they have zero intentions of paying in the first place?

I've received payment on an overseas shipment before. I got "porked" on it when I used FedEX.

International Inquiries & Claims
Shipments mailed to or from a foreign country.
Express Mail International®, Global Express Guaranteed, Registered Mail, insured or ordinary parcel post call 800-222-1811 to initiate an inquiry.
If your inquiry of damage or loss is confirmed by the USPS, an information packet with a claim PS Form 2855 will be mailed to you.
To file a claim send in a completed PS Form 2855. Claims must be accompanied by evidence of mailing, evidence of value and any other documentation to support the claim.

Try this link as well

usps.com/insuranceclaims

napthyme26 Feb 2009 2:32 p.m. PST

@Ed.. yeah 800-222-1811 is the number that does not understand anything and never gets me a rep to talk to…

have to call 800 ask USPS to get to someone real to transfer me…

This… "If your inquiry of damage or loss is confirmed by the USPS, an information packet with a claim PS Form 2855 will be mailed to you." … is the problem right here I am dealing with getting it CONFIRMED to get the packet.

Ed the Two Hour Wargames guy26 Feb 2009 3:16 p.m. PST

napthyme – Sorry.

Top Gun Ace26 Feb 2009 6:56 p.m. PST

Make sure the recipient keeps all the stuff, including the original packaging.

Photos are especially useful too.

I recommend going to your local post office, and ask for the forms to file the claim.

I imagine they would prefer not to pay any out, and even if they do, it will take several months to be resolved.

Same issue with Fed Ex, DHL, etc. They pay by the pound, based upon very low dollar levels for each pound (used to be able to quote the approved rate off the top of my head, but it has probably changed), so you usually never recover anywhere near the true cost of the item(s).

If you insured it, the USPS should pay up, assuming it was well packaged. That is where the rub will be, and why you need photos of the packaging to prove it was well packed.

Good luck!

Rob

bsrlee26 Feb 2009 8:35 p.m. PST

If the Spanish Post Office is like the Australian P.O., they will refuse to forward the paperwork from their end. Usual runaround I have received is they won't do anything until they get an official complaint from the sender, case closed.

I suggest getting the recipient to make a 'notarised' claim/statement, saying that the item was adequately packed, details of claim made etc. and send you the original.

Top Gun Ace27 Feb 2009 10:24 a.m. PST

Don't you just love customer friendly service?

Procopius28 Feb 2009 2:13 a.m. PST

I recently got a big (very damaged) box of trees from China, which had 2 packets with different sized trees missing. EMS said they wouldn't cover it because I had signed for the parcel – with a notation that the box was damaged. But on their website they say they will cover partial losses, but how the Bleeped text would I know there was anything missing if I didn't sign for it and take it home to check the 2,000+ items?

We won't be using EMS again.

napthyme28 Feb 2009 7:20 p.m. PST

I got there official F off letter today. there was no complaint registered with Spain so your not getting squat…

will need to try that customer service number of aecurtis and see what I can find out before retrying by mail for a apeal.

Empires27 Dec 2010 3:25 p.m. PST

I think one of the biggest loopholes in International shipping is that Flat Rate Priority is a losing battle. Ship it, lose it and you're out the money and product without any assurance from USPS. Customs number only tracks in the US. Once it's out of the country, it's over. One needs to go Express or Registered to be able to track the product. Shame, it should be good. Wonder where that black hole is that the stolen merchandise ends up, CUSTOMS? Or does the customer get it and rarely follow up with Payment from Pay Pal… Stinks to high heavens.

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