Missing package: who is responsible, for now?

[joshw10]

I ordered some custom stuff from a company recently, and it was shipped via FedEx. FedEx tracking showed that the package had been delivered, and that it was left without signature because there was a waiver of signature on file. I recently moved, and I had a waiver of signature at my OLD address. I went to my old address in case the driver (probably same route, its on the same street) had accidentally delivered it to the old address...but no package, at least not by the time I got there. I never filled out a waiver of signature at this current address, as I just moved here last week. I asked FedEx about this, and they said it's up to the driver's discretion whether or not to leave a package without signature (although I couldn't get them to confirm that this would cause the tracking to claim there was a waiver on file).

Anyhow, it's extremely unlikely it was actually delivered to my new address because I was here all day, and its a very quiet location with just one apartment across the hall. I've never had a package stolen in any place I've lived.

So, as it stands right now, I'm out a $400 package that I needed to have right now. FedEx is BSing and I don't know if I will get anywhere with them, nor do I have the time. Is the company that I ordered the goods from still responsible at this point, and its up to them to file a claim with FedEx? What are my chances of getting them to send me out another order? For what it's worth, I've been a customer for a year and a half and ordered about $8000 worth of stuff from them although this would still make me a small customer.

 

[dabuddha]

Did you give the company the wrong address?

 

[joshw10]

No. I definitely gave them the correct address. The company checked their FedEx account records to make sure they shipped it to the correct address, and they did.

edit: also, nobody lives at the old address right now. If it was delivered there, there could have been a cleaning crew from the landlord, or painters or something like that, but that's it. I would think the FedEx driver would have the discretion not to leave the package with them had they been at the residence.

 

[NeoPTLD]

I think FedEx is accountable for your package unless they could produce your signature when inquired.

 

[Sphexi]

Most Fedex drivers are franchised I think, they're individually responsible for packages. File a claim with Fedex for it, you should get your cash especially if they shipped to the wrong address.

 

[joshw10]

Well I just got off the phone with FedEx again. They said the investigation is complete (apparantly the investigation consisted of the driver claiming that yes, he did leave it at the correct address). I asked why, if this is true, that it was left without a signature and the rep. said they had a waiver on file....I said no, I never signed a waiver at this address. So now they're going to look into that, but as of now they said its up to the shipper to initiate a claim. I have a feeling FedEx will try and say my waiver from my old address is valid anywhere I live, or something ridiculous like that.

 

[dabuddha]

That'd piss the crap outta me.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Your signature on file for a given addresss will usually apply only to that address.
However, if you moved and did not update FedEx then it becomes questionable if the signature on file is valid.

If they did not deliver it to the correct designated address, then FedEx is responsible. No other option.

FedEx will have to show which address they delivered to; possibly by route tracking. If the new and old addresses are on the same route, then you are up a creek.

 

[Spike]

I have a question, I probably just missed it but which address did you actually ship the package to, the new or the old? And speaking as one who works in the package industry it is the fault of the carrier if they left the package and it was stolen, delivered to the wrong address, or carried over a waiver to a new address.

We sometimes leave packages without signatures but there are certain rules. We never do it at an unsecured apt building (ie no outisde locked door) or at a res where you can see the package plainy from the street/sidewalk.

-spike

 

[Kelemvor]

If you had it shipped to the right address and you were home all day and you had no waiver on file for that address... Then FedEx is responsible for gett you your package. You can file a claim with them easily enough and they should come through. Or take it up a notch and contact your local COnsumer Affairs / Attorney General office and have them fix it for you...

 

[FoBoT]

fight with fedex and as soon as your credit card statement arrives with the charge, dispute the charge with your credit card company in writing, that way the shipper and fedex will both be trying to resolve it or they won't get paid

 

Just got this email...it may be of interest to you:

Dear FedEx Customer,


FedEx is changing our residential delivery policy and introducing three new signature options to improve delivery commitments and provide a consistent experience for customers across the FedEx network.

* Residential deliveries: FedEx will no longer require a signature on FedEx Express® deliveries.
* Nonresidential deliveries: No policy change. FedEx will attempt to obtain a signature from someone at the delivery address or a neighboring address, and no fee will apply.

Introducing FedEx® Delivery Signature Options
New signature options enhance delivery flexibility and give you peace of mind.

* Indirect Signature Required. FedEx will obtain a signature 1) from any person at the delivery address or 2) from someone at a neighboring address or 3) the recipient can leave a signed FedEx door tag authorizing release of the package without anyone present. Available for residential deliveries only. Fee: $1.50.*
* Direct Signature Required. FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at the delivery address and will reattempt delivery if no one is available to sign for the package. Available for both residential and nonresidential deliveries. Fee: $2.*
* Adult Signature Required. FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at the delivery address who is at least 21 years old and who has government-issued photo identification as proof of age, and we will reattempt delivery if no one is available to sign for the package. Available for both residential and nonresidential deliveries. Fee: $2.75.*

Direct Signature Required replaces FedEx Express Signature Required, FedEx Ground® Auto P.O.D., FedEx Home Delivery® Auto P.O.D. and FedEx Signature Home DeliverySM. Until Direct Signature Required is available, shippers can still choose these options for a $2 fee.*

Sincerely,

FedEx