UPS Shipping and Grizzly Tools

[Jerry Booher]

I just received a Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw, a G0490X 8" Jointer and G1021X2 15" Planer. I am excited. However, I could not believe the condition of the tools sent Monday. The 1500# in 4 boxes were too heavy for the driver. The pallet jack would not go under the jointer bed so he rammed the hand truck under one end to pry it up. He missed and separated the bottom of the coffin-like plywood box. After working around and separating the bottom with his misses, he finally raised it and slid the pallet jack under. The bottom was completely separated and drooping.
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Same problem with the planer. He wheeled the 700# box into my garage (shop), but could not slide the pallet jack out from under it. With the hand truck tilting it up and, OH NO, CRASH, the "Extremely Fragile Do not drop" box hit the concrete floor.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee184/jerrybooher/Woodworking/c59a3bc1.jpg
I was horrified and could imagine spending hours on the phone with Grizzly tech support to request parts and help with alignment. Although I felt uncomfortable doing so, I refused the shipment.
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At my request Grizzly put the new boxes on a pallet and reinforced the jointer bed box and the planer box. Looks OK except for a big hole near the top of the planer box.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee184/jerrybooher/Woodworking/2ff566c2.jpg

Jerry

[Steve Clardy]

Wheeeeww.


Looks like the crates needed thicker blocking underneath for clearance.

Looks like the driver needs a good bop on the head. :eek:

[Jerry Booher]

I agree on both counts. I tried to describe the inadequate clearance to Grizzly and asked for the 4 boxes to be put on pallets so the pallet jack would slide under them. The new shipment had the 2 cardboard boxes on a single pallet. Good.

The jointer bed and the planer had 1x4 stapled on all the edges but no additional clearance. Same problem, but this driver was more careful.

Jerry

[Dave Lehnert]

I work in retail and on the dock. It is very obvious that company's use a forklift to load product on trucks. Forks are much thinner than a pallet jack. They need to take into account the person unloading the truck or the customer may need to get a jack under it.

[glenn bradley]

Wow. What did the inside of his truck/trailer look like? Not that FedEx can't do just as much damage depending on the guys doing the moving but my G0490X arrived in great shape. Granted it only had to get down the left coast from WA to SoCal.

The blocks were inadequate to allow a pallet jack under. A 2x4 and a small block of wood provided all the leverage necessary to lift the coffin to clear the pallet jack. No problem. Hope th machines are OK. If there is any damage, just call. A dinged switch-box was replaced within a few days with follow up emails and phone calls to assure it arrived and was correct ;-)

[Lance Norris]

Every piece of large machinery I have ordered, from Grizzly, Jet, and Delta, I have picked up at the freight depot. It doesnt help in your situation, but it allowed me to control the loading and unloading at my end.

[Gregory Stahl]

That driver obviously doesn't want to be employeed much longer! He needs to find a job where he doesn't have to do residential delivery. Can't blame Grizzly for this, the machines made it all the way to your house before this driver had at it. Since you paid the shipper extra for residential delivery, they should be obligated to find a way to unload the shipment without damaging it. If not, then they should not do residential service.

I have four machines from Grizzly, and all arrived in excellent condition! They were shipped via UPS Freight, and the driver was very careful unloading them with my help.

My last shipment was a slot mortiser from Laguna. It came via a smaller shipper, but they had a small low profile pallet jack to unload it! This worked out great because mine was too large for the pallet.

What a let down--watching your machines being destroyed by the driver unloading them. You made the right call, I would have refused delivery too. In addition, I would have called the terminal and complained about their service too.

[Peter Quadarella]

I ordered a bandsaw from Grizzly. I have to admit, the wooden "crate" was pretty flimsy. However, in my case the driver was a real professional. He performed some maneuvers that were truly impressive and got the machine to my spot in my garage safely.

The bandsaw itself is great though.

[Don Bullock]

Wow! I feel even more fortunate that that the FedEx Freight driver who delivered my G0490 knew what he was doing. My experience was far better than yours. I hope it all works out for you. From what I've read in many posts, Grizzly fixes any and all problems caused in shipping.

[John Keeton]

There have been many posts on the quality of the imported plywood available now at the borgs, but when you uncrate one of the Grizzly tools you REALLY get an idea of how bad Chinese plywood can get!!! I mean, that stuff is JUNK!!

My tools have all arrived in much better shape than yours. But without exception, they all had some issues with weak crating. I know they need to hold down cost, but the cheap plywood will not withstand much stress. It separates, permits rack in the crate, and will certainly not withstand a pounding with a pallet jack!

When one of my tools arrived, a handle was protruding thru the plywood - no damage to the tool, but if a round plastic knob can shove thru that stuff, a pallet jack can wreak havoc!

My guess is that Grizzly will make it right. They have been great in all my dealings with them - just wish they would insist on better crating!

[Rick Gifford]

I am in amazement how cheap the chinese plywood is. Seperations and bad warping.

On the topic of shipments I feel your heartache with the troubles. I don't know what goes through the minds of some of these shippers.

My tablesaw was supposed to be with a liftgate service, but the semi showed up without one. This was Sawstop purchased from a regional retailer. Now it was packaged the best I have seen, real solid with no complaints there. But common! 700 lbs needed to be lowered to the ground from the back of a semi trailer to the ground without a liftgate? Need I say my gut was in a knot as we "lowered" the crates down a makeshift ramp. And since I was helping I was thinking if it dropped I am probably assuming some responsiblity...

Im glad Grizzly tried to palletize a little better for you. They should think about the customer end a little better.

[Ray Knight]

I always pickup at the terminal, shipping is cheaper, there is still occasional forktruck damage, but then we (me and friends), unload and move in. Don't have to miss work to meet a truck, save a bit of money, and don't risk the crummy rude truck driver. Ray

[Andy Casiello]

My Grizzly G1023 TS had the same problem with short pallet and the pallet jack not fitting in. The driver kept trying to ram the jack under the pallet, until I asked him to stop.:eek: I grabbed my large hand truck and we used that successfully. The saw wasn't damaged, but the pallet wasn't going to take much of that..

[Don Dorn]

Seeing all this, I'm very lucky. I've outfitted two shops with primarily Griz equipment and have never received the equipment in anything other than perfect condition.

I don't get overly excited about small blemishes or scratchs as I'm not buying a car, but had I seen the driver do that, I'm not sure I wouldn't have refused it. Hopefully, everything is alright, but as others have said, I'm sure Griz will make it right, they have always had top notch customer service in my experience.

[Butch Edwards]

I've picked up my Griz machines @ their Muncy showroom/wharehouse(except 1)..they loaded my truck each time, with care and attention..not only for the tools, but my truck as well...and oh yeah..except for the 1st time, all the forklift operators were female!!! :D
the bandsaw I rec'd thru freight, and it was in perfect condition when the driver slid it off his trailer onto my pickup!!!

[Rick Fisher]

I think Grizz needs to ensure there is enough clearance under the pallet for a pallet jack.

Grizzly is a big customer in China and Tiawan. A red-carpet customer.

[Ed Howe]

I've received two machines from Grizzly via UPS Freight. Neither machine was damaged, but the packaging was pretty beat up. I got my table saw almost a year ago (G0478) and it came in a 1/2" particle board crate with a big dent in the top.

I had to have liftgate service since I don't own a truck. The driver said he delivers a lot of Grizzlys. He had said they used to use real pallets, but switched to these narrow things (made out of particle board as well) that the pallet jacks don't really fit into.

I received my bandsaw last week (G0555X) and it was in a cardboard box rather than a wooden crate, but it was on a regular pallet, which I presumed was one of UPS's. The outside of the box was scuffed up, but nothing pierced it.

[Mark Grotenhuis]

I just received my G0490X Jointer on Friday and it came in perfect condition. The driver backed a full size semi truck down my 500 foot winding driveway without a complaint. I was very impressed. I thought for sure he was going to have to drop it off at the front of the driveway. Points for UPS Freight.

[Robert Strebler]

If you think the plywood is cheap, imagine a 17" bandsaw in a crate made of thin Chinese softwood slats.

My g0513x2 arrived through UPS last Monday mostly intact. The slat crate was so flimsy that I'm surprised that the only damage was a dented lower door. Grizzly to their credit was fantastic throughout the transaction from the ordering, to arranging a liftgate for $32, to shipping out a replacement lower door quickly. I have nothing but good things to say about Grizzly's product and customer service. I'm still scratching my head about the factory's packaging choice though...

[Jerry Booher]

I just uncrated the 3 replacement machines in 4 boxes. More problems. The planer control panel arm is severely bent, but the box is undamaged. I am guessing that it was slammed around inside the box.
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There should not be a gap. Side view shows the control panel bent back about 15 degrees. Should be upright. Base is really bent.

The jointer base has 2 panels with dents. No damage to box.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee184/jerrybooher/Woodworking/84fa5870.jpg
The jointer bed box has 2 styrofoam boxes crushed and broken inside.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee184/jerrybooher/Woodworking/9140129e.jpg
Am I being too picky and worrying over $2500? I don't like door dings on my car either. Should I be worried about the need to readjust these slammed and toppled over machines?

Jerry

[Peter Quadarella]

Styrofoam is there to be smashed in my opinion. The only one I'd worry about is the bent control panel arm. I am decidedly not picky though, and for the hassle I would probably just check to see if it functioned properly and see if I could bend it back. But maybe you should call Grizzly and see what they say.

[Denny Rice]

I must have got real lucky when the UPS freight driver showed up at my shop... He dropped off my jointer and planner when I purchased it and was a real professional, after they were unloaded the UPS driver had paperwork I had to fill out and sign, the paperwork described any holes, breaks, or damage to plywood cartons upon delivery. This paperwork was used by UPS and Grizzly if there were any issues with machines. I was lucky, I have a small copy machine in my office and the UPS driver let me make copies of everything he didn't give me copies of after signing.

[Marlin Williams]

Jerry. Does the arm that is bent come off? If so just have grizzly send you a new one. As for the 2nd pic that is not to bad IMO. If I went to buy a used machine from someone they would have to point out soemthing like that to me to notice.


But I remember when I picked up my 8" ShopFox the plywood was coming apart in peices yet it did not have any hit/strikes on the body. But everything was fine when I opened it.

[Robert Chapman]

My experience with shippers is that whenever I have a choice I go with Fed Ex. They seem to be much more careful with shipments that UPS or other pirvate shippers.

[Dar Lounsbury]

When I picked up several machines from Griz in Bellingham. Most, maybe all, of the crates had holes and damage. This is before the local shippers had a chance to ruin them. Machines were OK but the boxes were not the best condition. Griz had me check contents of boxes before I left warehouse. One piece was scratched and they exchanged before I departed. I have had nothing but good service from Griz. I live close enough to Bellingham that shipping is too costly, so I go get them but gas prices may change that.

Any question as to Griz trying to keep up with the times, just look at machines offered 8 to 10 years ago and look at todays catalog. Impressive.

[Dave Lehnert]

I agree Grizzly takes care of any problems. No question about that. It just kinda amazes me how many on here end up with tools that have been damaged in shipping. I have no idea how many of what they sell. Just may be a small percentage of damage.

[Dave Odekirk]

I now know how you feel Jerry. But it is not just Grizzly, FedEx, or UPS. I've been waiting for a month and a half for my Steel City table saw. The long delay was because the 50" rails were on back order. So Steel City last week advised me I should have it by Thursday. On Thursday Old Dominion Freightway called and said it would be Friday. Late Friday they called to say they were behind and it would be Tuesday. So today ODF shows up with my saw. My first table saw! To my dismay, it was laying on it's side on a pallet. The wooden shipping container was now kindling. The saw appeared to have fallen over onto the box containing the fence and wooden extension table. So they lifted the saw and it's original pallet onto a standard size pallet and laid it on it's side. The long rails were coming out of the cardboard tube they were in. Needless to say I refused to accept it and will be calling SC in the morning. The truck driver said the damage happened on Friday. I guess he must have been in a hurry to get home for the holiday weekend. I am not happy.

[Tom Godley]

The shipping damage I have encountered over the years is just unbelievable - all it takes is just one person to do you in.

The damage and claims that companies must go through -- most of it is just because of carelessness.

I have had it happen with all kinds of shippers -- one time you get a great crew and a new truck and lift. The next time it will be one guy smashing everything with a half-working pallet jack.

I had a 48" professional range delivered -- obviously paid for inside delivery - paid for a two man crew. The crew had pre delivery instructions that the crate would need to be opened and partially dismantled in order for the unit to be light enough to lift inside. When the truck arrived I took a look at the crate - it did not have a mark on it ...... great. I turned my back to open the garage door and the next thing I hear is a crash - the guys tried to slide and tilt the unit off of the truck - without using the lift!!. Then they tell me the lift is broken. A special ordered 9k range trashed!

No packing can stand up to stupidity-!!

[Denny Rice]

I now know how you feel Jerry. But it is not just Grizzly, FedEx, or UPS. I've been waiting for a month and a half for my Steel City table saw. The long delay was because the 50" rails were on back order. So Steel City last week advised me I should have it by Thursday. On Thursday Old Dominion Freightway called and said it would be Friday. Late Friday they called to say they were behind and it would be Tuesday. So today ODF shows up with my saw. My first table saw! To my dismay, it was laying on it's side on a pallet. The wooden shipping container was now kindling. The saw appeared to have fallen over onto the box containing the fence and wooden extension table. So they lifted the saw and it's original pallet onto a standard size pallet and laid it on it's side. The long rails were coming out of the cardboard tube they were in. Needless to say I refused to accept it and will be calling SC in the morning. The truck driver said the damage happened on Friday. I guess he must have been in a hurry to get home for the holiday weekend. I am not happy.

There is no excuse for that at all! These men and women that are paid for their services need to do a little better job. Most semi trucks on the inside have a railing system which will allow them to take a wide nylon strap and secure the saw to the sides or the back of the trailer. You did the right thing and I probably would of taken digital pics and sent to Steel City and UPS or Fed EX.

[Andy Casiello]

I have had it happen with all kinds of shippers -- one time you get a great crew and a new truck and lift. The next time it will be one guy smashing everything with a half-working pallet jack.


You are so right! I got a Grizzly jointer and a table saw both in this last month. The jointer came first. The driver from UPS freight called and doublechecked directions. I live in a densely populated, historic section of the city with tiny streets and lots of street parking. He didn't want to try to take the semi in there, so he HAND CARTED the jointer 5 blocks to my house! It showed up perfect. The table saw came the following week, different driver, I couldn't understand a word this guy was trying to say, and he's smashing the heck out of the pallet and box with the pallet jack. Same company, same company rules, different approach entirely...:rolleyes:

[Rod Sheridan]

It is certainly very upsetting when something you've paid good money for is damaged due to to poor packaging and handling.

Earlier this year I purchased a Hammer A3-31 and had it delivered to my house while I was away.

The machine was on a pallet made from 1 " thick solid wood, on top of 4" formed steel channel for the skids.

Not a mark on the machine, the skid was designed to be picked up by a pallet jack and obviously was designed for the rigours of sea shipping from Europe.

In addition when I removed the machine from the pallet and opened all the accessory packages, there were two bolts about 3 inches long that go into holes in the machine side. These bolts allow one fork of the pallet jack to go under the machine. and the other fork picks up the machine via these two bolts.

Very well engineered packing and moving features, which prevented me from having one of those "OH NO" experiences.

It must be less expensive for other manufacturers to deal with replacement parts caused by poor packaging, however if I ever received a piece of machinery in the condition many of the posts indicate, I would be writing the manufacturer, as well as not patronizing them again.

Regards, Rod.

[Cary Falk]

It's a shame to see all of the damage threads but I am not surprised. I worked for UPS in my youth for a whole week unloading trucks. I worked the standard trucks and not the heavy freight trucks but I can't imagine ithe mentality being too much different. We were required to unload 3000 packages an hour at less than 70lbs. The boxes are packed in walls. There were heavy fragil things in the middle of these walls like tv's and such. Pull out the wrong package because the loader didn't build the wall right and the whole wall comes down TVs and all. They work on a quanity instead of quality. I hate to have things shipped(especially by UPS) but it is a necessary evil. I am more amazed when something get to it's destination undamaged.

[Jeffrey M Jones]

My Dad and I just got a 6 inch jointer, 15 inch planer, 14 inch bandsaw, and 3hp collector from gizzly and all 4 pieces(in 7 different boxes) were in the same condition. The jointers fence carriage was actually sliding around in the back of the truck!!! Luckily the driver was really nice about it, he obviously felt bad and really helped out taking care of the paperwork, a new carriage is on the way in compliments of ups. I was sick to see that the boxes were so messed up when they arrived though, we almost sent them back. Thank god nothing else was damaged though. I cant believe that they tipped it over!!!

[Ted Miller]

Never ever ever refuse any delivery you get. Mark down as much as you can on the BOL. After the driver leaves take all the pics you can, even if the crates are in great shape, take pics anyways. Consealed damage can happen and pics of the outside will help you out. If you refuse freight, it could end up on their dock for many days with even more damage and/or missing parts to come.

I deal with 2-5 million dollars is freight deliveries every year. Freight changes trailers all the time during its trip. Its rare that a load will stay in one trailer from the shipper to the consignee. Many freight companies sub out cross country driving to docks near you then the original freight company makes the FOB delivery to you.

UPS Freight is one of the worst for damaged freight. I deal with claims adjusters on a monthly basis, and now claims are a vendor who is not affiliated with the freight companies. When you have pics in hand, you will come out ahead every time.

You can write anything you wish on the BOL, so don't feel intimidated by any driver, he does not care what you write, it's not coming out of his pocket. I treat drivers like I treat customer service reps on the phone, it's not thier fault items are damaged. Trust me drivers don't get inside their truck and look at your delivery and think they need to kick and punch holes in it. If they load their trailer, they know how their day is going to go so they will not have to work around your freight. Like I said since the freight can change trailers up to 3-5 times plus hitting various docks, damage can happen.

Not sure how many of you are in this shipping business, but when it comes to handeling your freight, you get what you pay for. Grizzley has a account of course with UPS Freight, so they get a huge discount with the tonnage they ship on a daily basis. But if the shipper is not thinking about their freight being moved in a LTL load then damage can occur...

[Peter Quadarella]

Obviously you get what you pay for in shipping and item. Yes a Hammer will come better packaged, but you are paying for it. I have been reading 1982 issues of FWW lately, and Grizzly is selling their machines for the same prices as the advertisements in there. How is that possible? Cheap packaging among other things.

I'm glad I have the less expensive option, as long as Grizzly makes good if I get unlucky.

[Tom Godley]

The packing on some products is just amazing -- it is a real art. But nothing will stand up to a fork lift when it misses its mark or overshoots when shifting cargo around and the packages hit each other.


And the cost of the item IMO has nothing to do with the packing. I just had a very expensive item delivered that I was surprised was not better protected. Thankfully, the shipping was first rate but expensive.

I was impressed with the packing on my PM2000 saw - and the free shipping that Amazon uses was fantastic. Now the packing for the fence rails was surprising poor.