[Boatanchors] Shipping damage

[Rob Atkinson]

The Fed Ex UPS etc. shipping business has changed dramatically in the
past few years.  Millions of people now buy on-line -- Amazon even
does its own shipping.  The process has streamlined to the point that
heavy shippers (manufacturers and other high volume outlets) ship in
bulk (free shipping!).   The system may be geared towards this with
the result that individuals pay more to ship odd single items.

Another aspect to this is that the handling operations have been
increasingly geared to speedily handle the majority of packages, which
are carefully engineered enclosures that suspend and protect the
usually light weight product to maximize protection and minimize
expense.  Ever order a modern product on-line and get it shipped to
your home?  The packaging is a work of mechanical engineering.    The
system which handles millions of these items is simply not optimized
for the occasional tube rig or receiver--both being heavy and fragile.
  The result is a smashed set.  We are not going to change UPS et al.
We have to up our game on packaging.  This is why I've contended that
anything weighing over 70 lbs probably should be in a crate lined with
styrofoam slabs on all sides with the item immobilized.  Bubble wrap
and a cardboard box won't cut it.   Personally, I think I'd rather
haul my stuff to a hamfest.

73

Rob
K5UJ