[Hallicrafters] Shipping by UPS

[john]

At 04:42 PM 6/24/02 -0700, Bruce - KB6LWN/rcc wrote:
>PS: FedEx screws up too...  AirBorne Express is about
>the only one I've used that hasn't severly damaged a
>shipment, but their rates are $$$ more, usually...

	While attempting to deliver a collectable 1905 Swedish
Mauser (another Neat Old Item to collect) that was being shipped to
me from out of state (I have a Federal collectors license which allows
such to be shipped to me via mail/parcel delivery), Fed Ex went by mistake
to the house next door whose occupants were on a week long vacation,
forged my name on the "Adult Signature Required" paperwork, then
left the rifle on their front stoop.

	During the subsequent week FedEx Ground swore that they
had my signature, and that the driver distinctly remembered delivering
the package to me.

	It wasn't until a week later (after BATF had been notified about
the missing firearm) and the local Sheriff had been out to take a formal
report, that the neighbors returned from their vacation, and had one
of their kids plod over with an "I think  this is yours John".

	FedEx didnt seem particularly concerned about the loss, although
they did awake from their stupor temporarily when I mentioned that I had
to report the loss to the Sheriff and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and
Firearms. They did not seem particularly upset that their driver
had forged my signature on the "Delivery Receipt Required-Adult Signature"
form.

	I don't think any of them fundamentally care a whit about
their task. Fortunately for all concerned, rural NC is still full of
good honest people. 

	John