Using a courier to ship optics

[The Admiral]

Has anyone got any advice on the best courier for shipping a 'scope? Are there any couriers who will insure such equipment? The small print is often vague, excluding for example "glass". I know how most would interpret this, but could this be used as a "get-out" clause.

Ian

[Astrobits]

I am not aware of any "good" carriers for optics. They will all take your money and then use the 'contains glass' excuse for not accepting a claim.

If you really HAVE to courier a telescope then the more protection ( Styrofoam/bubble wrap )  the better. Far better to deliver/collect in person, even if it means an overnight B&B, in my opinion.

Nigel

[NGC 1502]

I am not aware of any "good" carriers for optics. They will all take your money and then use the 'contains glass' excuse for not accepting a claim.

If you really HAVE to courier a telescope then the more protection ( Styrofoam/bubble wrap )  the better. Far better to deliver/collect in person, even if it means an overnight B&B, in my opinion.

Nigel

Very good advice. Sadly, I've found to my cost that couriers can damage anything

I do realise that many have had a good experience with shipping stuff by courier.....and so have I......but not always....

Regards, Ed.

[Stu]

Rightly or wrongly I've always used Royal Mail or Parcel Force and never had a problem. I go way over the top to pack things as thoroughly as possible, always assuming they are going to get dropped at some point during the trip.

[Floater]

... pack things as thoroughly as possible, always assuming they are going to get dropped at some point during the trip.

That's the best insurance!

[The Admiral]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, good packaging won't stop parcels going "missing".

Ian

[estwing]

I wonder how companies like Webster export around the world?....must be a frightening experience waiting for a 20" dob to arrive half way round the world!!

[cathalferris]

I wonder how companies like Webster export around the world?....must be a frightening experience waiting for a 20" dob to arrive half way round the world!!

They double crate the scopes with overkill on the packaging. Only way to be sure. Plus they use real freight companies as opposed to parcel services, as the need for a forklift to take the crates from the truck is something that FedEx usually couldn't fulfil. 

[Moonshane]

the courier is irrelevant to some extent. It's all in the packaging. I always assume that it will be dropped from maybe two feet at least twice on a journey and pack accordingly. never had an issue with sending through UPS via www.interparcel.com

[happy-kat]

I shall look at that link as so far all couriers are saying no to anything with glass in it that I have checked.

[Moonshane]

I am pretty sure RM/Parcel Force insure glass.

[Dave In Vermont]

A guy who re-mirrors mirrors told me to do a double-boxing, with plenty of padding and space between the box inside the box. Said he'd never had a damaged mirror in 30 years this way.

Dave

[The Admiral]

Thanks for all the advice. Just had a look at RM/Parcelforce and I get the impression that their charges for heavier/larger parcels are more reasonable than they used to be. Or is that just my imagination?

Ian

[DRT]

Thanks for all the advice. Just had a look at RM/Parcelforce and I get the impression that their charges for heavier/larger parcels are more reasonable than they used to be. Or is that just my imagination?

Ian

I think you are correct. I have used UPS, MyHermes, ParcelForce and Royal Mail. In the past three years I think I have probably sent or received around 300 astro items and never experienced either a lost parcel or a breakage. I am either very lucky, or the perceived risk is extremely low.

If you want some comfort that an item will not be thrown around too much or processed through machines use a service that is tracked. Couriers and RM charge more for these for a reason and that is predominantly related to the additional manual handing and care with which the items need to be processed in order to avoid insurance claims for late or non-delivery or breakages.

I have found that the best service for expensive eyepieces and similar items is Royal Mail 1st Class Special Delivery, which costs around £7, is guaranteed for delivery by 1pm the following day and includes up to £500 of insurance. For scopes I think ParcelForce would be the best option if you want insurance, but it will be expensive compared to the insurers that wriggle out on the "no glass" rule.

That said, I agree with BigSumorian and Moonshane, packaging is the best form of insurance

[DRT]

I have probably sent or received around 300 astro items and never experienced either a lost parcel or a breakage.

I just remembered that this is not strictly true.  I have had one package go missing, which was a new purchase from a retailer so might or might not have been the fault of the courier. The retailer in question sorted the problem immediately by despatching a replacement so I lost nothing.

[wxsatuser]

Here is the list of no claims stuff on Paecel2go, they use various carriers.

Look below the prohibited items.

https://www.parcel2go.com/prohibited-items

[The Admiral]

Here is the list of no claims stuff on Paecel2go, they use various carriers.

Look below the prohibited items.

https://www.parcel2go.com/prohibited-items

Hmm, yes, I see 'telescopes' are a 'No Compensation' item!

[Stu]

I'm sure the reality of insurance on used items is pretty poor and tough to claim against. I don't always, or even often have receipts for goods I'm shipping so I'm fairly sure many claims would be rejected regardless of the glass element. I try to used tracked or special deliveries where it makes sense and I just think these will naturally have a little more care taken, at least in ensuring the package arrives. As already said, I always pack assuming rough handling. The more packing and tape I use, the luckier I seem to get .

I've only recently had my first 'fail', with a fortunately relatively cheap eyepiece going astray. I sent it untracked because it seemed too expensive otherwise. Perhaps I will reconsider in future. I refunded the cash, seemed only fair.

[trazor]

Hmm, yes, I see 'telescopes' are a 'No Compensation' item!

Hmmmm.....I had trouble finding anything that I could insure.

[Peter Drew]

I was recommended and tried "Anyvan.com", they supply a list of couriers. I needed to ship a 12"LX200 OTA. The one I chose at random turned out to be a removal firm. They specialised in the careful handling and in vehicle security of all items including vulnerable glass items. The insurance cover seemed substantial with no apparent exclusions for optical goods. The transaction was successful. The difference with this company was that you had to wait for a few days for them to have a contract in your area to make it convenient to add your item. The cost was very competitive.  

[DRT]

I try to used tracked or special deliveries where it makes sense and I just think these will naturally have a little more care taken, at least in ensuring the package arrives. As already said, I always pack assuming rough handling. The more packing and tape I use, the luckier I seem to get .

I am pleased to report that as of ten minutes ago your good luck continues, Stu, and a lovely TV 32mm Plossl is now safely tucked up in my case

Cheers

Derek

[Stu]

I am pleased to report that as of ten minutes ago your good luck continues, Stu, and a lovely TV 32mm Plossl is now safely tucked up in my case

Cheers

Derek

Excellent, thanks for letting me know Derek [emoji3]