Anyone have this problem while trading

Intact packages returned to you are likely victims of random x-ray scans. It happened to me before, probably 8 months ago, but I didn't get a letter from FedEx. Haven't had any problems since. I find it extremely puzzling though that you had 3 packages from both shippers returned.

I know it's a silly question, but are you declaring them as "beer"? If not, did you use an authorized shipping company (one that accepts shipments for UPS and FedEx)? If yes, then maybe they are the problem (though they shouldn't have accepted your packages in the first place), so drop the boxes off elsewhere or schedule for pickup.

Track them and see exactly at which point they were returned to you. That may give you some insights.

Here's the latest thread on USPS shipping: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/usps-shipping.203304/ . It's actually illegal, but no one has been prosecuted for it to the best of the group's knowledge.

 

Maybe pack them better?

 

He had 4 successful trades. The last 2 said he packed well in feedback. He didn't mention breakages or leaks.

 

Yea but you can always make things a little tighter in that box. I almost am a proponent of throwing some pennies,or dried rice/beans in there to make noise and deaden any sloshing

 

I have probably sent out 75 boxes and never had this happen. Is there anything on the box itself that indicates the package could be beer?

 

Uh if you owe people beer and already have their beer in your possession you need to find a way to get them what is owed and make it right. Then suspend taking on new trades. I would drive it to them personally before welching on a trade.

 

Do you know, is it just FedEx that's randomly x-raying packages? I've used both shippers in the past successfully, but more UPS as of late, because of this.

 

Ask @creepinjeeper for advice.Dave knows his stuff. Fedex ships and delivers plenty of beer. Go to online beer stores.homestead.com for local state laws. But, " Runnin' " beer is very illegal in many states, especially where I live. They will get rejected if they find out. Or, call Burt Reynolds and get a 1979 Pontiac Trans AM !!!

 

Big brothers got his eye on you. Wear a tin foil hat. Works for me. But really, very strange.

 

Thanks. There are a lot of other BA's that know their stuff as well, and inspired my packing habits in the beginning. I always line the inner box with a garbage bag and place that box in a slightly larger box surrounded by packing peanuts. it's worked for me so far. Just ask, you'll get lots of useful packing tips.

Good luck to you!

 

@Donkster46 minimally you need to communicate with those people you owe boxes to. Because you have been unable to successfully send out boxes isn't a reason to not come through on your end. They did what you asked of them, sent you beer, and now you're going to not send until 'comfortable'? Hopefully they will be understanding especially if you give them a reasonable timeframe.

 

i probably ship 3-5 boxes of beer a week via fedex through my work over the last year or so. (yeah... i know... yeesh).

anywho..

the only time i've ever received a nastygram from them was when one leaked. i've never had an issue with an intact box. (knocks on wood)

 

it was. it was addressed to the owner of my company. he asked me about it, laughed and threw it away.

i've probably shipped about 40 boxes since then. my company ships about 300 packages a day with fedex so they may let us get away with more than others... i dunno.