Various war-story authors wrote:

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My experience is a 40% damage rate when shipping Cisco 7507 and 7513 routers via FedEx Heavy. Here are some pictures from back when I was at AboveNet: http://www.seastrom.com/fedex/

You aren't alone: http://www.16paws.com/FedEx/

Although this is a small item, I believe it wins the contest for "Most thoroughly damaged shipment". http://colofinder.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album18

While I sadly no longer have the image, sometimes words paint a more vivid picture... We had a 7505 which could have won, simultaneously, awards for: "Most Blantant Disregard For Shipment Contents" "Least Excusible or Fathomable Damage Mode" "Failure To Note Packing Material Damage - Outstand Achievement" "Shipper Rules Weaseling - Special Mention" "Vendor Sudden Observance Of Fine Print" "One *Tough* Box" We shipped the 7507 in its original packing material, including crimped straps, to a colo site. The site contact received it, signed for it, and discarded the packing material, all without noticing the damage. What damage, you ask? UPS had driven a forklift tine through its side. As in, straight in, through packing material, and *pierced* the chassis, right in the center of the side, ie into the card cage. Without the packing material, UPS wouldn't pay damages. Cisco wouldn't RMA the chassis. Not a pleasant situation at all. However, the router only had a couple of cards, which were installed (luckily) next to the power supplies, and at the opposite end from the gaping 3/4" x 2.5" hole. The site tech suggested seeing if it would boot. Sure enough, it did. And ran fine. And to the best of my knowledge, is still in service. It's a good thing the airflow wasn't too badly disrupted by the hole. It's the last time we used UPS... -- Brian Dickson Email: briand@cineclix.com http://www.cineclix.com Tel : +1 604 688 2339