California Residents Confused as Lost UPS Packages Resurface Online

A Growing Concern: Lost Shipments and Online Sales

UPS may be facing a serious issue after several expensive items that were reported as lost have turned up for sale online. This alarming trend has raised concerns among customers and sparked investigations into how the company handles missing packages.

The issue came to light when a local ABC News affiliate, 7 On Your Side, reported that a man from Hayward, California, discovered an expensive guitar he had ordered but never received listed on a resale website. Two other Bay Area residents also shared their stories of valuable items they had shipped through UPS and never received.

A Troubling Pattern

Mike La Marca and Pam Daniels are two individuals who experienced similar issues with their shipments. La Marca, who lives in New Jersey, sent a motorcycle engine supercharger to a Bay Area bike builder who was customizing a motorcycle for Derek Kriebel of Ohio. The supercharger was insured through UPS, but it never arrived.

Months later, La Marca spotted what he believed was the same part for sale on eBay. When he contacted the seller, they claimed to purchase “lost freight” from shipping companies. La Marca provided photos showing markings on the eBay listing that matched his original item. He described the situation as “too many coincidences,” especially considering the earlier case of the lost guitar. He has filed a police report, but the seller told him that police have not followed up.

Artwork is Irreplaceable

Pam Daniels, who recently moved to the Bay Area from Chicago, said she didn’t buy insurance for her shipment because she had never had issues with UPS in the past. She shipped a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, which she described as “irreplaceable.” The artwork never arrived, and UPS gave her the same explanation it gave La Marca: “All merchandise is missing, and the carton has been discarded.”

Daniels expressed disbelief at the idea that such a large item could disappear. “It's not like it was a couple of loose bolts in the bottom of a box that fell out,” she said. “I don't know how you lose something that's 5 feet by 7 feet big.”

What to Do If Your Courier Loses a Shipment

For those affected by similar issues, there are steps you can take to protect your shipments:

• Label your packages: Clearly write your contact information and the recipient’s on the parcel. Discreet packaging can help prevent theft, especially for high-value items.
• Use tamper-evident seals: If you’re shipping something valuable, consider using protective labels. Even better, opt for a private delivery service or one that specializes in shipping certain items like superchargers.
• Purchase comprehensive insurance: Be sure to insure the item you're shipping, including any additional coverage options available. Keep all documentation and maintain a full record of the transaction.
• Label it fragile: Provide the carrier with detailed information about specific handling requirements.
• Monitor your package’s delivery: Use the tracking number provided by the carrier and check its website to ensure it arrives at its final destination.
• Ask for proof of delivery: If the item being shipped is valuable, make sure the recipient has to sign for it in order for it to be delivered.

UPS’s Policy on Lost or Stolen Goods

According to UPS’s policy, full reimbursement for the item, shipping costs, and packaging is only available if a UPS store employee packs the item. If no declared value is listed at the time of shipping, reimbursement is capped at $100. Packing your own item also adds liability risk.

Sellers are usually responsible for packages until they’re delivered, which is why insurance is important. Regardless of the carrier, it’s essential to know the company’s lost-package policy before shipping, especially if your item is expensive or irreplaceable.

Final Thoughts

As these incidents continue to unfold, customers are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when shipping valuable items. The pattern of lost shipments and subsequent online sales raises serious questions about the handling of missing packages and the need for greater transparency and accountability from shipping companies.