FedEx Property Damage

[ctpres]

Driver damaged our intercomm and guest gate control post (beyond reair) while backing out after delivery. Driver gave HIS phone number and said he would pay if I fix or he would fix. This is custom/home made and no off shelf product will do. I built it and really don't want to go thru that again. Anyone with Fedex property damage experiance? Should I let driver handle or Fedex? I looked around on internet and could find no fedex accident reporting info.

 

[Skyco]

I'd let the driver handle it if he will, if he won't then go to Fedex. It may mean his job if you go to his employer, so he may be very motivated to do you right.
Of course if he gives you any delay or static I'd go right to the employer.

 

[Lasgambler]

Maybe he is new in his job and does not have a lot of time behind the wheel, meaning has had this type of accident before.
As hard as it is to find jobs these days I think I would work with him to let him resolve the problem. Keep documentation and have a good understanding of what you expect. You never know He might turn out to be a freind for life.
Terry

 

[RickB]

Depending on the type of delivery, some FedEx drivers in this area are contract haulers, owning/leasing the truck.

 

[Ductape]

Depending on the type of delivery, some FedEx drivers in this area are contract haulers, owning/leasing the truck.

This is my guess. He gave you his number because he is an independent contractor who is delivering for FedEx. I don't think FedEx will have anything to do with it.

 

[pennwalk]

I believe that the delivery services are not very understanding about accidents. I don't know if you even get one or two strikes before you are gone. It sure would be a bad time to be looking for a job. Around here the delivery drivers seem to avoid taking their trucks where they will have to back up. Mostly they just leave them in the middle of the street in front of where they are delivering.

Chris

 

[capi75rs]

I think I'd give the fellow a chance. Agree that your expectations should be stated upfront. Never know a friendship could start. Hope things work out for you and the driver.

 

[radioman]

If the equipment is custom made- i would not let him touch it. I would buy the materails needed to repair it and have the driver come and WATCH you fix it. Then give him the bill for materails and time to fix it yourself. If he touches it , He could make it worse beyond rebuilding or worse yet have a non working unit. Making the guy sit and watch and squirm is enough punishment for any driver to endure and he certainly will become a better driver since he wouldnt want to go though the whole thing again. If the world did this more often, We wouldn't have all these liablities, issues and people would have been more respectful of others. I am sure people will have a certain level of understanding of each other, sort of a small town feeling where people know each other. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

 

[joe48]

Did you happen to notice the colors of the LOGO on the truck?
The Purple and Red are Fedex corporate and the Purple and Green are Fedex ground franchise operators that own /lease their trucks and contract for Fedex, their rules are different than corporate drivers. That should help with some insite to his motives.

I like the idea of writing down the terms and haveing the driver assist you with the repairs. That will do two things ,give you a real measure of his character and if he works with you ,you may develope a real relationship.

 

[EddieWalker]

It would be nice to give the guy the oportunity to make it right, but what are the odds that he's capable of doing it? While allot of delivery drivers have other skills and tallents, I'd want some sort of refrenece to his qualifications before letting him do anything.

That is assuming he's sincere and truly plans to do the repairs. He might have fiends or family who can do this and make it better then before. It happens. If he does show up and the repair is less ten satisfactory, what will you do then?

For all accidents, there is a time limit. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that the insurance company will take responsibility for the accident.

First thing you need to do it document everything. Hopefully you wrote the truck number down and/or it's license plate. If not, the drivers name and personal phone number is a start. Keep the airbill from your package. That shows the day of the delivery, the time he was there and who the driver was. Simple proof that the delivery was made. For grins, you might want to go to the FedEx website and print out a copy of the delivery receipt. The tracking number will show the delivery time as further proof of when the driver was there.

FedEx uses private contractors all the time, especially during the holiday season. Those private contractors should have their own insurance for accidents, as should the vehicle they are driving. Since FedEx is the company that hired them to deliver that package, they are liable for sending that person to your home, and the damage that he caused. If it's a private carrier, you might get some runaround with them.

The first person I would call should be your homeowners insurance agent. He/She will probably tell you to contact FedEx and start the process of filing a claim. This is what I would do.

Good luck,
Eddie