They're happy to take your insurance money, but wont pay when the harm your guns. And they don't tell you that ahead or you'd go elsewhere.
I haven't used FedEx for years just because they've always been horrible with guns I shipped. But regardless who I use, I always remove buttstocks and pack them beside the barreled actions to avoid broken stocks or tangs. Learned that after FedEx broke a wooden shipping crate and bent the tangs and cracked the stock on a single shot I shipped.

I've had two Stevens 44 1/2's that had the tangs bent during shipping.  If you  can remove the barrel from the action I would do it, so that the weight of the barrel doesn't add to the force when the package is dropped on the end. I also suggest placing a tight fitting block of wood between the tangs on the action and secure it with tape.

Couple thoughts about FedEx insurance, packaging and settlement. First I’m not sure who actually underwrites their insurance program (s). Often these so-called shipping coverages are brokered out to several underwriters. FedEx may cover the first $1k or more then others will kick in if the loss penetrates the coverage cap. I’m pretty sure their aircraft freight losses are underwritten like most airlines so it’s possible such claims could be handled differently with a real licensed adjuster.  I’ve attempted several times before to get some answers on this subject but I failed. I can assure you though that legal proceedings will most certainly name all defendants or those insuring your loss. 

Second I’m not sure a shipper can accept your package then deny your claim for insufficient packaging without some pretty explicit grounds for denial that should have been explained to the customer. Of course if your package shows no evidence of abuse or hard impact externally and the contents are damaged that can open a can of worms. Everything from evidence that shipper altered, re-taped or opened insured freight. Playing devil’s advocate here just spitballing,  but there are people who ship damaged goods and file claims all the time.  I know lawyers will tell you to photograph package thoroughly before and after, retain it if possible the packaging and have any damage assessed by an expert ( piece of cake on this forum ).  Keep all receipts since if you win you are entitled to reimbursement.  Finally look at contract see if there is an arbitration clause. These clauses can be deceptive if not physically impossible ( Arbitration convened in Puerto Rico or Guam ) but most are not. I’ve been an arbiter several times in Admiralty disputes and the procedure works, no legal fee encumbrance, no judges or discovery costs 

Rick

Insurance companies, can't live with them, can't live without them.
Its the same no matter what the claim. My home suffered storm damage last summer and the insurance company adjuster estimated the damage 4 times, starting at $5500, then about $25K, third time $53K and finally agreeing. after 6 months, to $72K. Which BTW was my contractors original estimate. They are as sleazy as it gets.
I always have shipped using an FFL friend to ship and only ship to the buyers FFL, whether antique or modern. Always prepare for the worst and create and retain photographic evidence, you just never know.

SchwarzStock wrote on May 15^th, 2024 at 6:11am:

So you claimed a bent barrel but didn't know for sure?