Electrical Item Damaged in Transit - Do I Have Any Recourse?

Midget Spinner on 24/09/2025 - 09:12
Last edited 24/09/2025 - 09:56 by 1 other user

I recently sent an electrical appliance worth about $3000 with Global Express Couriers.

I wasn't offered any extra insurances when booking and stupidly didn't ask the question. Unfortunately, the item arrived at the purchasers end with significant damage, obviously having been dropped from height - either from the truck or forklift.

If it cannot be repaired - do I have any recourse with the transport company for damage as a result of "negligence in handling?" I immediately lodged a damage report, and I am awaiting the outcome of their investigation which could take seven days. But just wondering if anyone has any experience with this type of thing?

TIA

• 

  oscargamer on 24/09/2025 - 09:34

  +4

  What terms and conditions do they have?

• 

  jv on 24/09/2025 - 09:52

  -3

  • either from the truck or forklift.

  Do you have proof of this?

  • 

    Muppet Detector on 25/09/2025 - 02:25

    +1

    Not sure why the negs.

    Likely need proof who caused the damage, especially if legals get involved.

    Freight guy says "you gave it to us like that" or "buyer must have done it - good when delivered, see they even signed for it".

    Was item packed correctly?

    AP says must pack item so it can withstand a 22kg item dropped on it from shoulder height, for example. Then if it is their fault, still only max $100 compo without insurance.

• 

  JIMB0 on 24/09/2025 - 10:25

  +1

  You could probably get your money refunded for the shipping costs.

• 

  singlemalt72 on 24/09/2025 - 10:45

  Whatever you do, lodge a claim quick as some couriers have a 7 or 14 day period after which they declare zero liability

  • 

    oscargamer on 24/09/2025 - 11:11

    Of course, but very likely their T's and C's have a maximum liability being the cost of the postage, unless insured for more, which the OP didn't do.

  • 

    Jimothy Wongingtons on 24/09/2025 - 12:54

    +1

    ymmv but in my experience, only australia post has ever coughed up for lost/damaged parcels.

    every other mob just sites their t*c's which usually say SOMETHING like 'this entity is NOT a common carrier and accepts no liability for any damage/lost parcels'
    I once had Direct Freight lose a consignment bound for South Australia , worth a few thousand dollars - they didn't even refund the freight fee or cover the FREIGHT fee to resend goods (let alone any replacement).

• 

  Cluster on 24/09/2025 - 13:30

  +1

  I once had a package delivered to work with one end crushed and a huge hole in it. Half the computer parts were missing. I complained to the shop and courier company, but was shocked to discover as soon as someone signs for the package then that's it. Full acceptance that the package was correctly delivered and all intact. I notified staff at my workplace to never sign for a visibly damaged package. Demand to have it sent back.

  In my case the shop decided to ship replacement parts at their own cost, so that was great at least from a customer service point of view for me.

• 

  Muppet Detector on 25/09/2025 - 02:16

  +1

  Will need proof that freight company caused damage & how much damage to have any hope at a civil claim.

  Was it even packaged correctly (according to their T&C) and can you prove that?

  Any proof of item condition before you gave to courier?

  Any proof that buyer isn't the one who broke it?

  Bottom line, at minimum, you need proof of whoever caused the damage.

  -
  But, with no insurance, more than likely have no chance on product but maybe on freight (if you can prove they did it).

  Good luck.