Narrative Summary

I am a professional glassblower and shipped a $250 set of delicate glass sculptures. I packed them using the industry-standard "floating" method: individual bubble wrap inside an inner box, suspended within three inches of biodegradable packing peanuts in a larger outer box. Despite this, the outer box arrived caved in, and the glass was crushed. FedEx denied the claim, issuing a generic Rule 17 letter stating "loose void fill allowed the contents to shift to the edge of the container."

The Resolution Strategy

Adjusters frequently blame packing peanuts when a box is crushed, assuming the shipper didn't pack them densely enough. To beat this "shifting contents" argument, you must document your physical packing procedure.

The Authori shipping appeal strategy utilized the internal shock absorption parameters found within ISTA 3A testing standards. The drafted appeal did not just complain; it detailed the exact "overfill and compress" method used to secure the void fill prior to taping.

The letter argued that the required three inches of clearance was maintained and mathematically immobilized. It successfully demonstrated that the items did not shift on their own; rather, an extreme external compressive force (like a heavier package being dropped on top of it) compromised the outer box's structural integrity, forcing the void space to collapse. By proving the packaging met the standard before the crush, FedEx reversed the denial and issued the $250 check.