I shipped my Onewheel GT to Las Vegas for a race using a standard ground carrier. When I picked up the box at the hotel, it looked like it had been dropped off a forklift. The rail was bent, and the motor hub was grinding. I filed a claim with FedEx for the $2,500 declared value. They denied it three days later, stating, “Improper Packaging.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Original Packaging” Rule: Carriers will deny almost any claim if you didn’t use the original factory box with original foam inserts. Bubble wrap is not enough.
- Declared Value is NOT Insurance: “Declared Value” just raises the carrier’s liability limit. You still have to prove they were negligent. Third-party insurance is safer.
- The Battery Label: If you didn’t label the box with the correct UN3480 / UN3481 lithium battery stickers, you violated Hazmat rules. They can deny the claim and fine you.
- Third-Party Shippers: Services like BikeFlights or ShipSkis use UPS/FedEx rails but offer their own, much better insurance.
The “Why” (The Burden of Proof)
Carriers handle millions of boxes. Their default stance is denial.
“We are not liable for damage caused by… insufficiency of packing.”
Unless the box is pierced by a forklift, they argue the internal damage happened because you packed it poorly.
The Investigation: The Safest Way to Ship
I tested three methods for shipping a heavy PEV.
1. Direct via UPS/FedEx Store
- Risk: High.
- Experience: The clerk often doesn’t know battery rules. If they pack it, it’s expensive ($150+). If you pack it, they blame you for damage.
2. BikeFlights
- Risk: Low.
- Experience: They sell “Premium Protection.” If the bike/board arrives damaged, their internal claims team handles it. They know what a bent rim looks like. They pay out much faster than the carriers.
3. PirateShip (Self-Service)
- Risk: Medium.
- Experience: You get cheap rates, but you are reliant on the carrier’s specific “Shipsurance” add-on. Read the exclusions list carefully—electronics are often tricky.
Comparison Table
| Shipping Method | Insurance Type | Claim Difficulty | Cost |
| FedEx/UPS Direct | Declared Liability | Extreme (They fight you) | High |
| BikeFlights | Third-Party Policy | Easy (Specialists) | Medium |
| Airline Check-in | Airline Baggage | High (Low limits) | Variable |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Keep the Box: Never throw away your Onewheel/EUC box and foam. It is the only “approved” shipping container.
- Video the Packing: Set up your phone. Record yourself turning the board on (showing it works), putting it in the foam, and taping the box. This kills the “it was already broken” argument.
- Use BikeFlights/ShipBikes: Even for skateboards. The insurance layer they provide is worth the booking fee.
FAQ
Can I ship the battery fully charged?
NO. It is illegal. You must discharge it to below 30% (usually) for shipping. If it causes a fire and was fully charged, you are liable for the plane/truck.
[IMAGE: Photo of a damaged shipping box with a crumpled corner and a “UN3481” sticker]