Regarding the shipping insurance notices we have recently implemented. We wish to address our Dealers concerns and provide additional context to help explain our position.
In all honesty, this change is not one we initiated by choice. It stems from increasing issues with the major carriers (UPS and FedEx), who have become less reliable in protecting shipments and have strict limits on their liability.
Both carriers have confirmed that, without declared value coverage (often referred to as insurance), their maximum liability for loss or damage is limited to $100 per shipment—regardless of the actual value or who is at fault. This is their very strict Policy.
To illustrate the cost of adding this protection, please refer to the table below, which shows approximate declared value fees based on order value (these are carrier-provided estimates; exact amounts will appear on the final shipping invoice or your shipping account).
Order Approximate Value UPS & FedEx Estimated Cost:
$100 or under: Free
$500: UPS $4.40 FedEx $4.20
$1,000: UPS $11.00 FedEx $13.50
For most orders, particularly those under $1,000, the cost is modest (often only $5–$11).
How it works:
If the declared value coverage is added, the carrier covers repair or replacement (whichever is less costly) in the event of loss or damage.
We will file the claim on your behalf when using our shipping account (no action required from you). If you use your own account, you would handle the filing.
Without this coverage, the carrier's $100 limit applies, meaning the full replacement cost would fall to the responsible party (typically resulting in duplicate payment for the order).
This option to add declared value has been available but was rarely needed in the past due to minimal issues, but unfortunately, the frequency and severity of problems have increased significantly in recent years, leading to substantial unreimbursed losses for us.
Examples include:
FedEx recently losing an entire shipment of 1,000 pagers (very high value).
UPS losing one box valued at approximately $5,200 from a multi-box order.
UPS losing 8 of 12 signs, valued at about $1,000 each (totaling $8,000).
These are just a few of the more significant incidents. In most cases, shipments arrive without issue, but the exceptions are now too frequent and impactful to absorb without protection. Instead of Increasing Prices across the board, we have chosen to offer flexibility: You may elect to add insurance for every order, opt out entirely, or decide per shipment (noted on your PO or via the signed notice).
For higher-value items, we require confirmation to proceed, but stating your preference on the PO is often sufficient and helps avoid delays. Please remember that if you choose to opt out, meaning you did Not wish to add insurance, then you are responsible for the repair or replacement of the order if something were to happen to the shipment, Not WaveWare.
Thank you for your Understanding and Continued Partnership. The insurance form is below.
For Questions, Please Contact WaveWare Sales at PH: 972.479.1702