How robust are HDD's whilst in transit via carriers?

[Roy]

Western Digital has shipped me 3 drives via UPS. No problems.

[thekingofpain]

Ive recieved 4 hard drives in the past few months via UPS...depends on who ships it as it arrived packaged differently each time, (3 different vendors no probs) BUT...when I recently purchased a Maxtor locally...the factory packageing was EXCELLENT and extremely different, foam rubber and multiple layers of cardboard very secure (and costly)...make sure they have a good DOA policy... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[lost1]

I've ordered about 20-25 hard drives by mail order over the last few years, from different vendors across the country. Only one was defective, and it had nothing to do with shipping damage.

Even if you buy one locally, it was delivered by the same carrier that'll be delivering it to you if you buy mail order- probably UPS. It all comes down to packaging- and so far all the companies I've dealt with have done a good job of providing protection in transit.
I say go for it...
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[Jonty]

I'm thinking of buying a hard drive through mail order but I 'm a little worried about what might happen to it on the way to me. Items delivered to me via carrier have sometimes looked like an elephant has sat on them - fortunately they haven't been delicate items like hard drives.

We all know hard drives shouldn't be subjected to shocks but what about the questionable handling in a depot or truck?

How robust are hard drives to stand up to the handling encountered en route? Anyone got any advice or experiences to share?