I think it's common knowledge on this mailing list that UPS is the WORST national shipper, in terms of price and also in terms of the chances that your bike gets smashed. Becoming a public company has IMHO ruined UPS. They seem to be in Amazon's back pocket, and they are uninterested in giving consumers a competitive price on shipping, or competitivie service.
And, I don't hold out much hope that UPS will settle your claim.
You may search the archives and find many instances of denied UPS claims.
When Fedex smashed my steerer tube, they rolled over when I went to the shipping office, but i managed to pull out the dent with a big crescent wrench.
The solution to any UPS shipping problem is to JUST SAY NO! to becoming a UPS customer ...
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA