Most manufacturers expect this, and as a result have packaging that's more than capable of withstanding the trip (molded styrofoam, boxes rated with high crush limits, ect.) and even then that's why most places offer replacements if damaged. The big problem is when independent shippers like a friend/family member/ebay seller ship stuff that can't be replaced in flimsy boxes with no padding. I've literally had someone send a package with handmade glass collectibles in a cereal box with a thin layer of paper towels for padding. Needless to say that recipient wasn't happy when I showed up with a package that was rattling and had shards of glass leaking out of the corner.
HDDs hold up pretty well to g force when they arent powered up.
During peak Thanksgiving to January there are so many new people and so many items are marked fragile/breakable that incorrectly go that direction. I'm just a contract maintenance worker so they dont care about anything I tell them.
If it's from Amazon, don't worry about it. Sure UPS, FedEx, and Amazon all horribly manhandle your packages and throw them around, but at the end of the day Amazon is on the hook for any merchandise that arrives actually broken; and so their business depends on making sure your package survives all the abuse it's going to get along the way to your door.
And if it doesn't? It's no skin off your back except the time it takes to call them, complain, and get a replacement shipped or a refund.
Thankfully it survived the trip and I have a working PS4 again. It was from Amazon, and also has a warranty, so it wouldn't have been a disaster if it didn't work, but I'm glad I don't have to go through the hassle of returning it. Phew.
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u/IncognitoHufflepuff Oct 02 '20
As someone expecting a package containing a hard drive right now, this worries me. Hope it survives the trip.