Similar story from UPS when they 'examined' the transmission case: they claimed "Inadequate Packaging"! They asked me to ship it back to Minnesota to their terminal so they could inspect the piece. I refused, but DID offer to have FedEx pick it up and handle the transfer at UPS's expense. You know how that was received!
Eventually I hand carried the entire package with the transmission enclosed to the local terminal, but wouldn't allow them to keep it. I figured they had done enough damage already. They took pictures and filled out forms but nothing ever came of it.
I contacted the seller and told him the story. He was very understanding and helpful. He even contacted UPS in MN to see what he could do. In my opinion the transmission was packaged very well. It was the 'inadequate handling' that caused the problem.