[DrTallo]

Thanks a lot for the feedback everyone. Will keep you posted on what route I decide to go with. Package has been shipped and is suppose to arrive next week. 🤞

[DrTallo]

Illegal to ship damaged batteries was my thought.

That's provided the carrier service they're using has these measures In place.

Will they find a way for me to  ship the item back?

They may suggest alternative services.

You can also use the disposed the faulty Item method, whereby you threw It out due to health & safety concerns for your family.

The item is arriving today, ups says signature required. Will see how it plays out and go from there. 🤞

[DrTallo]

Update:
Package just arrived along with a spice rack I ordered. I left a general note saying to leave all packages at front door. Driver showed up read my not dropped the boxes and left...no signature was taken even though ups tracking says sig required.

What would be the best next step?

[mothered]

Package just arrived along with a spice rack I ordered. I left a general note  saying to leave all packages at front door. Driver showed up read my not dropped the boxes and left..no signature was taken

Perfect DNA material.

As far as you're concerned, a passerby stole the package.

even though ups tracking says sig required.

This further supports your claim- the driver neglected to follow company protocol.