So, odd situation here... I shipped a computer via UPS. The computer was well protected, wrapped in multiple layers of padding and tightly packed to minimize any chance of damage. The package arrived in great condition, no damage to the box at all - it looks like it was handled with utmost care. (And given it was shipped 2nd day express and cost $200 to ship, it had better have been) However, upon unpacking it and turning it on... suddenly the computer is telling us there is no boot device. I've checked everything I can think of and everything points to complete and utter hard drive failure.

So - what on earth could cause hard drive failure during shipping?