How do you ship large items? Help


Yeah, I want to buy these very large speakers from someone in Audiogon, but he does not have the boxes or crate that they were shipped in. I talked to UPS frieght and they told me that large, heavy items must be on a pallet, secured and wrapped before they would accept it. How would i go about finding a pallet and then securing it to the pallet and wrapping? Is there such a service that will professionaly pack items like this? Ive never had to deal with something like this so im totally lost here. The speakers weigh 250lbs each and are over 60 inches high. I quess i could drive there myself, but its 1100 miles away!!
Not your average day trip ya know? Any help would be appreciated here. If i can't find a solution i just won't be able to buy them, but it is a good deal! Thanks all!
bathory_127
1) The SELLER should have them professionally crated, whether that means by an outside company or by actually purchasing a pair of new crates from the speaker manufacturer.

2) Given #1, then you can use a company like Yellow Freight to pick them up at the seller's residence, BUT you must insure that at pick up and delivery, they use a lift gate truck to allow loading/unloading.

3) Generally, there is only a driver unless you request and pay for additional help at either end, meaning the seller at his end and you at your end must provide the other half of the m9oving team. Can you handle what might be a 400lb crate?

3) Even if you drive to get them, remember that you aren't gonna' be able to handle these beasts without significant help on both ends of the journey. W/o a liftgate, it ia a bear.

4) In any case, I would never ship big, heavy speakers w/o the OEM crates, regardless of how good someone else might be able to 'crate' them. But that's just me.
Hey,everybody wants to live,nobody wants to die.Nobody wants to drive 1100 unless ....Some good stories about shippers.This has been enlightening.I like Alberts story,pays to be creative.I wonder what you'll do....as you can see,we are hoping it all works out.Good luck,Bob
Kennyt: Point taken. Tiered shipping rates either works for or against the buyer, depending.

I just think Bathory127 should find out on which tier he lands before commiting, which I'm sure he'll do. With diesel above $4.00 a gallon, it isn't going to be cheap in either case. I, too, think Albertporter has the right idea. If you're going to spend the money on shipping, you might as well have some fun doing it.
Look into some of the 'white glove' carriers. Most can be located via google.
Long ago I twice shipped 350 lbs./side Duntech Sovereigns by Mayflower technical division. At the time they focused on shipping computer equipment. They arrived, wrapped the speakers in furniture blankets, loaded them, and secured them to the walls of the van. Both pairs arrived with absolutely no problems. I learned of this company from Burt White, so you know how long ago this was. I have no idea whether the company still exists.