WARNING - USE UPS FOR SHIPPING RATHER THAN FEDEX

Something else to keep in mind is that UPS has a history of not reimbursing shippers/sellers in instances where the original manufacturer's shipping box/container was not used to send an item.

That, and UPS also has a history of following the paradigm: "If it's about the same size as a football, then it's okay to TREAT IT LIKE A FOOTBALL."

When it matters, I double-box and give it to the USPS.

bassdude: that is exactly my experience with SBA as well; every box strapped and then ALSO thick plastic shrink-wrapped to a single pallet! I received an Esoteric C-03 preamp and Master clock this way and other components in different shipments over the years and the behavior and quality of service was always the same (excellent). I remember the head of Esoteric Sales telling me they stopped using both FedEx and UPS and went to SBA after an extensive search/quality process after they watched a driver (from company name withheld) drop a P-01VU transport and at least one of the D-01VU DACs in the shipment about 5-6 feet off the back of the truck and then expected all to carry on as if nothing happened!

One other company I’ve had good luck with shipping large palletized speaker loads is "Old Dominion Freight" within the US. Their drivers are very good people (at least those I’ve met) and as long as you remind them several times (at order placing and when dispatch calls to schedule pickup or drop-off) that they need a truck with a lift-gate & pallet jack, and give them particulars on your drive-way (if too tight for a 53-foot trailer & drive unit), their service is absolutely exemplary. They won’t palletize it for you like SBA can but OD’s service on 3-4 loads I have shipped in both directions with them has been without issue and excellent.

Thanks all for the comments and other helpful info along the way!

Thanks! for sharing this important info guys!

See the "Speakers" forum also - similar post there, because I thought some might miss the discussion in just one forum.  

And... yes... I think for anything heavy (e.g. speakers, power amp, etc.) - SBA (or similar) is likely the only safe way to ship them.  

My recent experiences with FedEx makes me very reluctant to use them for such items (especially high-value items), and I'm a bit concerned by UPS also (based on some of the responses).  

Fortunately, I've not had any real "disasters," but I don't want any - especially with a $10,000 amp, or speakers.