Shipping a quarter panel

[Stainless]

I am having zero luck in working out how to ship a quarter panel since I don't have a box from DMC. The ideas that I originally had haven't worked out: windshields don't typically come in boxes anymore, bicycle boxes are not large enough, boxes available for purchase don't have the right dimensions... what would you do, or what have you done, when shipping a large panel such as this?

I have thought about piecing together a couple of bike boxes to make one large enough, but structural integrity of using tape and staples to hold it together make me hesitant to take that route. Is shipping it on a crate an option? For what it's worth, I was hoping to ship via either UPS or FedEx so that it's delivered to their door and no pickup is required. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

On a side note, if you know of any local-to-me companies that would be able to fix minor damage to a stainless panel, I'm all ears.

[dhaney]

Is shipping it on a crate an option? For what it's worth, I was hoping to ship via either UPS or FedEx so that it's delivered to their door and no pickup is required. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

On a side note, if you know of any local-to-me companies that would be able to fix minor damage to a stainless panel, I'm all ears.

Fedex and UPS will build a box for it ands then send it out. I have this done all the time. Recently shipped out an entire header exhaust system plus a rear hub assembly by allowing FEDex to create the proper box and packaging material.

Dan

[Stainless]

Fedex and UPS will build a box for it ands then send it out. I have this done all the time. Recently shipped out an entire header exhaust system plus a rear hub assembly by allowing FEDex to create the proper box and packaging material.

Dan

That's awesome! How much do they typically charge for this service? Does it depend on the size of the box and packing materials?

[TTait]

I shipped one with a modified biker box - make sure to build in proper supports to help the shape correctly and prevent any bending or damage.

The real trick I found was a cheap way to ship - Greyhound. Once you have it boxed up and know your dimensions and weight, take a minute and go here:

http://www.shipgreyhound.com/

and see how cheap it is to ship greyhound. IRC it was about a third the cost.

you have to drop the package at the local greyhound station and the recipient needs to be willing to pick it up at their local station, aside from that its a no brainer.

Check it out - Good Luck.

[Ryan King]

Fedex and UPS will build a box for it ands then send it out. I have this done all the time. Recently shipped out an entire header exhaust system plus a rear hub assembly by allowing FEDex to create the proper box and packaging material.

Dan

I will never ever ever ever ever ship FedEx ever again after a quote of over 300 dollars to ship a rear fascia from California - Virginia. I ended up making a Frankenstein type of a box and shipped it GreyHound shipping for about 30 dollars.

Just do what you can. Bike boxes are the best, and you will have to probably cut them up and do some taping. Just be sure to fill it with paper to keep it safe and make it work. I would highly discourage you from doing FedEx or UPS. Do it yourself and save a ton.

[dhaney]

I will never ever ever ever ever ship FedEx ever again after a quote of over 300 dollars to ship a rear fascia from California - Virginia. I ended up making a Frankenstein type of a box and shipped it GreyHound shipping for about 30 dollars.



To each his own. But shipping costs money, the bigger, heavier the box the more its going to cost. There are no free lunches. Shipping costs will vary depending on size, insurance needed and where its headed. I shipped the exhaust sytem, hub assembly and a couple of axles to Ohio for just under $200 with enough insurance that if something happened I'd get paid for the loss or damage.

I've never shipped via Greyhound but I'm guessing that packages get thrown in with travelers luggage that may or may not be a bad thing. Personally with something that can have a value of a couple of grand like a quarter panel, I wouldn't take a chance but if Greyhounds insurance is good enough, go for it. If they will ship to the Humble station its about 6 miles from DMCH in case that is where this is headed. So make sure Houston is willing to send someone to go get it and your done.

Dan.

[GS450-Junkie]

not a lot of people know this but Uhaul actually sells rather larger boxes also....people never think of them either.

[Dangermouse]

Just a suggestion, but a wardrobe box, from a moving co, or possibly UHaul is a really sturdy box. need to fill it with those air-pocket things thou.

But it is large and that will cost more to ship

[rddmc]

I am the Virginian who received Ryan's rear facia. Had Greyhound Express not been an option I would not have the facia. It was shipped from California on a Thursday and I picked it up at the terminal on Monday. It is not door to door service, you drop off at a Greyhound terminal and the package must be picked up at a Greyhound terminal. It travels in the cargo hold of the busses, which operate 24/7. I credit John Hervey with posting the cost saving Greyhound option sometime ago and I am glad I remembered to mention the possibility to Ryan. It is definitely a great way to ship large items that UPS, USPS and FedEx charge outrageous prices to ship.

Rod
10921

[stevedmc]

I used Greyhound when I got recovered seats from Hervey. I believe the cost was about $80 each way and the boxes were heavy and large. I think they only charge based on weight.

For what I needed it was a good price and shipping was very fast. I have had FedEx Ground shipments take as long as a week. With Greyhound you can get your stuff in as little time as a day or two depending on the distance and whether or not there is available space on the first available bus.

[GS450-Junkie]

but does Greyhound insure the boxes ? Or do I just have to have really good packing ?

[stevedmc]

but does Greyhound insure the boxes ? Or do I just have to have really good packing ?

You can get up to $1,000 insurance.

http://www.shipgreyhound.com/scripts/quotes/gpxStep2.asp