Shipping/crating the big SDA's

[Bubinga99]

Does anyone know what Polk used to do when they shipped the big SDA's (2.3TL's in particular) to dealers?

The factory boxes don't have much in the way of cushion, and if they were dropped, even from a small distance, it seems it would crack the cabinets and not necessarily be evident from looking at the external box.

Did they used to strap and wrap pairs together, standing upright, and then strap them to a palette? Did they crate them? Something else?

Also, anyone that has shipped big SDA's, can you describe how they were packaged and how it worked out?

[ben62670]

F1nut knows of a good shipper.
Ben

[leroyjr1]

Does anyone know what Polk used to do when they shipped the big SDA's (2.3TL's in particular) to dealers?

The factory boxes don't have much in the way of cushion, and if they were dropped, even from a small distance, it seems it would crack the cabinets and not necessarily be evident from looking at the external box.

Did they used to strap and wrap pairs together, standing upright, and then strap them to a palette? Did they crate them? Something else?

Also, anyone that has shipped big SDA's, can you describe how they were packaged and how it worked out?

I know alot of the big freight shipping companies require it be palleted at a certain weight and size. When I was looking into freight companies I was told about a freight company that ships from airport to airport via plane. Don't remember the name but the price was good and the shipping was fast.For 1.2's
( in original box)they wanted about $185 and they used a pallet and straps.

[F1nut]

I don't know how Polk shipped them, but I have in the original cartons with extra packing material, strapped to a pallet via ABF, no problems.

[Demiurge]

Does anyone know what Polk used to do when they shipped the big SDA's (2.3TL's in particular) to dealers?

The factory boxes don't have much in the way of cushion, and if they were dropped, even from a small distance, it seems it would crack the cabinets and not necessarily be evident from looking at the external box.

Did they used to strap and wrap pairs together, standing upright, and then strap them to a palette? Did they crate them? Something else?

Also, anyone that has shipped big SDA's, can you describe how they were packaged and how it worked out?

It will be an LTL (Less than Truckload) shipment either way and any major carrier will do a good job. Most of them cover all of the continental United States as well as Mexico and Canada. Weight and size won't even be close to a factor for these.

If you don't want to crate them (expensive, but most reliable) you will want to box them in the original packaging and secure them on an oversized pallet laying down (heaviest side to the ground). I would shrink wrap them and band them as well. You'll also have to tell the carrier that the pallet is non-stackable.

The downside to trucking companies for people who don't ship regularly is they work on a discount system that has been common practice ever since deregulation. My company has negotiated an 80% discount with a number of major carriers which sounds crazy but is actually pretty normal. If you have a friend who works at a company with a dock and does shipping regularly and would allow you to ship them from their facility that's probably going to be your best bet for price.

You can also use FreightQuote.com (reputable) and they'll get you a good rate.

Of course I'm assuming you're the one doing the shipping. :)

[F1nut]

Demi brings up a good point about the cost. I was able to find an excellent price with ABF online.

Another option would be to contact Craters and Freighters, http://www.cratersandfreighters.com/

[TNRabbit]

Not sure if they have weight limitations, but Greyhound will ship SUPERCHEAP but it has to be delivered to and picked up at the bus terminal. I've shipped large R/C planes this way & it's great.