Best way to ship cross-country

[SkidMarc]

I am seriously considering the acquisition of a motor. However, the motor is in California and I'm in Maryland. Any suggestions for getting it here? anyone driving cross-country anytime soon?

Cheers,

Marc

[02for2]

FedEx, UPS or even Greyhound Freight can do it.

I personally like Greyhound Freight because it's often the least expensive, often the fastest, and often the freight is shuffled around the least (put on a Bus and usually stays there until it's destination) making it less prone to be lost. Of course, you need a Greyhound terminal within easy reach of both the seller and the buyer.

I bought a 5-speed Tranny, Pedal box and Driveshaft from SoCal and had it all shipped by Greyhound to MSP - 3 Pcs. It arrived in 2 days at a cost some $150 lower than either FedEx or UPS.

Cheers!

[thaddeussmith]

FedEx, UPS or even Greyhound Freight can do it.

I personally like Greyhound Freight because it's often the least expensive, often the fastest, and often the freight is shuffled around the least (put on a Bus and usually stays there until it's destination) making it less prone to be lost. Of course, you need a Greyhound terminal within easy reach of both the seller and the buyer.

I bought a 5-speed Tranny, Pedal box and Driveshaft from SoCal and had it all shipped by Greyhound to MSP - 3 Pcs. It arrived in 2 days at a cost some $150 lower than either FedEx or UPS.

Cheers!

I've seen comments elsewhere about greyhound shipments just being left outside to fend for themselves if you're not there to pick it up asap - Obviously it depends on the size of your hub/station. Definitely do your homework before going that route.

[john1180]

Check with DB Schenker( formerly Bax Global) If it can be shipped business to business, they are very cheap! And it goes by air so it's fast!

[02for2]

That's likely true, but in my case, the Minneapolis Terminal has a distinct freight holding area and it was stored under lock & key until I went to retrieve it a couple days later.

The OP is in the MD/VA/DC area, which I suspect is large enough to warrant a similar terminal.

Still, a good point and something to consider.

Cheers!

[john1180]

Gave up on greyhound after they lost a set of six series rear seats and I had to fight with them for about six months to get a settlement.

[AndyS]

You can also put it out on U ship. I've seen a guy with the bigger enclosed trailer haul a car 2 bikes and 2 V8s. All securely riding strapped and protected.

[eastsidebimmer]

I just did this and used yellow freight www.yrc.com "terminal to terminal"

The freight class is 85 and the shipping weight on a half size pallet was 300 pounds. My engine had a clutch and intake manifold installed, but no exhaust manifold or starter.

They also have a First-Time Shipper discount of 60% -- if you call them at 800-610-6500 with the zipcode of where it is, where you will pick it up, the approximate dimensions and weight, they will give you a quote over the phone. (or you can do it online) Beware, they might try to add a delivery notification fee, ask them to waive it since you will track the arrival online.

The only kicker is that your seller would need to be able to build a wooden box or a stand to strap and wrap to a pallet AND have the means to get it to the terminal, and you would need something to haul it on when it arrives (they will load it on your vehicle with a forklift) If you need pickup and delivery with gate service--it will cost you bigtime.

if you are willing to roll the dice and need door to door, try uship.com.

Good Luck!

[Richard]

Yellow freight is the best. Pallets are everywhere. Strapping machines to install two straps is easy. As stated before make the packaging forklift friendly...