Replies

1. 
   Fingrs | Oct 24, 2004 08:02pm | #1

   Larry, take a look at this thread.  16980.1

   It offers several options as well as the information you're looking for.  Good luck!
2. 
   CharlieD | Oct 24, 2004 08:37pm | #2

   Last time I had to do that, I built a plywood crate and lined the inside with styrofoam, THEN wrapped the piece and shipped it. A tip that may be obvious--wasn't to me--if you go that route: design your crate so that the framing is on the outside. That way they can get a frok lift under the crate. My best shipping price by far was from ABF.

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Oct 24, 2004 08:58pm | #3

   You may be able to box up the smaller tables in a size which will be accepted by package-delivery companies like UPS.   However, the larger pieces are definitely too big for them.    You'll need to go common carrier with them.  (That's what the crate & freight outfits do: pick up your furniture, crate it, ship via common carrier, uncrate your furniture at the other end, and deliver it.  If you need that much service, it isn't a bad price.)  Another term you may see is LTL -- Less Than (full) Load, which how freight companies regard single-pallet shipments.    When I was doing this intensively a few years ago, FreightPro did a great job.  However, I've been told they're no longer in this business.   I built my own crates, figuring that I was less expensive and more motivated than a crating company.  I also trucked the crated stuff to the freight terminal myself, saving the pick-up cost.  Be sure to build the crates so that a forklift can handle them.

4. 
   JeffC | Oct 24, 2004 11:29pm | #4

   Larry,

   Several factors to consider:

   1.  Substantial discounts (up to 50%) are common for shippers with substantial volume.  If you know a company that has a contract with an LTL carrier, you'll save money shipping through them.

   2.  By lowering the freight class, this may substantially lower your freight costs.  This can be done by shipping as much dissembled as possible.

   3. Sturdy packaging is well worth it, but you're paying for the weight of your shipment.  I was impressed with the condition of a leather couch and sofa I received shipped via FedEx ground that was only packaged in bubble wrap and cardboard.  The packaging allowed for a barrier between the sofa and the outer box.  This packaging enabled reasonable freight rates (less than $350 for sofa, chair and ottoman from the southern US to WA).

   4. Be certain the recipient is aware they need to inspect and note all damages at the time of delivery.   Otherwise their ability to collect on a claim for damages is eliminated or greatly reduced.

   Jeff

5. 
   darbywoods | Oct 25, 2004 04:40am | #5

   Larry

   i did a table that was 50" by 30".  what did to ship it was go to the ups store and had them pack and ship the item.  it cost $75 to pack and $100 to ship but i paid the cost for insurance at the retail value and had them do the work and i had a good feeling that the item would get to the customer or i would be paid 2 times to build the same item.  remember to buy the insurance.

   David

   http://www.darbynwoods.com

6. 
   jackplane | Oct 25, 2004 10:19pm | #6

   It's best to use ethofoam, a superior cousin to styrofoam. When we ship furniture, we build a custom sized container from 1/2" AC ply with 1x3 pine frames, that can be unscrewed at the receiving end.

   Before the lid is attached, check so that no play side to side or up/down is present. Also drop in a couple packs of dessicant to absorb moisture.

   UPS has size limits(lxwxth), so you may need to try another carrier.

7. 
   joinerswork | Oct 28, 2004 04:48pm | #7

   Larry,

   It is helpful to make your crate oversize, by a few inches each way.  Then suspend the item inside.  Use framing (padded, of course) to hold a chair or table off the floor by running it across the crate under the aprons.  then add more interior framing on top and sides so the piece can't slide or jostle around inside the box.  This isolates the item from any bumps or dents to the crate itself.

   Regards,

   Ray