Question on who/how to ship with..

[tglove]

hi there, im new to the board so forgive me if this answered anywhere else....i've look at the packing 101 document (thanks) but got a few specific questions...

i need to ship a pair of NHT 2.5i speakers cross country (west to east coast). what are your recommendations for which carrier to go with (UPS, FedEx, other)?

also, i don't have any boxes for these...is it worth trying to track down someone with the original boxes (are those sturdy enough to handle a cross country trip?) or should i have the package packed using UPS, Fedex, other (this tends to cost a lot more obviously)?

any clues as to how to proceed would be great...thanks..

[DingusBoy]

a local shop should be able to make boxes of the right size with sturdy cardboard. I've gone this route when shipping big speakers. Plenty of bubble wrap and a general following of the suggestions in the 101 thread should help get them there safely.

As to which carrier, that is certainly debatable among members here. I've had good luck with FedEx, others like UPS.

Original boxes would be nice but hard to track down.

I wouldn't have the shop pack them as they aren't as "expert" as they seem from some of the stories I've heard.

[mg196]

WHat are the speaker dimensions? Double-boxing will be mandatory I'm sure.

[tglove]

a bit of an update...turns out that i can get the original boxes and their dimensions are 20x42x11...so is double boxing absolutely necessary?

[piece-it pete]

YES.

Packaging properly can be a pita but is neccessary if you care for the speakers and/or the buyer.

All shipping companies are a crapshoot imho. As far as packers I would suggest you find one willing to do it in front of you.

Good luck!

Pete

[mg196]

Double boxing is ESSENTIAL with speakers (let alone other components). You can get a great outer box from a place like U-Haul. You might have to use TWO boxes to create one box (you understand...one on the bottom and the other on top, taped together), but sending a speaker in one box is a tragedy waiting to happen.

[tglove]

anyone know of a company that could provide suitable (outer) boxes in the roseville, california area?

also, should the grilles be on the speaker during shipment?

[mg196]

U-Haul or any moving/rental truck company should sell very sturdy boxes.

[beenpickin]

I seldom double box but UPS packaging guidelines require at least 3" of buffer between the box and the contents. While I seldom use UPS (or FedEx) this appears to be adequate. If I cannot find a box 6"-7" larger than the component, I make one of cardboard from an appliance store. The item is wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent rubs and place in the box lined with two 1-1/2" layers for a total of 3" of foam (Home Depot). This can be time consuming and foam is getting more expensive all the time but nothing I've shipped using this method has ever arrived with damage.