> I just purchased a fiberglass hardtop, 45lbs. for a 6 and have to get
> it from NY to SC. I was wondering how others have packaged and
> shipped these. too big for ups
>
> thanks
> al salvatore
Al and others,
The absolute quickest and least expensive way to ship a hardtop is with
Forward Air ( www.forwardair.com ). I sent a hardtop about three years ago
to a member of this list, from Philadelphia to El Paso Texas, for just under
$60 in shipping charges...
I fully crated the hard top, about another $50-$60 in lumber, and in the end
it weighed 220lbs on a pallet. The caveat with getting the low rate with
Forward Air is that you must drop off the hardtop at their depot (located
near most major metro airports) and someone has to pick up the hardtop at
the depot at the other end. The time for the hardtop to get from Philly to
El Paso was about four days, pretty impressive IMHO for the price.
Oh, since you most likely do not have an account with Forward Air, when you
get to the depot, they'll tell you how much it will cost, and then they will
direct to you to the nearest post office (or convenience store) to get a
money order made out for that amount. A little bit more hassle, but in
Phila, the local post office is 1/2 mile from the Forward Air depot.
I use Forward Air exclusively for shipping engines and gearboxes as well and
the rates are just as good. An OD gearbox from Philadelphia to Missouri was
$19 and arrived in three days. For that I simply wrapped the OD in
cardboard, strapped it to a slightly oversize pallet, and dropped it off....
no need to build an elaborate crate.
Another tip, if you do not want to spend the money on lumber, you can drop
by your local Harley dealer (or any motorcycle, ATV or SeaDoo dealer). They
usually just trash the giant crates that these recreational vehicles come
in. The local Honda motorcycle / ATV dealer has a mountain of broken down
crates in the back of their building. They are more than happy to let you
take the stuff away.
If you are too distant from Forward Air, or the other person does not want
to make the trip to the depot, R&L Freight Carriers is less expensive than
the other freight lines. I typically send lighter items, like exterior body
panels, with R&L, as they have pretty good prices and their service areas
are not as limited as Forward Air (i.e. R&L will pick up and deliver it door
to door). The price obviously is greater though.
http://www.rlcarriers.com/new
Hope that helps,
Kai
--
Kai M. Radicke
Wishbone Classics
www.wbclassics.com
Ph: 215.945.7250
Check out the new British Cars Forum:
http://www.team.net/the-local/tiki-view_forum.php?forumId=8
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