[Shop-talk] Shipper recommendation needed

[eric at megageek.com]

First, I never saw the original 'ask', but here is my 2 cents plus!  I do 
ship heavy items a bunch, so here is what I learned.

First, I can tell you who NOT to use.  Do not use any of the 'freight 
quote' type services (especially Freightquote.com)  They will quote you a 
good price, then once shipped, they will hit you with fees that are not 
true.  I used them a few times before I caught on.  They love to say that 
the "item was heavier than you stated"  knowing that you can't prove it.

However, I have a commercial 2K digital scale that reads to the 1/4lb.  I 
even stated it was heavier then the reading.  Yet they stated that it was 
heavier then quoted.  So you get charged a higher price AND a penalty fee. 
 Or they say that you used the wrong freight class, even thought they have 
NO idea what is in the crate.  All of this happens after you shipped, so 
you are helpless to fight it.

I've heard good things about Forsnal,  but I had problems getting quotes 
from them.  They did state that they will only handle certain freight 
classes to me, so that was limiting.

Had a buddy that used Greyhound alot and liked it (and the prices are 
good) but you and the other party need to be near a terminal, and there 
are restrictions on size and class.  On the plus, you really don't need 
great packaging.  My buddy used to get tires this way and the tires had no 
packaging, just a band of tape to hold on the label.

What I have found to be the best, is UPS freight.  But here is the kicker, 
NEVER pay the rate you will get quoted online.  Call your local UPS and 
ask for the UPS Freight rep in your area.  Call him, tell him you want to 
set up an account.  (you may have to call a few times, as my guy was 
really busy.)

Once you get in touch with him, be honest and say that you ship only a few 
times a year, but you want an account.  You also want a 50% discounted 
rate.  (Note, you may not want to say a specific rate, as they may give 
you an even better discount.  I ended up with a 60% discount.  But my 
buddy who has a business that ships alot gets almost 75% discount.)  They 
seem to be very happy doing this.

It's always cheaper to ship from a business to a business or terminal. 
Even though I have a fork lift and don't need a lift gate, I still have to 
bring it to a business to get the discount.

But they are really good to work with.

Last note, where in AL and where in Tx?  I'm driving from NJ to AZ 
starting tomorrow.  I'll be going through Memphis if you are close to that 
and I'll be stopping in Dallas if it is close to that.  Let me know!


Sent from my Commodore 64 on a 2400 Baud Modem.
Tech Viper
"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational 
being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory." Ralph 
Waldo Emerson 
-Who is John Galt?
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