Advice on Cheapest shipping!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Miami Fl
Advice on Cheapest shipping!
So I am buying some parts from a forum member in California, and he was quoted 160 by UPS for shipping steeroids, a shark bar and a vintage air system in one box, and then a becool radiator with dual spal fans in another.
So 2 boxes for four items is 160 dollars? Is this actually the price to be expected for shipping these items cross country or is there a cheaper way? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul
So 2 boxes for four items is 160 dollars? Is this actually the price to be expected for shipping these items cross country or is there a cheaper way? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
UPS rates are determined by weight, distance shipped (zones), size of the package(s) and the insured value. If you know these things, you can go www.UPS.com and caculate the rates yourself. UPS rates at a store front shipper (like Mailboxes Etc) or a UPS store are usually higher than at the UPS terminal, or their website. It also costs more if you have a store pack the shipment, but it's not a bad thing if you don't often box things for shipping yourself.
FedEx Ground is slightly cheaper than UPS, you can check with them for rates, too.
The US Post Office can ship for you also. The best way to ship by the USPS is their Priority Mail. I don't recommend the USPS for large or valuable shipments though. They do offer insurance, but the thought of trying to get a refund from a bankrupt Federal agency scares me more than a little.
FedEx Ground is slightly cheaper than UPS, you can check with them for rates, too.
The US Post Office can ship for you also. The best way to ship by the USPS is their Priority Mail. I don't recommend the USPS for large or valuable shipments though. They do offer insurance, but the thought of trying to get a refund from a bankrupt Federal agency scares me more than a little.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
If, by chance, you have a friend/family who is an airline employee....HUGE DISCOUNT with shipping companies possible. For me its almost always cheaper to use Fedex 2nd Day Air than ground. 2nd Day Air is about an 80% discount!!!!! I can ship a T/T steering column coast to coast for about $30, 2nd Day Air!
Have them ship it for you!
Just a thought , in case.
Have them ship it for you!
Just a thought , in case.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
I just sold a guy my fan shroud. Price was about what you were quoted from UPS. He suggested shipping Greyhound Bus. Cost $35 from CA to OH. I had to take it to the terminal and he had to pickup. Delivery was about 3 days. Worked out great.
I never would have thought about it if he hadn't suggested it.
I never would have thought about it if he hadn't suggested it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I shipped an engine doghouse (plastic crate). I used Greyhound and it was only like $35 as well!!!
However- you will see some interesting people at the bus stop...
Richard
However- you will see some interesting people at the bus stop...
Richard
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
You may also want to explore three or four smaller boxes with ups or fedex. They charge a huge surcharge over a certain size (not sure what size) and weight (I believe 70 lbs). As suggested go on to ups/fedex with the origin and destination zip codes and you can get a good idea. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
So I am buying some parts from a forum member in California, and he was quoted 160 by UPS for shipping steeroids, a shark bar and a vintage air system in one box, and then a becool radiator with dual spal fans in another.
So 2 boxes for four items is 160 dollars? Is this actually the price to be expected for shipping these items cross country or is there a cheaper way? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul
So 2 boxes for four items is 160 dollars? Is this actually the price to be expected for shipping these items cross country or is there a cheaper way? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
You may also want to explore three or four smaller boxes with ups or fedex. They charge a huge surcharge over a certain size (not sure what size) and weight (I believe 70 lbs). As suggested go on to ups/fedex with the origin and destination zip codes and you can get a good idea.
his box may be too big.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Your question may be irrelevant. If the vendor you are dealing with ships using a specific method, you usually CAN NOT alter that method...except to ship "overnight" at even more expense.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: boulogne buenos aires
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
IME, Forward Air or Greyhound will likely be your best bets for weighty items, but as neither does door-to-door the parties on both ends will have to go to their respective terminals, which, depending on just how heavy is the shipment in question, IMHO can sometimes offset any savings...
