Well, I am selling off my beloved Satin F113 (hope to put it up on Audiogon in the next day or two), and I am looking for a good trucking company to ship it. It's too heavy for standard UPS, what are other reliable and cost effective companies to use? For what it's worth, I am shipping out of the Bay Area in California. Yellow freight is the only one I know of in the area, anyone else have luck with others?

For those wondering, my wife to be, prefers the look of dual subs behind the NHT speakers I have (plus saves space positioned there). Since we can't afford another F113, I am selling it for dual PC13-Ultra's (she actually does not mind the cylinders, weird....)

You think its weird that your wife likes the look of Phalic symbols...

2 of those should be nice in your theater.. :)

SVS uses BAX GLOBAL, have you tried to look at that option...

Forward Air is also a good company.

When I shipped my JL to JL, I used Fed Ex Ground, it was not that expensive.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, use UPS... (not that I think they would take something that heavy, but...)

I've had 2 purchases in the last month damaged by them. One a Parasound amplifier that was seemingly dropped from about 5 feet based on the amount of damage it suffered. The bottom of the case was buckled, and the fins on the back are bent (if you have ever seen a Halo amp, you would appreciate that statement!).

They also delivered a set of speakers to me within the last week which have all sorts of damage.

I highly suggest you look at truck freight. Have the box strapped to a pallet. That way a forklift or something similar is required to move it...

I second the "avoid UPS" recommendation.

They're a package delivery service. (translation:small and light).

Go with FedEx express if you can (might be a bit expensive though.) I work for a few oil rig platforms in the ocean, and we ship a lot of stuff to them and get quite a few deliveries, and FedEx (express especially) has been nothing but good reliable service. And they take some huge boxes too.

I second the "avoid UPS" recommendation.

They're a package delivery service. (translation:small and light).

Add me to the "avoid UPS" list. They damaged a power amp, then lost it and they also lost a processor.

Sell it to someone close so they can just come and get it. :-)

Splotto

Sell it to someone close so they can just come and get it. :-)

Splotto

That would be great if it was that easy. :)

Thanks for the responses guys, looks like FedEx might be worth checking out.

MF

I have shipped and received bigger subs than the F113 using standard ground. I have had good luck with DHL. They will pick up at my home. Neither Fed EX or UPS will do that. I read in the Audio forum some time back a thread on the same subject and a lot of folks seem to think DHL took better care of packages than the other two. I have had NOT had good experience with UPS. Punctured and beat up boxes seem to be common with them. I received a sub (12") via UPS that the box had a 5" gash that went through the packing just enough to put a small nick in the back of the sub.
Whoever you decide on be sure to double box even if you have the original box. Double box and put at least an inch of foam (or more) or other padding between the two in addition to the packing you have in the inner box. That will give you extra cushion for a drop and, just as important, extra space before a puncture hits something. I think DHL will pick-up up to 150 lbs and that is a lot cheaper than going freight.
I never ship a big ticket item without insurance. It is probably a hassle to collect on but I want some recourse.

Ok, I will add DHL to FedEx. I tried UPS the calculation already online and their standard ground service would not take it due to weight. I guessed at the weight of 140lbs. all packaged up, as it weighs 130lbs. net by itself.

Btw, If UPS is so bad (and I have noticed it from time to time myself), why do you guys think SVS uses them for their cylinder subs. Cheaper?

Thanks guys!

Cheaper and bulletproof packaging...

I ship 112's and 113's worldwide with fedex and have had zero trouble... (knock on wood, he says, small picture of Barry hitting his head with a hammer...)

The 113 shipping weight is 148 lb. And if you use their online form of course they will come to your house.
Barry

Another avoid UPS, I used to work there. If you only knew.....:eek:

Btw, If UPS is so bad (and I have noticed it from time to time myself), why do you guys think SVS uses them for their cylinder subs. Cheaper?

Thanks guys!

Yes, often companies can negotiate a rate based on proposed volume. Sometimes UPS wins. Notice SVS does NOT skimp on the protective packaging.;)

Funny that more post are about not using UPS than who to use.

Yeah, well at least I know who not to use. :)

I have decided on FedEx, seems easiest and probably best overall.

Thanks!

I like DHL.

. They will pick up at my home. Neither Fed EX or UPS will do that. .


I ship 112's and 113's worldwide with fedex and have had zero trouble... (knock on wood, he says, small picture of Barry hitting his head with a hammer...)

The 113 shipping weight is 148 lb. And if you use their online form of course they will come to your house.
Barry

They probably will but they won't come to mine. At least, that was the case the last time I called them about six months or so ago. I have no beef with Fed-Ex but they do not have a location in my area either. I live in a semi rural area about 55 miles from Dallas. That, along with my before mentioned reasons usually has me shipping with DHL. Others experience may be different. I am just a hobbyist who likes to try out different stuff so my experience is limited.
As I said before good packing is what really makes the difference. You can not overpack.

I bought some surrounds on Ebay that arrived like this on my doorstep. That is actually one of the speakers hanging out the bottom corner. Packing like that will almost always give poor results. It was not the shipping company but the numb nuts seller that was to blame on this one. The speakers were single boxed in an inadquate box with a few peanuts thrown in for padding. As a side note, Pay Pal actually went after the seller and made things right by me.

I am just amazed that paypal actually did anything!

I am just amazed that paypal actually did anything!

It went something like this.

The seller would not answer my emails.
I went to Ebay.
Ebay directed me to Pay Pal.
A dispute was opened.
The seller did not respond to the dispute.
Pay Pal asked me what I thought was fair.
A couple of weeks later that amount was credited to my account.

I believe Pay Pal debited the sellers account in the amount they credited mine. I was probably very lucky.

The seller had insurance on the shipment. I had paid for it. I contacted them first and they wanted pictures of the box, packing, speakers and etc. Boxes have a stamp on them that identifies their rating. They wanted a picture of that stamp. I don't think I was going to get anywhere with them. They do have minimum requirements for boxing/packing.