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I'm trying to figure out the best way to ship an awning from Iowa to another PUT member in Virginia.  So far it's too long for all the standard companies - UPS, USPS, DHL, FedEx.  :rolleyes:  Any suggestions for an affordable shipping option?


Thanks!
Sharon

Other than trying a relay thru PUT members, my only suggestion would be a standard shipping company.

You could try contacting a local business and see who they get packages from.  I know Yellow Freight ships odd sized stuff, but they usually only ship to businesses.  If you know of a business that will allow you to ship from you might be able to do it that way.  Did you try looking in the phone book for shipping companies or a package store?  Good luck. :)

Check with your local Mail Boxes Etc...they advertise that they'll even ship a grand piano!  Can't imagine an awning being larger than that!  :D

I talked to a FedEX guy at the nursing home today, he said to call their 800 number and ask for their heavy shipping department.  He said they would be able to ship it. :)

Thanks all.  I sent an email to the closest Mailboxes etc. but haven't received a response.  I'll try the FedEx 800 number tomorrow.  With any luck it will be shipped by Monday!

Sharon

Here's an update.  Mailboxes etc/The UPS Store quoted me about $150 to ship the awning.  A freight company I found online quoted $230 and FedEx Truck Freight quoted $263.  :eek:  Anyone have any other suggestions?  

Thanks!
Sharon

I ship a lot of odd stuff as part of my eBay experience and have been thinking about it.  The awning is such a weird shape, I think what you are quoted is more or less the best options you have. To be honest I would not sell such an item on eBay, because the shipping costs would be prohibitive.

Good luck with it.

Quote from: 4campinfoxesHere's an update.  Mailboxes etc/The UPS Store quoted me about $150 to ship the awning.  A freight company I found online quoted $230 and FedEx Truck Freight quoted $263.  :eek:  Anyone have any other suggestions?  

Thanks!
Sharon

Quote from: 4campinfoxesHere's an update.  Mailboxes etc/The UPS Store quoted me about $150 to ship the awning.  A freight company I found online quoted $230 and FedEx Truck Freight quoted $263.  :eek:  Anyone have any other suggestions?  

Thanks!
Sharon

Wow I am flabbergasted to hear the prices.  Maybe you could get them moved from area to area by PUT members. :)

I have three things you might try.

First, if anyone you know is moving to the delivery area, maybe they could include it with their stuff. Or, ask a moving company if they could include it with a shipment to the areas terminal and let the receiver pick it up at the destination warehouse.

Second, I bought a van from my sister in Florida and had it shipped to New Jersey via Autolog. They go terminal to terminal and might be willing to carry it for a nominal charge (if they operate in your two areas).

Third, airlines carry cargo of all sizes and shapes. In the days of Eastern Airlines, I had them carry 400# computers from Seattle to Newark (terminal to terminal) and only paid $60/pallet shipment.

Hope it helps a bit.

You can ship objects by bus too. :)

Thanks all, Tracy - I tried Greyhound early on & it was too long for them too!  

Right now it looks like we'll continue to own an extra awning unless a much cheaper shipping alternative shows up.  :rolleyes:   My buyer (as expected) was not interested in the exhorbitant shipping fees.  I had expected it to be a little difficult, but hadn't thought it would be this much of a pita.  

Sharon