Hey guys...

What companies are individuals using to ship their sold aerobatic aircraft?
How about the manufacturers...what outfits do you guys use?
Price? - Reliable? - Size restrictions?

Thanks,
BC

Forward Air is one I have used. You must take the container to an airport facility and have the party pick up near an airport on the receiving end. A crate used to ship caskets can be had for a small sum or free.

Greyhound has been reported to be a good way to ship.

LTL is one of the most expensive (Less than Trailer Load) trucking.

EXCAP232

Stay as far away from USP and FEDEX as you can get. They are expensive and they've broken all the planes that I shipped(3 total).

For a crate, you can build one with 1X2 wood and 1/8" plywood. Build a box with the 1X2 as a frame and then screw the plywood to it. Use liquid nails construction adhesive for added durability. Apply the liquid nails to everything that will be screwed together---framing, plywood, styrofoam.

After you have the crate built, lay the plane inside and hold it in place with 2" styrofoam board.

There is an article on the buying forums that shows how to build a nice crate for a reasonable price. You need:
1/8" plywood
1X2X8' wood
liquid nails
deck screws
styrofoam board 2" thick

It takes a few hours to buid the crate, but when done right, it will survive Greyhound or Forward Aire.

Nothing short of an armour plated box will survive UPS.

I use UPS almost exclusively for kits unless they're oversized. About 2 years ago, after wrapping the kit box in brown paper and marking fragile, it didn't survive at the other end. Since then I have reinforced the inside of the original kit box and used that to ship at least 30 planes since with no damage whatsoever. My intuition tells me when it was wrapped, it was handled like last week's leftovers, but when the contents are known, the handlers/drivers take a little better care. My 2 cents worth from experience and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I've had good luck with Forward Air, they seem to ship a lot of models as they know whats in the crate every time I send/pickup without me telling them.
Ditto bad UPS stories.
Also had bad luck with Harbour Freight... and Harbour Freight doesnt like to admit they were the problem.

Ditto 1/8 ply + foam board and liquid nails. works like a charm.

Roger

I have shipped several planes all over the country and always use UPS ground. I make sure that the box is supported internally.

I'm am glad to hear of some guys having good experiences with UPS.

I've made crates as indicated in my original post; still got smashed up. Fortunately- I insure all my crates for about twice as much as the plane is worth-- so the guy on the other end makes out like a bandit when he files the claim. Problem is- most guys buying an already built plane are doing it because they don't have time or tools to build. Doesn't do the guy much good to purchase my RTF plane and have it show up smashed. Sure, he gets the money from the insurance claim-- but still no plane, and a hassle to boot.

UPS sometimes has size restrictions- so a larger plane will have to go Forward Air or Greyhound. I believe Greyhound max size is 3'X4' X6'long. UPS size restrictions are much smaller.

Recently shipped an 80" Extra via Forward Air in my usual crate. No problems. Delivered in 2 days.

Thanks for the input guys...does anyone have any experience with Yellow Transportation?
Good?
Bad?

BC

Hey Brian,

Just to give another vote for greyhound.

I have both recieved and shipped and have been pleased. They are insured, cheap, and usually only 2 days transit time. That and the oversize charge isn't that bad!

http://www.shipgreyhound.com/ for all the details.

Jason

Gentleman,

I made some calls based on the suggestions (thanks to all).
I'm looking for a carrier that accepts packages being dropped off or picked up and must be able to ship to residences...I do not want the buyer having to go to the airport or terminal for pick up.
I called GPX and they do not ship directly to the residences house. The buyer must go down to the nearest Greyhound terminal.
After calling several carriers, (Yellow Trans., GPX, UPS Freight and American) it appears as though If I can break the boxes down small enough (instead of one large one) UPS is the way to go.

Arguments?

BC

Yeah.... no matter how small you break down the boxes, UPS will make them even smaller

Make sure you insure it well....

LOL...well said Desertrat

Brian, Some companies are you Airborne for larger packages. that is what Comp. Arf is using for the 3m extra and the cost is around $100. They ship to the door also.

Tony Quist