Shipping a large scale plane?

[Lappster]

Hello gang!!

I am looking to ship a 33% Yak across the country, what have you all done as far as shippers, I was looking at either Midwest Motor Express (trucking) or Greyhound. Shoot me your input as far as good/bad/ugly on any experiences you have had or suggestions. Also, I have access to a crate, I havent seen it yet but was used to ship a 35% so it should be big enough, but how to fasten things down, etc for best results.
Neither the buyer or myself want to have any unnecessary surprises!
Looks like Greyhound only allows up to $300 in insurance whereas trucking I would think would be whatever you are willing to pay for.
Thanks guys and gals,,
Troy

[SleepyC]

I had a 33% extra sent from CA to ME in Ohio with Greyhound...
Not a scratch... and it was only $75.

Also just had a new 35% YAK sent from MO to Ohio Forward Air... not a scratch -
cost was $80.

Everything hinges on your ability to make a great create. If you make a good crate your golden.

[Stainless Skills]

Just go out and buy 20 or so yards of bubble wrap, wrap the thing from head to tow with the wings somewhere in between and then shove it in a box.

That works and if you go greyhound you probably wont even need a box.

[SUPERFLYJAY]

OBVIOUSLY STAINLESS HASNT SHIPPED TO MANY PLANES !!!! BUBBLE WRAP IT ? U MUST BE SMOKIN SOMETHING STRANGE !!! I DONT CARE WHO U SHIP WITH, A CRATE IS A NECESSITY AND A GOOD ONE AT THAT. IVE SHIPPED A FEW 35%ERS AND A FEW 40%ERS VIA FORWARD AIR OUT OF 4 SHIPPED 2 GOT DAMAGED.. THEY WERE ALL PROFESSIONALLY CRATED AND STILL THE MONKEYS PUT FORKLIFT BLADES THROUGH THE CRATES. IF YOU MAKE A CRATE MAKE SURE YOU PUT A 2X4 ON EACH SIDE SO THEY CAN HOPEFULLY !!! SLIDE THE BLADES UNDER THE CRATE. BELIEVE ME THE GUYS ON THE LOADING DOCK JUST DONT CARE. THEIR GOAL IS TO GET IT INTO THE TRUCK ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. SO CRATE IT UP AND THEN MAYBE I SAY MAYBE IT WILL GET THERE OK

[Lappster]

What is forward air? I've never heard that before.

Thanks,,
Troy

[youngflyer]

how much are crates and can you buy them whole or do you have to build yourself. im glad this thread came up!

[AirplaneFactory]

I shipped UPS and the plane got destroyed! They drove the prop right through the side of a plywood box, the insurance claim was a nightmare, never again!!!!

[Dennis C]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Lappster
	What is forward air? I've never heard that before. Thanks,, Troy

http://www.forwardair.com/

[Dennis C]

	Quote: Originally Posted by AirplaneFactory
	I shipped UPS and the plane got destroyed! They drove the prop right through the side of a plywood box, the insurance claim was a nightmare, never again!!!!

You never ship a plane thru UPS. You'll have a better experience with greyhound. I have shipped many with them and never had a problem

[Kevin Y]

I would recommend someone like old dominion www.odfl.com or bax global www.baxglobal.com. As like Jay said make sure you really pack your box or crate really well no matter who you ship with.

When we ship our ARF's they are double boxed in cardboard boxes and then packed with a huge bag of shipping peanuts. Old dominion so far has been really good with them. Also make sure you insure it and have it so it is top load only.

[Lappster]

Another "sub" question,,
Do you insure for replacement cost? How about Greyhound with their $300 max? I was thinking of removing the engine/cowl to keep less "inertia" in the crate and boxing it separate to remove some dollars and potential damage items.
I really appreciate the input.

Troy

[Kevin Y]

I have always shipped the airplanes with the engine off, I just feel safer that way. As for insuring the plane if it is just the kit then I do replacement cost. If the plane is ready to fly then I take the whole value of the plane.