Shipping a large trophy - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Ron (RONRUSH)	25 Sep 2006
To:	ALL	1 of 8

4933.1
I have a job of building a 7' tall trophy that needs shipped several hundred miles and I'm not sure how to get it there without it getting broken unless I load it and deliver it myself (or have them come and pick it up). I made the original trophy and gave it to them in person and now that they are back home, they want a duplicate. Does anyone do this on a regular basis that could lend me some advice? I have thought about trying to build the trophy in smaller pieces to be assembled once they received it but I don't know how well that would work. Ron Custom Engraving & Awards Sistersville, WV 26175 304-652-1468

From:	logojohn	25 Sep 2006
To:	Ron (RONRUSH)	2 of 8

4933.2 In reply to 4933.1
I think ups and usps have dimension restrictions. It would likely have to go via a truck company. The good news is truck companies usually don't throw packages across the room like UPS so won't be as likely to get damaged or chewed up on the conveyor belt. Bad news it will cost more.

From:	Boz (CHEDDARHEAD)	25 Sep 2006
To:	ALL	3 of 8

4933.3

Hey LogoJohn - you must use a different trucking company than we do. Maybe if the box or crate is heavy enough they won't throw it across the room, but they will probably run the forks through it before they are done ;-)

What about laser cutting some kind of soft foam to encase the piece? Build a wooden crate, then either custom cut foam, or shoot foam in to encapsulate the trophy. I'm guessing a 7 ft. high trophy is not a cheap project, so packaging could be pretty important.

Robert H. Bosworth
ACCESS Business Solutions, Inc.
Hudson, WI. 54016
(715) 386-8021
www.usedlasers.com

From:	Dave Jones (DAVERJ)	25 Sep 2006
To:	logojohn	4 of 8

4933.4 In reply to 4933.2

FedEx Express will take packages weighing up to 150 lb, and up to 9' 11" long and 13' 8" length plus girth.

FedEx Ground is the same, except maximum of 9' long. FedEx Ground with home delivery is limited to 105 lb.

UPS Ground has the same limits as FedEx Ground (150 lb, 9' long, 13' 8" length + girth)

At that large of a size, chances are freight trucks are more economical, but that depends on whether you live in a large city or small town.

As an example I used UPS.com to calculate a package from central NY state to southern Michigan that is 90" x 18" x 12", weighs 90 lb and insured for $900. UPS ground quotes $115.

From:	Bill (ALBILLBERT2000)	26 Sep 2006
To:	Ron (RONRUSH)	5 of 8

4933.5 In reply to 4933.1
Silly question.. why not do what the florists do.. have another shop close to the customer build it for you and deliver it for you.. You send them the pieces and pay them what it would have cost you to ship.. If someone asked me I think I would do it.. as long as I made a profit on my time..

From:	gt350ed	26 Sep 2006
To:	Ron (RONRUSH)	6 of 8

4933.6 In reply to 4933.1
Depending on what "several hundred miles" means, why not consider literally meeting them half-way and have them pay for your gas, etc. This would necessitate that you both have vehicles capable of handling the trophy, but would insure that the trophy would be handled with care. If need be, you could even show them how to assemble/ reassemble at the half-way point. Just make sure and collect all that you are owed before leaving home. Make it a fun weekend trip, if possible. Ed Holley Victor Valley Trophy & Awards Co. and Coffee Mugs Online www.coffeemugsonline.com

From:	Ron (RONRUSH)	27 Sep 2006
To:	Bill (ALBILLBERT2000)	8 of 8

4933.8 In reply to 4933.5
That's a good idea too. I had thought about possibly doing that. I'm still not sure where the trophy is going yet. It is either NC or FL but the guy hasn't got back to me yet. Once I find out, I may try to locate a trophy shop nearby.