Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Shipping
Tom Henderson, Gulf Breeze Fl
i am preparing to list several tools and jigs in the classified section. I don't know the best way to ship these things, which can be heavy and/or bulky. For example a dovetail jig, a miter gauge or a hand held oscillating sander. For those with experience, what is the best and most economical way to ship this kind of stuff?
Re: Shipping
walta
Consider using Fastenal for shipping. You drop off a crate on a skid at your local store and the buyer picks up the skid at their local store. From what I understand the cost is very reasonable.
https://www.fastenal.com/en/22/blue-lane-freight
Walta
Re: Shipping
paul in AZ
This may be a bit odd-ball but one way to do it is to find someone driving to wherever you are sending it. I had a delivery from Calif. this way.
Craigslist has ads for people looking for a passenger to share gas costs.
The seller went to Craigslist and found someone who was looking for a passenger from LA to PHX. He drove the shipment for the cost of gas money.
Risky I guess. But it worked for me that one time and saved a couple hundred bucks. I don't know how the seller vetted the potential drivers.
Re: Shipping
iclark
If the items will fit, the USPS flat rate boxes are often the least expensive method and they provide tracking. There is a large flat rate box that they do not stock in the post offices, but the USPS will ship you some for free if you order them from their website.
Some people have reported good success with shipping Greyhound freight. Same as air freight, the recipient has to pick it up at the terminal.
Depending on where you or the recipient are located, the human transport already mentioned can work. Old Wood Working Machines calls it ruckering. NC Wood Workers call it pony express. Longer transports can involve hand-offs and/or temporary storage along the way. I was lucky enough to get a rucker for an Emmertt's turtleback vise from Albany to VABeach. Sometimes, it makes it easier to find someone going the right way if there is a woodworking symposium in your area or in the recipients area. Posts asking about who is attending can get you started. It also gives an opportunity to meet fellow woodworkers in person.