How do you deal with shipping large parts?
 

I couldn't find a FAQ section under the for sale area. Long story short, I'm going to sell my 83 RX-7 and will have some large "someday" interior spare parts which I'll no longer need. When you buy/sell large parts like seats which wouldn't easily fit into a box, how do you deal with shipping as a seller or buyer?

I'm thinking of making my own boxes from moving boxes and then weighing and measuring the parts ahead of time just like I would do with small items but I'm curious of those who buy/sell on the forum, how you do it.

I'm definitely interested in some of your interior bits. Off the top of my head, I could use a spare center console (everything from radio to arm rest) and a rear storage straps.

For all of my shipping, it's almost always "Buyer Pays Shipping" and I'll document the packaging process using new, quality boxes, good tape, and layers upon layers of different packing materials. Sure, it's a little expensive, but it doesn't get damaged, and that's what most of us care about.

Good rule of thumb after shipping a bunch of transmissions and engine parts is that small stuff is always cheaper to go USPS Flat Rate, and big stuff is best via FedEx.

Larger and awkward items are usually sold for pickup only. You can also ship by greyhound. And some items may not require boxing. I received a cat back with no box through the mail, wouldn't recommend it myself, but it's possible.

If you gotta box it, get some fridge boxes from a home depot or lowes. They probably have them lying around or can tell you when they'll get some in. You can cut it to size, brace and tape it. Once it's boxed you can drag it to your shipper and get quotes for different zip codes.

+1 On Greyhound. Shipped a rev 2 exhaust through them. No problems and cheap.

For big, heavy stuff like an engine (well over 100 lbs), freight truck such as R&L Carriers. Shipping my 20B from Utah to Ohio cost me ~$400 (it weighed 380 lbs). For big stuff that's not too heavy (~100 lbs or less), Greyhound. Had an Infini IV transmission shipped for $60 (weighed ~110lbs). Small or light stuff like a driveshaft usually gets USPS, flat rate box if applicable.

I just learned that another option for big stuff is to ship via Fastenal. They only do store-to-store, but could be handy if you live close to one. If you're lacking a truck, offer your neighbors some beer to lend a hand.

Thank you all - lots of great information from boxes to creative shipping methods. I really appreciate it!

Fright trucking companies are pretty useful when shipping cars and other large items (engines on pallets). You can always call them up and get a quote. Otherwise, box it and ship it via ups/fedex/usps etc.

greyhounds always been good for me, even shipping engines.

i will have to say im shocked at all the good recommendations.. this is a combination of everything i have personally experienced myself! Always go greyhound if under 100lbs and they can pick up at the station, Fedex will always be cheaper for large/freight items under 125 lbs (ive shipped transmissions on pallets thru fedex for 60 bucks), and for engines and more awkward things the best carriers are R&L and Old Dominion. I used to go to U-haul to get large boxes but they are getting expensive there.. always best to make your own box though!