Shipping a tank/stand

[shakinghorizons]

I am looking to have a tank and stand shipped to me, but am only finding high dollar options - cheapest being FedEx (MO - CO) $431.

For anyone that has shipped a tank and stand or anything of the like, do you have any suggestions? UPS was outrageous ($1300) and I have not had good luck on uship.

Advice? Suggestion? Guidance?

Thanks!

 

[CodyRVA]

Have you looked at smaller local or regional freight companies, what part of the country are you in?

 

[jlanger]

Check with a contract drop-shipper; there may be some run in your area.
I haven't scheduled any shipments myself (I'm the builder); as I leave that part up to the buyer.

For my builds, I offer to meet up somewhere in between (based on distance and if it's worth my time) and meet up for the transfer. It limits having to deal with a third party and damage risks, and is usually more cost effective for the buyer.

And that Fed-Ex rate seems reasonable as I had a stand and canopy drop-shipped from WI to CA and that total was in the $800 range; if I recall correctly.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Have you looked at smaller local or regional freight companies, what part of the country are you in?

Shipping from Missouri to Colorado

 

[shakinghorizons]

Check with a contract drop-shipper; there may be some run in your area.
I haven't scheduled any shipments myself (I'm the builder); as I leave that part up to the buyer.

Can you expand on the drop shipper part? I've goggled it but I'm not coming up with much

 

[Chris Adams]

You could do a road trip and rent a van if that is big enough. But would you want to Rent a Van, drive 20+ hours + gas + food + maybe stay in MO and eat some BBQ which does not sound that bad.
Or would you rather sit at home, grill out back, relax and wait for your tank to be delivered (get insurance) and not have to worry about moving it and possibly damage it.
If it is a large tank I think $431.00 is worth it

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

+1 on freight.

 

[shakinghorizons]

+1 on freight.

Huh?

 

[shakinghorizons]

You could do a road trip and rent a van if that is big enough. But would you want to Rent a Van, drive 20+ hours + gas + food + maybe stay in MO and eat some BBQ which does not sound that bad.
Or would you rather sit at home, grill out back, relax and wait for your tank to be delivered (get insurance) and not have to worry about moving it and possibly damage it.
If it is a large tank I think $431.00 is worth it

I would much rather have the tank shipped than drive for 20 hours, the seller is pushing more for meeting.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Have you looked at smaller local or regional freight companies, what part of the country are you in?

 

[Chris Adams]

How big of a tank is it?

 

[shakinghorizons]

How big of a tank is it?

120g - but I'm buying the tank just for the stand and canopy.

 

[juanrmattos]

Trucking company is your best bet...

Directory in the MO area

Best of luck

 

[Nigelk]

120g - but I'm buying the tank just for the stand and canopy.

Can you not just ship the stand and canopy then, a shipper will not want the tank which is why its so expensive, but the rest is just furniture, you'll save money by leaving the tank behind.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Can you not just ship the stand and canopy then, a shipper will not want the tank which is why its so expensive, but the rest is just furniture, you'll save money by leaving the tank behind.

Quoted either way, it's the same price.

 

[juanrmattos]

Most trucking companies quote by non stackable gross volume, this means regardless the height; chances are the manufacturer is going to set this package on a wooden pallet so the price is going to be based on it, I'd say the weight of a 120G aquarium placed in the same pallet would not make too big of a difference on the final price. You are looking at 550/600 miles, from experience, this should not cost you more than $ 450, $ 500 including lift-gate service... Still a lot but not the rates you mention from UPS (Which by the way, seemed high for UPS Trucking, or did you quote UPS ground?).

 

[shakinghorizons]

Most trucking companies quote by non stackable gross volume, this means regardless the height; chances are the manufacturer is going to set this package on a wooden pallet so the price is going to be based on it, I'd say the weight of a 120G aquarium placed in the same pallet would not make too big of a difference on the final price. You are looking at 550/600 miles, from experience, this should not cost you more than $ 450, $ 500 including lift-gate service... Still a lot but not the rates you mention from UPS (Which by the way, seemed high for UPS Trucking, or did you quote UPS ground?).

Quoted UPS LTL.

 

[juanrmattos]

Have you checked the directory I posted a few comments up?... I'm positive you should be able to do a lot better than the rate obtained from UPS LTL... Just shipped a 200 lbs D Container (Big Box) with two vintage bicycles from Miami to PA for $ 600.

Not sure if the company used extends to your territory, but if you want to give it a try, they are called Trucking Transport USA, their phone is (305)823-4000

Best of luck

 

[tj w]

Like mentioned above a freight company is your best bet. I'm sure you have someone local that makes that route.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Have you checked the directory I posted a few comments up?... I'm positive you should be able to do a lot better than the rate obtained from UPS LTL... Just shipped a 200 lbs D Container (Big Box) with two vintage bicycles from Miami to PA for $ 600.

Not sure if the company used extends to your territory, but if you want to give it a try, they are called Trucking Transport USA, their phone is (305)823-4000

Best of luck

I sent an email to every company on the list - thank you! So far I have received some high quotes ($800+), but I will still keep my fingers crossed.