Grayhound for shipping?

[Avaiojet]

Has anyone ever used Grayhound to ship an assembled model?

Obviously in a wood crate.

CB

[Trostle]

Has anyone ever used Grayhound to ship an assembled model?

Obviously in a wood crate.

CB

Yes.

I have used it and am personally aware of others, as many as a dozen times, shipping full size stunt ships with no problems.  Essentially coast to coast.  Recommend structurally sound wood crates with the model securely enclosed with appropriate cushions/padding.  Reasonable cost and reasonably timely.  Tracking is provided so you know when and where the crate is.  There are some dimension limits.

[bob whitney]

my 1/2 A pond racer has made 3 round trips to Tuscon and back in a foam box with door skin top and bottom without a scratch

[peabody]

Hi Charles
A mattress box from UHaul may be cut down and the excess used to double sides.
Buy a bunch of foam worms
I shipped a plane for a guy years ago and a complete racing kart once.

Have fun

[Steve Helmick]

Like Keith, I know of several instances where Greydog shipped models, with excellent cost and results. There are some potential problems, however. They will only hold the package for 3 days before they ship it back, so it must be picked up on their schedule. It's on the recipient to pick it up at their freight office, and they are NOT open 24/7. IIRC, they were open 6 days a week, not on Sunday, and not after 10pm. I suppose that some freight offices may have different hours.

I'd add that the box that will hold a full-sized stunter probably will not fit in many vehicles, even if the airplane by itself would. Details that will need to be worked out between the shipper and recipient. The box, even if cardboard, is probably worth hanging onto, if one has the room to store it.    Steve



 

[JoeJust]

Two times I shipped models to a friend in Detroit by using a "bike" box from the trash behind a local bicycle shop.  Worked great both times! After the Brodak contests I used the box to return my stuff to WA. Seems to me that the3 cost was around $38 From Walla Walla to Detroit each time. Marc did have to use a van to pick up the crates.
Joe

[Trostle]

As a precaution to minimize damage, for a full size stunter, I would recommend 1/4" ply construction with 3/4 x 1 1/2 external frame, using plenty of screws.  The frame helps in handling the thing.  Also, recommend a supports in the center of the box to minimize crushing if a heavy package is placed on top of it, mark top and bottom and set it up so that it is clear how the thing should be positioned, not that it would make a lot of difference.  Make it clear that a model airplane is inside and is to be handled with care.  However, to the handlers, it is a box and will be packed with other packages in the easiest manner.

Keith