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PODS
PODS
Best way to haul a major score - revisited
A while back I posted a thread asking for advice on moving a large amount of lumber and equipment from NC to MN, and I now have some more details. My family friend is getting out of woodworking and offered to donate to me most of his lumber and a few major tools. The lumber is mostly live edge slabs (maple, walnut, cherry, etc.) and the equipment includes, among other things, a 28" auto-feed planer (estimated $4,000 new), a jointer, and a DC system - all (according to my friend) in good working condition. He estimated that in all, the haul would fill a 14' truck.
Other than the planer (which probably would require a hydraulic lift), everything can be rolled or carried into a truck by hand. And my friend is willing to load everything into a truck at his end, because (as he explained) he'd have to do that anyway if he were to move all of his stuff into storage.
My question is: what's the best and most cost-effective way to arrange for this shipment, in view of the handling issues (i.e., all of the lumber and tools are loose so they'd need to be properly tied down)? I really don't want to pass this opportunity up, but I have no idea how to coordinate something like this at a reasonable cost and with adequate insurance or other protections.
I'd GREATLY appreciate thoughts or advice from fellow Jocks that have dealt with similar shipping situations. Thanks!
Other than the planer (which probably would require a hydraulic lift), everything can be rolled or carried into a truck by hand. And my friend is willing to load everything into a truck at his end, because (as he explained) he'd have to do that anyway if he were to move all of his stuff into storage.
My question is: what's the best and most cost-effective way to arrange for this shipment, in view of the handling issues (i.e., all of the lumber and tools are loose so they'd need to be properly tied down)? I really don't want to pass this opportunity up, but I have no idea how to coordinate something like this at a reasonable cost and with adequate insurance or other protections.
I'd GREATLY appreciate thoughts or advice from fellow Jocks that have dealt with similar shipping situations. Thanks!
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I called PODS - they quoted me $3,000 (including a 15% off coupon). Unfortunately, I can't swing that - I'm hoping for a solution more in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range. Is that even reasonable?
Try to get in contact with a moving or shipping company that operates in the area. They often have room in the back of trucks. If you can find a company that has a truck headed your direction, they will usually make a detour in order to fill that empty space with a little bit of extra income. I've shipped a couch this way. You can usually negotiate a price that is significantly better than just paying for a freight shipment.
That's not a bad idea. I'll see if I can find movers in the Asheville, NC area.
Does anyone know if there is a website where you can post moving jobs or movers post availability for one-off/extra space situations?
Can't you stick it all on the train, or share a container, on a truck, or get a truck or trailer on hire for a few days . we always hire a truck when moving things, but we are not talking about American distances. I sincerely wish you well It would be great for you to have this stuff. Alistair. Alistair and Alistair
freightquote.com does space available
Have you looked into renting a u-haul truck, or if your family friend will load it, U-haul has U-Boxes that you could use. They seem like a neat idea. they drop off containers, pick them up and ship them.
Try ABF moving or you can always rent a Uhual and take a couple days off lol.
U-Haul solution won't work, unfortunately - I don't have the time to move it myself. I got a quote of $2,300 from PackRat (a PODS competitor) for making the delivery with a half trailer. I also put some REALLY rough figures into FreightQuote and got bids in the $700-$1500 range, but the problem is none of the lumber or equipment is crated or palleted. and I don't really know how to estimate the load amount in terms that FreightQuote accepts. That site doesn't really seem well equipped for inputs like "half a truck of lumber and a few pieces of heavy machinery, all tied down." I suppose I can give them a call to see if an agent can help guide me.
You can look into UPack, which is the same basic idea as PODs, but cheaper, and more flexible. They drop off a 28' trailer, you load it, then they haul it to where you are going, drop it off and you unload it. Then they pick up the trailer. They charge you a fixed amount for the first 6' of linear space in the trailer, and then you pay a per foot charge for more. It's cheaper, but not half the cost. If that doesn't work out, then the only thing that would be cheaper is UHaul, and you drive it.
You can hire moving labor on either side to help loading and tie-down.
I've used UPack for a household move across the country (LA to Western PA). It worked great.
You can hire moving labor on either side to help loading and tie-down.
I've used UPack for a household move across the country (LA to Western PA). It worked great.
I did get a UPack quote of about $2,300 - so, similar to PackRat.
Can anyone shed some light on what I'd need to do in order to ship a load of hardwood slabs and a few big tools via a carrier found on FreightQuote? Those rates are well within reason, but I'm not sure what I'd need to arrange in order to comply with their policies/applicable freighting regulations.
I really appreciate everyone's advice!
Can anyone shed some light on what I'd need to do in order to ship a load of hardwood slabs and a few big tools via a carrier found on FreightQuote? Those rates are well within reason, but I'm not sure what I'd need to arrange in order to comply with their policies/applicable freighting regulations.
I really appreciate everyone's advice!
have you looked at the site that they talk about on shipping wars? I think it is U-Ship or something like that.
First, what I found with PODS and PackRat was that it was hard to estimate the size container needed, and of course you had to get one that was at least as big as you needed (or more than one). Comparing ABF (UPack's parent) cost for the trailer option vs the container option favored the trailer version, and it is exactly the size you need if you pack efficiently. Still, it's not going to be $1500.
Usually, a freight company requires a shipment be on pallets or in boxes. The pallets usually have to be stackable to some reasonable height. They can sometimes deal with odd freight but it's usually expensive and there is often a lot of damage.
Usually, a freight company requires a shipment be on pallets or in boxes. The pallets usually have to be stackable to some reasonable height. They can sometimes deal with odd freight but it's usually expensive and there is often a lot of damage.
Spoke with FreightQuote. The rep actually called me to follow up on my online quote, and when I explained my situation he said that they don't really have a solution for this type of move. He pointed me to a company called Small Move Solutions; I'll follow up with them, but at this point I'm not getting my hopes up.
Worst case scenario, my parents are visiting our friend this summer and at least offered to bring back as much lumber as they can cram in the car.
Worst case scenario, my parents are visiting our friend this summer and at least offered to bring back as much lumber as they can cram in the car.
When I "escaped" NY to come back to Wisconsin I bit the bullet on a $4,000 trailer that survived 2 round trips (probably 1,100 miles each way) and is still worth about half that. But all in, having to lock-out the over-drive on the truck in the hills of NY/PA I80 and dealing with maybe 8mpg, not so sure it was worth it. Driving on the interstate around here I see big trucks "dead-heading" in both directions. I recall a few outfits trying to take advantage of that (win-win for both the hauler and the shipper) but I guess the trucking industry will never change. Really a shame that you can shop on-line all you want but that is simply a tease…once they have your stuff, you can throw your agreement away. Kinda a shame I think.
Are there any exotic wood dealers in your area ? perhaps you could work a deal with them and split the shipping costs of getting the material to your area and they get some of the slabs that arrive…just a thought..
Lookie. You are getting a great deal. Ship it all, sell what you need to in order to recoup the cost. Prollem solved.
Not sure I would give up hope at all. I had a large shipment come from CA to San Antonio TX last year. The fella charged me 1,200.00 and he basically gave me a floor space of 12' wide by 20' long and like 10' high. I don't even recall exactly what I bought, but I filled the floor space with a large auction I did online out in CA. I made out like a bandit, thought LE was going to have me on their radar after landing some very sweet deals.
Not sure if the fella I spoke with in CA can help you any, but if you can get someone to sell you some floor space, you should do well.
There will be the issue with the lumber since it would have to be secured somehow, which would require likely getting it on a pallet or two pallets and strapped down securely.
Not sure if the fella I spoke with in CA can help you any, but if you can get someone to sell you some floor space, you should do well.
There will be the issue with the lumber since it would have to be secured somehow, which would require likely getting it on a pallet or two pallets and strapped down securely.
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