posted on March 15, 2001 06:43:36 AM
We used the AW message board when we were first looking for ways to crate and ship our antique furniture to far-away buyers. You fellow sellers pointed us to Craters & Freighters and that relationship has been very good. The only problem is, they are rather expensive.
Does anyone out there have suggestions for cheaper shippers?? We have people who would not at all mind a "slow boat" shipping method if it saved them a few hundred dollars. This is definitely money that would inure to our benefit as we know all too well that shipping costs definitely enter into the bidding equation.
posted on March 15, 2001 07:26:43 AM
Not sure if it will apply due to size restrictions, but FEDEX now has something called FEDEX home delivery. Cheaper than USPS! I heard that RPS (former fleet of delivery trucks) was somehow bought out by FEDEX. Might be worth a shot.
posted on March 15, 2001 08:08:58 AM
Hi Antiquealley!
Thanks for the tip. We checked out the fedex website but their services are definitely geared towards smaller items. We are really looking for a crater/shipper that can handle large antique furniture like curio cabinets or 6 foot wardrobes.
We'll defininitely check out any and all leads so keep 'em coming.
posted on March 15, 2001 08:15:37 AM
I don't know if this will help, but depending on where you live and where the item is going, if your customer doesn't mind waiting, sometimes furniture moving companies will give you a good rate if you're willing to wait until they have an almost full truck going near your destination.
This method is not recommended if your bidder is 8 months pregnant and you're shipping her a cradle!
posted on March 15, 2001 06:01:55 PM
What you need is a LTL Freight company such as Viking Freight. They have a national network of routes.
(LTL = Less then Truck Load)
