posted on February 25, 2004 08:02:16 AM new
I'm a dummy!
I sold a can of spray paint on ebay without knowing it can't be shipped via USPS, UPS, or Fedex! I was figuring it would have to go ground but they won't take it at all due to the aerosol. Fedex said that they would take it if I signed a form stating if anything went wrong I would be liable for an FAA fine of at least $25,000! Thanks, but no thanks.
The can sold for 50.00 to a collector who apparently has no problem with shipping via USPS for his sales and purchases.... he just doesn't reveal what's in the package. So, of course, he would like me to do the same. I told him no way.
posted on February 25, 2004 09:05:33 AM new
You might try a bus line. I know people that have shipped that way. I don't know if any trucking companies would take it.
posted on February 25, 2004 09:08:21 AM new
What was in the spray paint Gold. Must have been something extra special. No way would I ship if it is illegal. I doubt if the seller can NEG you over that...but then......
posted on February 25, 2004 09:33:29 AM new
Mommoo ---ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!! Yes, I believe that might do the trick! I will call them asap.
I did write to Rustoleum and they gave me instructions but that I must find a hazardous material certified person to ship it. Which is exactly the problem.
toben88 - Sorry, I don't know how to make this clickable but here is the auction in which I stupidly said it would go USPS.
Believe it or not, all the spray paint nuts came out of the woodwork on this. The guy I sold it to has 3000 cans of spray paint and wants more! It's the old stuff they want with metallic colors especially. I was so happy when I found this can for 2.00, oh well. Cie la Vie!
posted on February 25, 2004 09:44:46 AM new
Shipping a flammable product in an aerosol can is a big no-no. If that can explodes inside the truck, you will be 100% liable for ALL the damage it causes to the other cargo and the truck. During the summer months it's easy for the temp to exceed the 140 degrees max those cans are rated at and cause an explosion and fire. I've seen it happen more than a few times and there are many, many court decisions affirming the liability of the party that shipped it. Even in the winter months, aerosol cans can go south and cause damage. You have to follow a strict proceedure for shipping a hazardous material. FedEx Ground can give you the particulars regarding labeling and fees. I can tell you now, if you only made $50.00 on that can, it won't pay to try to ship it legally. Also, don't even begin to think about shipping it via any method that has an airplane in the picture. That's a whole different story and you don't want to hear it.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on February 25, 2004 09:56:02 AM new
exactly!
I used to work for an airline and I remember Valuejet and how it ended up in a swamp! There is no way I will ship via an airplane.
Now that you mention the truck (and bus for that matter) this will probably never ship. You betcha, 50.00 isn't worth it, no way, no how. I have already told the buyer that. Now, let's see if I get my first neg. Out of all the scenarios for a first neg, at least this one will be worth it.
posted on February 25, 2004 10:23:17 AM new
Actually I had no idea that old paint sold for so much. I wonder how many I've just trashed over the years.... some of those estates where I've had to buy it all.
posted on February 25, 2004 10:31:06 AM new
There must be a ground shipping carrier out there. How else do stores or anyone else get their shipments in or out.
Paint in pressure cans get shipped everyday just like lighter fluid etc.
Keep checking around as there are shippers that do handle this.
I would just box it up and send it via bus or trucking outfit.
posted on February 25, 2004 10:48:37 AM new
I got an answer from Rustoleum Company --
"I sorry but I know of no other companies that would transport, as
a normal part of their business, a single carton of this product.
There are Less Than Truckload companies such as Roadway Express, Yellow
Freight, Con-Way Western Express (213-744-0664),
Those minimums could be $280 to go cross country from business to business.
Either a residential pickup or delivery could add another $60 (each) on top
of the minimum charge."
Oh brother! The lesson is, if you want to follow the exact law for shipping a can of this stuff, you have to have a trained, certified Hazmat person do it.
I kept seeing all these cans of spray paint go for big money and stupidly thought that if they are selling them, there must be way to ship them. But now I fear ebay sellers are simply shipping and damn the consequences (to others) or more realistically, they don't know the restrictions. Either way, it's scary. Commercial air carriers transport US Mail!
posted on February 25, 2004 11:07:50 AM new
The only thing I can think of would be to turn it upside down per the instructions for cleaning the nozzle and let the gas out of it completely. It would no longer be an aerosol can. He could have it refilled at his end by a shop that mixes automotive paint. They put small amounts in aerosol cans and charge them up in their shop. If he is a clooector, I would imagine that he has been through this before. When I was in the moving business, we had to constantly be on the alert for these things. The largest single cause of van fires in one year could be traced to cans of Pledge spray wax. The propane tanks on barbecues presented a real problen. They had to be purged by a propane distributor and tagged with a certification before they could be loaded.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
