vt951

Anyone here shipped a transmission? Sorry, but I have some basic questions...

What was the approx. weight and overall dimensions?
Should it be shipped with or without fluid?
What's the best way to ship... UPS, FedEx, or freight?
How do you package it? on a pallet or in a box?

I'm thinking about building a box out of plywood, filling with styrofoam peanuts, and shipping UPS ground. Going from Cincinnati to NJ.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Josh B

I have had good luck shipping via DHL. I take a full sized pallet in good shape and cut it in half and then trim it down to a little bigger than the length of the transmission. Then I place the trans in the middle and use two ratcheting straps to secure it. It must come in at under 150lbs to ship via DHL or UPS which it is close. The dimensions are approx 30x24x20. You can print out a label online from DHL and arrange a pickup or drop it off at the nearest office. I usually put the label in a zip lock back and secure it under one of the ratcheting straps. So far no matter where I ship it is usually around $75 with insurance. Probably is not a bad idea to clean the trans up real well - nobody wants to get that nasty transmission grease on themselves or other packages let alone smell it in an enclosed truck...

Josh B

BTW - to trim the pallet I use a sawzal....cuts it like butter

Ski

+1 for DHL and pallet. It cost less freight to freight so if you get it dropped off and the other end can go pick it up, it's cheaper. I think the one I got from Tool was 140# and $126 from CT to AR. You have to ship them dry, no oil.

vt951

I think I'm going to have to put it in a crate. Looks like it's going overseas. I just have to ship it to NJ, and then the buyer has a way to get it to Europe from there.

Otherwise, the pallet idea would be good... Thanks for all your help guys.

Josh B

Might not be a bad idea to use the pallet as the base of your crate though. Would be easy to nail some 3/4 inch plywood around the base of the pallet and then put a hinging lid on in case they need to inspect it n customs...... The pallet can act as some padding on the underside in a way....just a suggestion...

Ski

Some very easy side padding, stop movement in shipping and cheap - garbage bag and them spray a can (or two) of expanding foam, let it conform to the sides of the tranny in the box and cut off any that you don't need.

vt951

Now we're talkin. That's a great idea. Thanks!

xsboost90

you may be able to use dhl if you dont add too much weight- see if you can attach a cardboard box over the trans and do the garbage bag and foam thing. I shipped a motor to australia though and they needed a crate.

2bridges

DHL pickup at terminal - strap to cut down pallet.

Carefull building a box or pallet - weight is near acceptable limit, don't get too carried away