[Sam samuelian]

Since reviving my interest in console radios I haven't had the best luck shipping. One was hand delivered no charge--the best of all worlds when skillfully done. One was picked up for restoration by my restorer who drove about 500 miles both ways and that cost me $350.00 (ouch). I have two more coming and am worried as to how to proceed along with being wary of cost. Several people have told me UPS "packs everything the same" with no concern for specific needs of radios (like trying to protect open speakers) and their packaging prices are high and so are the delivery costs. Greyhound apparently is the cheapest (a radio from PA to NC of 90 lbs would cost $85.00. But they don't pack, that has to be done beforehand. Some rave about the quick service (you have to drive to your nearest terminal and get it yourself) and quality, but a couple feel they have damaged radios more than average. Also, they have a 100lb. limit. I'm told Fedex is one of the better carriers that will box and deliver a radio safely. Freghters and Craters is another service but I have heard nothing about them.

So, which method would you use to transport your prized radio--whether "as is" or restored?