Shipping Fender

[Cam3512]

Guys, I'm looking to ship a rear loopframe fender to get painted.  I finally found a box large enough, but due to its dimensions it's cost prohibitive ($100+).  Every other box I found, the fender would not fit.  What am I missing here, any suggestions?  It's not that heavy.

[rocker59]

Who quoted you the rate? 

Shipping has become more expensive over the past few years, but that seems high.

They do take into consideration the cubic volume of the package, so it's not just about weight.  It's about how many packages can fit in a given vehicle.

I have no idea what shape the box is that you've found, but I would cut it down or find a flat box that just fits the fender with room for some bubble wrap. 

If your box is a big cube, then that's part of the problem.

[Cam3512]

USPS, Fed Ex and UPS.  Only weighs 12 lbs, definitely have to cut down the box.  Still, it's not THAT big.

[RinkRat II]

 If both you and your painter are near a Greyhound Bus terminal they ship for cheap.

      Paul B

[Gliderjohn]

Don't do like Guzzi did me. Back around 2003 I had a minimal street accident with my T-3. Needed a new front fender which was ordered through Guzzi. The first arrived damaged due to it being shipped in a big cubed box with NO packing. Guzzi agreed to replace it and did the same thing the second time, third time was the charm.
GliderJohn

[Cam3512]

Oh, it’s bublewrapped to hell!  Rare police rear fender with the cutout for a friction siren.

[Kev m]

I ran into this when selling some seats recently.

Just a couple of inches in length, width, or height can make A HUGE difference in shipping.

I wound up cutting boxes to minimal size/playing giant oragami. But in the end I got shipping down to like $30 give or take.

[guzzisteve]

Priceless fender I wouldn't ship, have it painted locally. How will they replace it if it's damaged?

[slopokes]

Cam, you don’t need a box to ship it via ups or FedEx...just wrap it up really good..I have seen hundreds of bike and car fenders in my career with Brown..😁

[Groover]

I found that sometimes USPS is cheaper than UPS, even though those same USPS packages go through UPS depending on destination. What service are you getting the quotes from?

[Cam3512]

Cam, you don’t need a box to ship it via ups or FedEx...just wrap it up really good..I have seen hundreds of bike and car fenders in my career with Brown..😁

Really?

[Cam3512]

I found that sometimes USPS is cheaper than UPS, even though those same USPS packages go through UPS depending on destination. What service are you getting the quotes from?

See my first post.  All the big three wanted to ass rape me.

[Roebling3]

Cam,
A few years ago I was shipping a lot of mc parts to Canada. Wire wheels w/4LS drum brakes, crankcase covers. As many do, I hand crafted the boxes to minimum size. It wasn't too bad. As has been said here: Scary to trust a non-replaceable part.
Insurance will always be challenged, especially @ your valuation of the fender. DAMHIK.

I've got an excellent painter. Have used him for years. Never a problem of any kind. If you'd like we could relay that fender. BTW: He matches custom paints on site.

You may recall Adam S.? Vintage collector, former Motus dealer, genuine fuss pot. Also Walt Siegl Motorcycles, in Harrisville, NH. Randy Tefft put the 3 of us on to this fellow in NH. PM me if you like.
    Happy Holidays to you and your family, Cam.  Good fortune, R3~

[egschade]

When I use the USPS website it only allows me to see Priority and Overnight rates. Maybe a trip to the PO is warranted if that's the case. Agree that FedEx and UPS are crazy expensive for civilians. Which leads to another option - do you know the people in your mail room and could you get a better rate through work?

[Rick in WNY]

As has been said... re-build the box to minimum dimensions, and pack it well.

Then take it to the PO and see what your options are. But, that is if you're set on shipping it to your painter. I would definitely find someone local... less chance of having it damaged in shipping either direction.

JMHO, YMMV

[Cam3512]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  I'm definitely going to have it done local, somewhere I can drive.