Shipping parts on the cheap

WreckITFrank

Technical Excellence Contributor
Shipping guide for cheap and safe shipping of parts.
I created this as I know some folks struggle to ship. Here is a quick guide of how to send parts safe and cheap.

USPS is my usual go to for smaller stuff. Regional Rate and Flat Rate have saved me a ton.

Regional Rate Boxes

Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A - Side Loading
Outside Dimensions: 11 1⁄16″ × 2 ½″ × 13 1⁄16″
Maximum Weight: 15 lbs

Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A - Top Loading
Outside Dimensions: 10 ⅛″ × 7 ⅛″ × 5″
Maximum Weight: 15 lbs

Priority Mail Regional Rate Box B - Side Loading
Outside Dimensions: 14 ½″ × 3″ × 16 ¼″
Maximum Weight: 20 lbs

Priority Mail Regional Rate Box B - Top Loading
Outside Dimensions: 12 ¼″ × 10 1⁄2″ × 5 ½″
Maximum Weight: 20 lbs

9338


Domestic Zone Chart (https://postcalc.usps.com/domesticzonechart)

Flat Rate Boxes

Small Flat Rate Box
$7.90 at Post Office (retail & online)
Outside: 8 11/16" x 5 7/16" x 1 3/4"
Inside: 8 5/8" x 5 3/8" x 1 5/8" Brochures

Medium Flat Rate Box – 1
$14.35 at Post Office (retail & online)
Outside: 11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6"
Inside: 11" x 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Office

Medium Flat Rate Box – 2
$14.35 at Post Office (retail & online)
Outside: 14" x 12" x 3 1/2"
Inside: 13 5/8" x 11 7/8" x 3 3/8" Office

Large Flat Rate Box
$19.95 at Post Office (retail & online)
Outside: 12 1/4" x 12 1/4" x 6"
Inside: 12" x 12" x 5 1/2"

*Flat Rate and Regional Rate boxes are shipped to your door for FREE! https://store.usps.com/store/home

Large/Heavy Packages

www.parcelmonkey.com
I've been using Parcelmonkey to ship most of my large and heavy stuff that is not big enough for a pallet, but is generally too big and/or heavy for USPS. Basically they are a shipping broker that uses various services to find the best price. 99% of the time the best price is Fedex drop off. Generally about 20-30% cheaper than UPS or Fedex.

http://www.shipgreyhound.com
Greyhound freight is a decent and cheap option. They are generally not very fast, and they don't have real time tracking, but I've never lost a package. They are cheaper than Fedex and UPS and I have shipped brushbars, doors, and a few other things. They will ship door to door but cheaper to just use terminal to terminal. Package the parts well and they will generally get there in good shape.

https://www.fastenal.com/en/22/blue-lane-freight-3pl-(third-party-logistics)
Fastenal is an ok option for large things and pallets, especially if there is one local. I will note that their insurance policy (or lack of) is garbage, so make sure you have some sort of 3rd party insurance. The chain also breaks somewhere in the midwest, so I don't believe you can ship from coast to coast.

Freight/Pallets

https://freightquote.com (CH Robsinson)
Just used this for the first time but really blew Fastenal out of the water in terms of price and service. The interface is dead simple, and you can customize the shipment to any size, weight, or configuration. You can also choose lift gate service if you don't have a dock or lift, and can schedule special pickup/drop times as well. They are a broker service that lets you choose from quite a few shippers and prices at the click of a button. I used Fedex freight as an option and saved almost 50% of the price that was offered direct from Fedex.

Feel free to add any more and I can update the OP.
 
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