Crazy shipping costs! Any less expensive ways to ship a scrollsaw across the country?

[MarylandScroller]

I was looking at ways to ship a scrollsaw from the East Coast to the West coast and I was surprised how much it would cost.

The 50 pound saw was $120 to ship.  The separate motor was another $110.  I checked with UPS Ground, FedEx Ground and Yellow Freight (YRC).

These prices seem awfully high to me.  Is there a better way to ship?  Is any of this related to the current pandemic situation?  I know there are staff (and vehicle) shortages in certain industries.

 

-Alan

[OCtoolguy]

Fuel costs are causing high shipping costs. Along with trucker shortage. Might I ask why you want to ship it and what brand of saw it is? Unless it's one of the top end saws it would be better just to sell it if you can. 

[kmmcrafts]

For larger heavier items if there is a Greyhound bus line or Fastenal company nearby both ship from and ship too places.. then that would most likely be the best shipping price.. Otherwise you're stuck with more expensive options you mentioned.. 

[dgman]

Unfortunately the average person always pays top dollar. I paid $150 shipping for my new Laguna band saw from W.V. to Souther Ca. Through Woodcraft. I’m sure if I shipped it, it would of cost over $300.

[barb.j.enders]

Also try ltl (less than load) shipping with a freight company.   Or check in with the home moving companies.  They may take it but it might take a little longer as they wait until they have a full load.

[BadBob]

Try Pirate Ship. I don't know if they will work with that large a package but they are a lot cheaper.

[rash_powder]

Check with a local truck broker or shipper that isn't a commercial name (UPS, FEDEX, etc.).  Locally we have Midnight Motor Express or MME.  They haul stuff, but aren't a UPS type outfit.  Truck broker's are the people who work out the logistics to get things from here to there and know whos going where when.  

Its worth a shot.

[crupiea]

Couple factors working here.  

The size of the box can bump you into a higher price as well as the size. 

Look at the dimensions for the box.  plug those into pirateship , trustworthy shipping site many people use. 

It will show you the prices. Around $60 to $80 on that site.  You need to pack the item into as small a box as possible.  Then measure and remeasure the dimensions. The size of the box can bump you into the higher prices sometimes faster than the weight.  

Dont use shipping services like the shipping store, they will gouge you.  You can pack a box yourself and print a label.  Its easy. 

You can print the label right at home and drop the box off at your local place like office depot or wherever.  It wil tell you the locations. 

Edited February 2, 2022 by crupiea

[CSull]

I had a issue similar to this a few years back.  My Dad's old heavy tools needed to come from Maine to here in Montana.  I called a moving company (Allied I think) and they placed it on a truck heading here.  It took longer but it was a quarter of the price.  I met the truck at a stop on I90 near here and brought the tools home.