Shipping an Engine?

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:28 am

What is a reasonably cost effective way to ship a complete iron head FF engine "core" from a residence to a residence long distance (maybe coast to coast in the US)? Assume that at my end a lift gate would be needed (no working engine hoist).

Engine is currently in an open steel frame 31x22x26 and probably weighs around 250 lbs max (haven't weighed it yet) in the frame.

What about insurance for the actual sale price?

Thanks!

jeremy gast · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 12:27 pm

At work we have a pretty big discount and in state is $100 to a business. It generallys adds $50 for a home delivery. Depending on where they are it might be cheaper for them to pick it up at the terminal or have it delivered to a friends business of some sort.

If you get me some zipcodes I will see what I can for you with shipping it from work.

We use R&L carriers

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:17 pm

jeremy gast wrote:

At work we have a pretty big discount and in state is $100 to a business. It generallys adds $50 for a home delivery. Depending on where they are it might be cheaper for them to pick it up at the terminal or have it delivered to a friends business of some sort.

If you get me some zipcodes I will see what I can for you with shipping it from work.

We use R&L carriers

Jeremy,

Try 93555. Weight 245 lbs including the open frame steel crate which has facility for forklift forks above the engine. Insured value max $1000 . . . probably and then only if the engine is worth more than I suspect. Assume terminal delivery at this point.

Really appreciate your help!

Dick

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:32 pm

I semi-regularly ship Porsche transmissions using FedEx. But they weigh much less (100-130 lbs) as they are small and aluminum and/or magnesium. I bag and strap them to a home-made mini pallet and costs is about $100-120 coast to coast including insurance in the $1.5K range.

Richard

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 5:03 pm

Richard Casto wrote:

I semi-regularly ship Porsche transmissions using FedEx. But they weigh much less (100-130 lbs) as they are small and aluminum and/or magnesium. I bag and strap them to a home-made mini pallet and costs is about $100-120 coast to coast including insurance in the $1.5K range.

Richard

Richard do you take them to FedEx?

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 8:07 am

DickRasmussen wrote:

Richard Casto wrote:

I semi-regularly ship Porsche transmissions using FedEx. But they weigh much less (100-130 lbs) as they are small and aluminum and/or magnesium. I bag and strap them to a home-made mini pallet and costs is about $100-120 coast to coast including insurance in the $1.5K range.

Richard

Richard do you take them to FedEx?

I did. I have a FedEx shipping location (not one of the FedEx/Kinkos) near me. Depending upon who I deal with at the front counter they can be grumpy about it but it fits their shipping specs. I can't remember the details of those spec, but this doc talks to shipping car parts...

http://images.fedex.com/us/packaging/gu ... _fxcom.pdf

I am sure their is some upper limit on weight and size that moves it from their normal service into some type of freight service.

Richard

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 4:31 pm

Richard, help me visualize this...is it strapped to a pallet, then wrapped in plastic? In a box with styrofoam?

I have been harboring a dream for Rebello to rebuild the stock 2.4 liter in my Z, but never got the shipping thing figured out (they are inCA) due to distractions, work, family, etc.

Thanks!

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 5:03 pm

Steven Carter wrote:

Richard, help me visualize this...is it strapped to a pallet, then wrapped in plastic? In a box with styrofoam?

I have been harboring a dream for Rebello to rebuild the stock 2.4 liter in my Z, but never got the shipping thing figured out (they are inCA) due to distractions, work, family, etc.

Thanks!

I have a photo, but don't have access to it right this moment. I may try to post it this weekend.

So the transmission is clearly empty of fluid first. FedEx wants it dry. I create a small "pallet" that might be like 16 x 32 or so. That is usually just 1/2" plywood with maybe three 1x1 screwed to the bottom. This likely does not fit strict "forklift rules" but it does allow someone to grab it and lift it easily. And with the right spacing could work with a forklift. Anyhow, I then have some large and thick (8 mil) poly bags (in bulk from U-line) that I used to put the transmission in. But you could also just use that stretch wrap stuff (sourced at any shipping store) if you don't have a bag (likely not). Even then I tend to use the stretch wrap to hold in place cardboard "bumpers" in strategic places. Such as spots that might stick out and get banged, or areas that a strap will rub if not protected. I might also screw in a few small custom bits of wood (usually 2x4) to the pallet to help "fence in" the transmission to keep it from sliding around. I also have some strapping stuff (bought a kit from U-line) and I run about 3-4 straps over the transmission and through holes in the pallet. Tighten it all down good and it is ready to ship. No box or cover (I am sure a crate would be better). FedEx has a special label that they can affix to the straps, or you can just tape something on.

Richard

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 5:09 pm

FYI someone on a formula car forum (ApexSpeed) recommended this company: http://www.pplusglobal.com/
I called this morning and the pricing for coast to coast including "real" insurance was just under $350 with residential pickup. Pickup or delivery in a business, including say a Walmart parking lot would be less expensive.

FYI the "carrier" insurance is very low payout for used engines. See this thread for excellent info from a guy who makes his living at dealing with freight claims. Scary how little the carrier insurance normally pays. http://apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65403

Also this thread which is linked in the first thread: http://apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65403

FYI: The contact at Performance Plus told me that my open crate should be strapped to a normal pallet and then a thick plywood box built around the frame. He also sent pictures of a proven wooden crate design (they ship a lot of high dollar engines including Nascar!)

Steve, you might want to discuss with Rebello whether they need/want your engine versus using parts they have and you selling locally. Also, many of the race engine builders will ship a special crate to you for you to ship your engine to them. You might check with Rebello.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 5:15 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

FYI someone on a formula car forum (ApexSpeed) recommended this company: http://www.pplusglobal.com/
I called this morning and the pricing for coast to coast including "real" insurance was just under $350 with residential pickup. Pickup or delivery in a business, including say a Walmart parking lot would be less expensive.

Given the door to door delivery, weight and size, that seems reasonable to me. I am sure we would all over it to be less.

Richard

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:35 pm

Richard Casto wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

FYI someone on a formula car forum (ApexSpeed) recommended this company: http://www.pplusglobal.com/
I called this morning and the pricing for coast to coast including "real" insurance was just under $350 with residential pickup. Pickup or delivery in a business, including say a Walmart parking lot would be less expensive.

Given the door to door delivery, weight and size, that seems reasonable to me. I am sure we would all over it to be less.

Richard

True. Mine is over the FedEx/UPS parcel limit weight. The quote I got assumes pickup at my house and delivery to a business/or business parking lot. Shipping to Ohio would be about $100 less (I have a potential buyer there also but he seems inclined to come get the engine or maybe meet somewhere if practical.

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