Advise needed about shipping tool chests

[Shelbylex]

Good morning.
I am trying to buy an old toolbox. Approximately 23"x13"x10". The weight is around 49.5lb.
What would be the least expensive way to ship it? I am looking for the shipping across multiple states.
What is the best way to pack the toolboxes to avoid dents if the postal carrier drops it? (or it is usually not a problem and a regular cardboard box will do well?)

I would greatly appreciate the advise (or share your experience with specific carrier to use or avoid)

Thank you

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I've never shipped a toolbox, but I've shipped large and fragile stuff like subwoofers (and I'm talking some very large and heavy subwoofers) and heavy rack equipment like power supplies and battery backups (UPS). What I like to do is always double box stuff with padding in each box. I like to have one box with bubble wrap and the other with some sort of foam if possible, but if not then I do bubble wrap in both boxes. And I always pose the thought question to myself, "If I were to hold this package chest high and drop it onto concrete, would it damage the item?" and obviously I have to think that it would not cause a problem for me to be comfortable with it.

For larger boxes, I tend to buy them from Home Depot, who also have packing material. Buying it there is way cheaper than buying from Staples or similar. You can probably get bubble wrap online cheaper than HD. But you probably won't find boxes for a better price (if you do, please let me know haha). To buy a lot of boxes you could buy from U-Line but for one box they'll kill the deal with shipping costs.

For shipping rates, I always just compare USPS, UPS, FedEx. I used to check DHL when they had ground services here also. I haven't shipped anything large and heavy lately but I used to find Fedex prices to be cheaper than UPS a few years ago. Not sure if still the case.

Lot of people will tell you to avoid specific carriers, but I think the issues that most people have with any carrier are possible to have with... well, any carrier.

 

[SeisMec]

I concur with Tux, but will add that it will not hurt to prominently mark the exterior of the box with the words FRAGILE - LIQUID IN GLASS.

 

[nutjob]

When shipping something like this I use the cardboard edges around all edges. This looks like angle iron but stiff cardboard.

I might cut plywood for the top and bottom a bit bigger to leave room for the high density form I cut to fit. Gotta watch the weight, UPS charges extra fees at certain weights, I think it is 50lbs and than 70lbs.

Wrap with the double layer heavy duty cardboard with 2-3 layers. You can get the medium and large heavy duty boxes at Home Depot.

Bubble wrap is surprisingly inexpensive on Ebay.

Or, just build a plywood box, wrap in bubble wrap, wrap ply in cardboard. UPS charges extra for wood boxes if not covered.

The most important thing is to make sure the item does not move around inside the packaging.

Kevin

 

[driftpin]

Go to an appliance outlet and see if you can recycle some of their cardboard pieces. The rigid L-angle cardboard mentioned is a good way to protect the perimeter. You can tape it in-place, or buy some of the inexpensive 4-pack of Harbor Freight ratcheting packing straps, and use them to hold everything securely, then have a box around that.

Sometimes I use a hot-glue gun to make some cardboard pieces into boxes to fit whatever space is left to fill, in the larger box. Using some high-expansion foam in cans is another way you can foam something in-place. Make sure that you entirely cover the chest with visqueen, a heavy-duty contractor's bag, or similar, before you start shooting foam. Remember, you can always add more-foam. Spray some, see how it fills/sets, add more if you need it.

 

[nutjob]

Get the 4” rolls of stretch wrap at HD. Super handy for shipping to hold stuff in place. I use a bunch of it around the house

Kevin

 

[CGarage]

Wrapped in a shipping blanket. The doors all taped shut with blue painters tape. And double boxed. Big emphasis on double boxed. By someone who is responsible and not an idiot.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate it.
I spoke to the seller - unfortunately the best I could get is delivery to the post office. I spoke to UPS today - they offered the best price between UPS and Fed Ex (the seller lives near both locations). UPS was a better deal as packaging with the box and bubble wrap was much less expensive than FedEx. Keeping my fingers crossed - it is always easier to just pay money and pick up the product than mail a payment to unknown person and have the box delivered. I know, I am risking the money, but it's my only choice.
I will try to add the details you advise like corners and double box when the box makes it to the post office (hopefully the seller does not back out...)