Shipping a Transmission

[ddub]

I am looking for advice and recommendations on having a transmission shipped from the east coast to WA state. I's sure some of you have experience that would be helpful.

[64studeavanti]

Do not know about trans, but I had an engine shipped from Reno to Tampa via LTL for $300 a few years ago.

[2R5]

Strap it on a skid and take it too a trucking company . Drain all oil out of it or they will charge you extra .

[rockne10]

As Bob said; totally drain it. Perforated steel banding makes it easy to secure it to a small skid.
Call trucking companies for pricing; ask if they do pickup, or if you need to take it to them. And let them know if a liftgate is required.
If you can surround the whole thing with a sturdy frame they will be able to stack it better in their truck, which they will appreciate.
I once shipped an entire Rockne engine, transmission and a stack of Antique Studebaker Reviews from Pennsylvania to Norway.
The trucking company got it from Pennsylvania to the freighter dock in Fort Lauderdale. The ocean journey was arranged by the receiver in Norway.

[PackardV8]

It must be a rare and valuable transmission to be worth the cost of shipping transcontinentally. Consider putting out a WTB here and maybe the same one is available in the northwest.

FWIW, I've shipped several transmissions and found it more cost-effective to build a crate of chipboard with solid 2"x12" ends. Band with steel banding.

There are freight brokers, but I've found better prices directly from trucking company websites.

jack vines

[garyash]

Best rates are terminal-to-terminal via one trucking line. As mentioned above, a very solid wood crate should be used with the transmission, enclosed in a plastic bag so it won’t drip any leftover oil, solidly bolted down inside. Crate build should allow other crates to be stacked on top, better rates, and forklift tines to go underneath, about 3” clearance. Make a frame from 2”x3” lumber, cover with 3/8” plywood.
Use deck screws, not nails, for assembly. Declare the contents as “used auto parts” to stay in low rate group. You will probably wind up paying for volume, not weight. Freight companies charge lots extra for pickup and delivery to homes and even more for liftgate service. At the terminal, they will use a forklift from your vehicle, if needed, at no charge but will not allow an employee to help lift by hand. But, for you to lift and move crate, heavy rope handles at each end will let two humans move the crate and lift. See if YRC Freight has terminals near each end of your route - they do have a terminal in Tacoma, WA. I shipped a complete engine, bell housing, and drive shaft from Mass. to Nebraska for $190 following this procedure.

[Guido]

I think I would find a sturdy rubber/plastic tub about the same size, put a thin piece of plywood on the bottom, wrap the transmission in a heavy plastic and put it in the tub. Spray foam insulation around it, put the lid on top and tightly seal it. Ship via Greyhound, Fastenal or UPS/Fed Ex.

[studerex]

Look into fastenal shipping.

[ddub]

Good ideas, thanks to all.

[Silverplate]

We shipped an automatic transmission last year and a local Chevy allowed us use a transmission shipping container, fiberglass like case made to pieces and strapped together. We have since bought a new Chevy transmission and one of our own.

[packard352]

It must be a rare and valuable transmission to be worth the cost of shipping transcontinentally. Consider putting out a WTB here and maybe the same one is available in the northwest.

FWIW, I've shipped several transmissions and found it more cost-effective to build a crate of chipboard with solid 2"x12" ends. Band with steel banding.

There are freight brokers, but I've found better prices directly from trucking company websites.

jack vines

I bought a Packard 352 from Jack for my 56J and I still have his crate, which has a Packard 320 and a spare Ultramatic gearbox inside it; must’ve 10 years plus and still holding up.

If put some sturdy castors under each corner so I can move the crate around (with some help!)