Shipping an engine

[Biba69]

I need to have a detailed (running) 4-cylinder engine shipped to me within the US. What is the best method of crating (I've heard on a half of a pallet, then strapped down) and who do you recommend as a shipper? Care of the engine is first, price second.

Biba

[Geezer]

I've shipped several engines. Be sure that the engine is drained of all fluids. Securely strap the properly supported engine to a sturdy pallet. I don't think that there is a better trucking co for shipping engines. Your best assurance that the engine will arrive safely is to strap down the engine so that there is no way that it will move.

Another bit of advise is to fully insure the engine. The goons that handle the freight have absolutely no respect for the cargo.

That being said; I recieve and ship 100's of engines each year and most get to their destination unharmed. When there is damage in transit the trucking co will do anything to avoid responsibility. If possible photograph the engine when it is picked up and thouroughlly inspect the engine upon arrival before accepting the engine. If there is any damage, photograph the damage in the presence of the driver and document the damage on the weighbill.

With a little care in packaging the engine should arrive unharmed.

[Biba69]

Mr. Geezer, thank you for this information. An initial shipper wanted the engine totally crated, then delivered to them. Neither is an option. The engine will be going from and to a business address. In this case the engine will be shipped from the Northwest to So. Cal. Do you have any recommendations as to who you've had the least (preferably none) problems with?

Biba

[Geezer]

It's been awhile since I have shipped anything in Cal but you might give SAIA a call. I used them to bring in class 8 truck transmissions & axles from Cal to Las Vegas. The rates were reasonable and they delivered with everything intact. You really do need to strap the engine to a pallet. The trucking co will handle something like that with a forklift. Without a pallet the engine will be damaged.

[classicalfas]

I shipped a motor from NJ to a fellow BBer in CA. First get a good pallet and put the motor on it, then get some smaller boards , maybe 1/2 x 2" of various lengths and angle and block them to sure up the motor on both sides. I wedged the wood under the intake and exhaust studs then screwed the other end to the pallet, tap the wood with a mallet so there is absolutely no movement at all. This way one side holds up the other and the motor will become very secure. Then strap it or shrink wrap it. For shipping I used UPS freight. They initially charged $669 but since I were a first time user with their freight service they game me a %50 discount which I then passed onto the BBer. They came to pick up the motor and it was off to Cali. It was so easy and it was received in perfect condition. Good luck, Peter.