Shipping an Empty Hard Case?

[rogerbmiller]

Anyone have any experience shipping empty hard cases? I have an oversized HSC (18X 4.5X 50+) that I want to list for sale but I am not sure how to price the shipping and don't want to overcharge.

Compared to shipping a bass, would it be less to ship via UPS and FEDEX due to lesser weight or do those companies charge a flat fee for oversized packaging anyway?

Trying to figure out if this is worth doing. Appreciate the help.

Thanks.

[Caca de Kick]

I've shipped several....
Reguardless of no bass in it, the dimensional size automatically puts it at 'oversized' with 30lb minimum.
So in other words, it's going to cost the same as when shipping a bass in the case.

[eotpr]

If I remember correctly that was my experience too.

[M5Yates]

This may be the one time to use USPS.
As long as you are under their size limits, they only use weight to determine the shipping rate
- around $21 for 12 pounds.

[rogerbmiller]

Thanks folks. This is veyr helpful. Keep a lookout in the for sale forum if you need a case for a long and wide bass like a T Bird, or Flying Vee.

On that note, any suggestions about pricing? I gather these size cases are hard to find and mine is in good shape.

Thanks again.

Roger

[DeanT]

Most USPS offices will not take a package that size. Since it is empty it will not weight nearly as much as with a bass in it. UPS and FedEx go by size, so they'll mark it as 30 pounds automatically and oversize. Depending on where its going, I would think it would be about $35-$45 to ship in the US. Just a guess fom previous bass shipping experiences. Go on the UPS and FedEx web sites and click on Create a Shipment, then input the size and weight and you'll get a good indication of the cost.

[M5Yates]

Originally Posted by DeanT

Most USPS offices will not take a package that size.

Yes they will. The USPS max size for first class mail is 108 inches combined (length + girth) and that makes the volume weight 20 pounds. The standard Uline bass shipping box is 50x20x9. I gave you a link to their shipping calc with those dimensions already entered. I shipped a Precision by Overnight Mail last week for only $75.

[danomite64]

I've shipped several basses in cases via USPS, and the've all got to where they were going with no issues. UPS has been good, but they tend to be more expensive, and then there's that one time they left a 70's Ibanez Jazz on my porch for anybody to take.....

[Templar]

The USPS max size for first class mail is 108 inches combined (length + girth) and that makes the volume weight 20 pounds. The standard Uline bass shipping box is 50x20x9.

I use USPS and U-Line boxes. The boxes are nice, but when my postal agents put a tape measure on one, they invariably come up over 108 inches and will gleefully whack me with a hefty surcharge.

To avoid the surcharge I have to chop the box down a couple inches first. It's a royal PITA, but hey....

[lowbass68]

I have shipped a bunch of basses and several empty cases. Always uses UPSP, both Priority and parcel post. When I have a case that is questionable, I have boxed it and taken it to the post office to see what the shipping is BEFORE listing. I always use a west coast zip because that is the furtherest lower 48 state from me. The folks at my post office have no issues helping me out. Occasionally I have had a bass that is too big for Priority, but never had problems shipping parcel. I shipped a T-40 case to a fellow TB'er via parcel post with insurance and delivery conformation for around 27 bucks a month or so ago.