Anyone Have Experience Shipping Computers?

[Mountaineer]

We're planning to ship a computer to my grandmother.... Anyone have any ideas on the best way to pack it? I want it to get there in once piece, but don't want to pay a fortune.

[Good Companion]

I've shipped a computer and a monitor in two seperate boxes. The computer was packed in a computer case box with lots of styrofoam peanuts around it. It arrived safely.

The monitor was in a generic box with lots of peanuts and it was destroyed.

A couple thoughts. Get the insurance, in the event the box is drop kicked.

Also, ask about the shipping guidelines for computers. I shipped a laptop while arrived dead. When I went to get my $500 from UPS, they refused the claim because I did not have the requisite amount of padding in the box (x number of inches of padding).

Good Luck!

Dana

[Mountaineer]

Thanks, Dana.

Someone recommended having Mail Boxes Etc. pack it, then have someone else ship it since they're so expensive. FedEx said they'll ship it for something like $25. MUCH cheaper than I had anticipated....

Any ideas on cost of packing services from MBE or a similar place?

[Jarhed7276]

Mountaineer,

I shipped one from Texas to Okinawa, Japan. Like Dana I shipped it in the box the case came in. I shipped it in an upright position. When it was recieved the box was undamaged. However in transit it had been dropped. The weight of the HS/F pulled the CPU ( it was a P4 ) clean out of the socket breaking several pins in the process. It was insured but they denied the claim at first.
He appealed but after about six months they finally reimbursed him for the CPU but not the labor to have a new one installed.

In the future if I ship one I am going to ship it on its side with the motherboard on the bottom. I figure this way if it is dropped the weight of the HS/F wont pull the CPU off.

This was sent via the USPS as FedEx or UPS doesn't deliver to FPO adresses.

Gerry

[Mountaineer]

OUCH!

[RamonGTP]

I've shipped a couple and had a couple shipped two me... I've had 2 damaged, both were from having the HSF break off the socket tabs... My advise would be to remove the HSF before shipping if at all possible... As far as shipping on its side, well i'm not sure how much that will help, espicially since you have no way of knowing how they're going to be rotating the box.

[Mountaineer]

Originally posted by RamonGTP
I've shipped a couple and had a couple shipped two me... I've had 2 damaged, both were from having the HSF break off the socket tabs... My advise would be to remove the HSF before shipping if at all possible... As far as shipping on its side, well i'm not sure how much that will help, espicially since you have no way of knowing how they're going to be rotating the box.

Yes, I'm naive, but if you write "This side up" complete with arrows, will they pay any attention to it?

[Tazman]

See this first.

I have shipped computers all over the US and only had them damaged twice. The main thing is to insure it! The above computer was delivered in mid - April and the claim has yet to be settled. UPS settled with the standard $100 . Why?

The computer was shipped to me to upgrade (from Texas to NY) by UPS via a mom and pops shipping outlet / TV store. It was insured for $2000. The store never insured it for that amount - just took the money and pocketed it. The shipper wasn't smart enough to look over the receipt - ergo, he got $100 for a system that will cost $1500 to replace.

Tips:

- Put the computer in the original box, then in a over box that allows for 2" styrofoam on all sides.

- If the computer has a large heatsink, place plastic wrap inside the computer case (minding not to knock any capacitors, etc. off) to support the weight.

- Label the outside as fragile. Most times this will catch the attention of an unhappy shipping employee and they will punt it around a bit to feel better. So....

Insure, Insure, Insure (and look at your reciept BEFORE leaving.

Mike

[Mountaineer]

Holy cow! Did they THROW it from TX to NY?!

Hopefully I'll be able to find a box the right size. I don't have any old case boxes laying around, but I work in a store. We've got lots of boxes, and I might just be able to find one that's the right size.

[Tazman]

Holy cow! Did they THROW it from TX to NY?!

If you have a Staples close by you may find a box big enough there.

Mike