[R-390] Re: Shipping R-390s

[Barry Hauser]

Ted asked where to buy good cartons, Todd supplied a list of some packaging
sellers.  However, suppliers like U-Line, etc. generally require you to buy
a bale of 15 or usually 25 minimum and the bales of sizes needed for R-390's
and other similar sized boatanchors have to go truck freight -- they're not
UPS-able.

Here are some good choices:

-- Best is free.  You cannot buy cartons of the quality that some
merchandise comes in -- like large computer monitors, computer systems (not
just the CPU), certain appliances.  A lot of these have the hand-holes --
more about that below.  The computer, appliance, office supply chains --
usually toss out the cartons for display/demo items and pay to have trash
carted away, so, most are happy to give 'em to you, but you might have to
stop by a few times to catch the good ones before they're tossed.  You can
ask for them to set some aside.

-- UPS customer centers sell good doublewall cartons for reasonable prices.
I do not think these are available at UPS Stores.  They probably still have
the flimsy stuff they sold when they were Mailboxes Etc.  Another advantage
to the official UPS carton - -it says "UPS" on it and that might help in the
event of a claim.  There are a few UPS centers that do full blown foam in
place (not the little "baggies") for a reasonable price.  Don't bother
asking the 800 number reps -- they know nothing about them.  You'd have to
stop by and "reconnoiter".

-- U-Haul does have some good doublewall cartons, though the shape mght not
be ideal. Most of the cartons they sell are unsuitable.  (Singly ply,
lightweight, popout bottoms, intended for people packing and hand carrying
their own stuff to the rented truck.)  In addition, they advertise the
purpose of the box on the outside -- so it should make sense - like
"Appliance" or "TV-Electronics" or whatever -- not clothing, etc.

OK -- my 2 cents about hand-holes.  These can help avoid "manual droppage",
or can induce it, if the carton tears at the holes. Also, the center of
gravity may be off -- if it was a big monitor carton which is front-heavy
and the handle locations were offset from center.  If you are going to
preserve them -- best to reinforce with plenty of tape inside and out - -or
glue some cardboard on the inside, and then, make an indented seal out of
heavy poly so the box is sealed and it's more obvious that it's not intented
for a fork lift fork.  If in doubt, close up the handholes and seal up with
tape inside and out.

Barry



> Where do you guys purchase these cardboard boxes to ship these heavy R-390
> radios,  i need some new ones.
>
> thanks
>
> Fred
>     Here are some places that sell cardboard shipping boxes :
www.uline.com
> ,     www.centralpack.com , www.wholesalepackaging.com .     For packing
foam
> try this place :   www.foamorder.com     .  73 Todd WD4NGG
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