Shipping Skis?

**bossass** · 10-02-2006, 10:33 PM

Ok, so I just sent some Solly Gun Labs, 174cm's from Portland, OR to Boston. I realize this is as far across the US as you can go, but I was shocked that shipping was $30 (USPS priority). The skis had no bindings, were in a perfectly sized box, and the box was flat, so it didn't even really have four sides. Basically, they were packed as minimistically as possible.

What gives? Is there some cheaper shipping method I'm missing.

**cj001f** · 10-02-2006, 10:37 PM

USPS Parcel Post is usual $5 or so cheaper.

Big Daddies w/Looks $20 CA to WY

**pechelman** · 10-02-2006, 10:38 PM

ship it media mail?
say its some sort of tablet

**Blurred** · 10-02-2006, 10:38 PM

I heard shipping ANTS to CO is super uber cheap.

**72Twenty** · 10-02-2006, 10:40 PM

I sent some 193 Lines with bindings in a 4-side box to Boulder for $20. Granted Boulder is like 120 miles away and I sent them ground.

**BakerBoy** · 10-02-2006, 10:51 PM

Last time I shipped skis it was about $20 for skis only, and $45 for skis+bindings. I've tried USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and I swear everytime I get a quote for each one, it's different the next time. Last time I used USPS, and like I said, it was $20 from the WA to Jhole for a pair of 190cm Big Stix 106's.

**kidwoo** · 10-02-2006, 11:11 PM

Most business accounts with ups are way cheaper. I'm sure you know someone with one if you ask around.

Last pair of skis I shipped with bindings was <$20

**iggyskier** · 10-02-2006, 11:25 PM

I usually pay between $25 and $30 for USPS Priority mail. I've had it be lower before, but usually it is right around $28. I got a pair of skis to Finland for just about $50, and it only took about 10 days.

UPS and Fedex are usually more for me, in the low $30s. With bindings sometimes they push $40.

**davep** · 10-02-2006, 11:36 PM

For big/heavy items, the distance really makes a big difference. I just got a USPS quote for powder plusses with bindings (way heavy & big) from LA to SF, costs $15. Same thing across the country would be more like 40-50.

Whenever I've compared different shippers, USPS is always either cheapest or very close to cheapest - maybe there's not much you can do.

**Voltron** · 10-03-2006, 12:00 AM

I shipped a pair this morning, this is what I remember...

With USPS, combined girth and length greater than 84" but less than 108" automatically gets you bumped up to the "balloon rate" of 15 lbs. Add on the "non-machinable package" surcharge and you're starting around $15 for shipping an empty ski box and close to $25 for sending it coast-to-coast. Add on a few bucks for Priority and $30 sounds about right. Also shrinking down the box would've reduced your rate with UPS because they calculate using dimensional weight. In your case with USPS, you could've used a normal size ski box and it probably wouldn't have made any difference.

Bare bones USPS Parcel will almost always be cheaper than full service carriers like UPS or Fedex that include tracking, delivery confirmation, and insurance with every package. Start adding services to USPS and the prices start to even out.

**bossass** · 10-03-2006, 12:23 AM

I think distance is the culprit. Thanks.

**justcuz** · 10-03-2006, 06:09 AM

I just shipped bros from Michigan to Reno via Office Max DHL for $13. I've shipped skis from one side of the country to another for under $30 using DHL at office max.

**Daywalker** · 10-03-2006, 06:22 AM

I've used FedEx at $17 a pop (skis and bindings) for midwest to east or west shipping.

**The Dad** · 10-03-2006, 06:44 AM

I priced FedEx vs. UPS ground for Palo Alto to Boston environs last week -- low $30s including insurance for both, shipping from a business to a residence. The oversize bump really screws you.

**ulty_guy** · 10-03-2006, 07:14 AM

what is this a fukking guilt trip?

**cooltsi** · 10-03-2006, 07:45 AM

If you can keep it under 108" girth USPS is usually the cheapest as they don't go Oversized until then. Once you do they go expensive. Sometimes they hit me with a handling charge of around $3 that the online quote does not predict. 82" girth and above and fedex or UPS go oversized and at 108" they go oversize 2. DHL is about the same price as USPS but they have been mightly slow of late. I've heard greyhound, the bus company, is pretty reasonable and once a long time ago I had an exhaust system shipped for a car pretty reasonably.

**Ireallyliketoski2** · 10-03-2006, 08:43 AM

I shipped a pair of skis to utah for 18 dollars, with skins, granted they were carbon surfs so they were uber-lighway.

**kidwoo** · 10-03-2006, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by bossass

I think distance is the culprit. Thanks.

Find out where it starts to get cheaper and then hitchike there.

**Sensisnow** · 10-03-2006, 09:57 AM

I've always been able to ship skis/snowboards from midwest to just about anywhere for $20-$25. When using their online shipping just adjust the dimensions of your package by a couple of inches here and there until you are below their oversize package limit. While these dimensions are less than what the actual dimensions are, the shipping label will still list the correct weight. I've shipped around a dozen pairs of skis/snowboards using this method and never had UPS not deliver the package or charge me any extra.

BLOOD SWEAT STEEL · 10-03-2006, 10:25 AM

FYI for the ski shippers:

Even if you're not using FedEx to ship, go to your local dropoff (Kinko's, etc..) and ask them for some FedEx sleeves. They're about 90" long, heavy duty 6 mil plastic. I usually use three of them per pair when I ship, and they're bulletproof.

Since it's such a pain in the ass trying to package up skis, these work out perfect & fast everytime. If you're using UPS or USPS, just turn them inside out so the writing is on the inside.

**ljm** · 10-03-2006, 11:59 AM

DHL has been the cheapest I've found. Few weeks ago shipped skis/bindings from OR to So. Cal for $11. Not sure what cross country would end up being though.

**bda10889** · 10-03-2006, 02:26 PM

Just shipped a pair of 4FRNT MSP 180s today Fedex $20. FedEx Ground.

Originally Posted by bossass

Ok, so I just sent some Solly Gun Labs, 174cm's from Portland, OR to Boston. I realize this is as far across the US as you can go, but I was shocked that shipping was $30 (USPS priority). The skis had no bindings, were in a perfectly sized box, and the box was flat, so it didn't even really have four sides. Basically, they were packed as minimistically as possible.

What gives? Is there some cheaper shipping method I'm missing.