I advertised a 3 hp outboard dingy motor here in the classiifieds and it sold within days. Its a good little motor, priced fairly, and the buyer is looking forward to having it shipped to him. My question is about shipping rules, I know I could call UPS or the Post office but seeing how its one of there busiest days I thought I would ask you folks. Have you ever shipped a small outboard? Besides draining the fuel what are the rules? Do I have to declare it as a possible hazard or just box it carefully and ship it. Thanks and thank you Phil for the free classified site. Jack
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remove all fluids
I have shipped motorcycle and pwc engines via the U.S. Post office. I removed all fluids, which in the case of a 2 stroke outboard is probably just fuel, unless it carries oil separate from the fuel. I'd also wrap it in a heavy gauge garbage bags and tape it closed. Then I'd pack it better than you would most other stuff. The post office can be pretty rough on the stuff they ship. Anything with sharp edges and weight have the tendency to poke though the box during transport and handling.
I have shipped motorcycle and pwc engines via the U.S. Post office. I removed all fluids, which in the case of a 2 stroke outboard is probably just fuel, unless it carries oil separate from the fuel. I'd also wrap it in a heavy gauge garbage bags and tape it closed. Then I'd pack it better than you would most other stuff. The post office can be pretty rough on the stuff they ship. Anything with sharp edges and weight have the tendency to poke though the box during transport and handling.
Advice
The best deal on earth is the 14x18x2 inch USPS box, in which you can ship anything of any weight (!) for $8.10 as long as you can cram it in the box. This is no good for outboards but great to know for those who ship other stuff. I had to send out 90 family histories for Christmas, and the box was a godsend. Merry.
The best deal on earth is the 14x18x2 inch USPS box, in which you can ship anything of any weight (!) for $8.10 as long as you can cram it in the box. This is no good for outboards but great to know for those who ship other stuff. I had to send out 90 family histories for Christmas, and the box was a godsend. Merry.
Try Greyhound......
I have shipped car seats, doors, even a hood across the country for like 50 dollars an item. Just wrap it really good cause they put it in the belly bin on the bus. FedEx Freight and UPS freight are probably the most expensive.
I have shipped car seats, doors, even a hood across the country for like 50 dollars an item. Just wrap it really good cause they put it in the belly bin on the bus. FedEx Freight and UPS freight are probably the most expensive.
A 2 stroke engine is a hot commodity.
They sell real quick. Go to West Marine or Boaters World and ask if you can have an empty box and molded foam to one of their display outboards. If they have not already thrown them away they may accomodate you.
They sell real quick. Go to West Marine or Boaters World and ask if you can have an empty box and molded foam to one of their display outboards. If they have not already thrown them away they may accomodate you.
I shipped a very heavy lawnmower via Fed Ex
All the gas was removed and it was packed in a box. It was the most reasonable method of shipment.
All the gas was removed and it was packed in a box. It was the most reasonable method of shipment.
remove ALL fluids
remove all fluids. this will include gas and oil. Don't forget the lower unit oil. Be sure to drain it also. Also make sure the new owner understands that they will need to refill all fluids drained. Worst case is the shipping company can hold you responsible for any slips (in the event there was one) EVEN if it is not your fault. The total weight and distance shipped will determine who you should ship with. freigth will be the most costly depending on what services you want such as terminal delivery and pick up or residential delivery etc etc. If under 100 pound you might want to consider some of the larger carriers 2 and 3 day services. Both fed ex and ups offer these lower cost servces.the bus was also a good suggestion but will require you to drop it off and for your purchaser to pick it up. reguardless of who you use package it better then the factory ! ! !
remove all fluids. this will include gas and oil. Don't forget the lower unit oil. Be sure to drain it also. Also make sure the new owner understands that they will need to refill all fluids drained. Worst case is the shipping company can hold you responsible for any slips (in the event there was one) EVEN if it is not your fault. The total weight and distance shipped will determine who you should ship with. freigth will be the most costly depending on what services you want such as terminal delivery and pick up or residential delivery etc etc. If under 100 pound you might want to consider some of the larger carriers 2 and 3 day services. Both fed ex and ups offer these lower cost servces.the bus was also a good suggestion but will require you to drop it off and for your purchaser to pick it up. reguardless of who you use package it better then the factory ! ! !
Great ideas, I'm glad I asked
Thanks for the great ideas. Shipping by Greyhound, who knew? Of coarse I would insure the heck out of it and the motor would arrive at the destination the next day. I also like Bennys idea of getting a box from West Marine, they have always been so helpful. Many thanks for the great ideas, As we say in Florida,Texas or California Feliz Navidad Jack
Thanks for the great ideas. Shipping by Greyhound, who knew? Of coarse I would insure the heck out of it and the motor would arrive at the destination the next day. I also like Bennys idea of getting a box from West Marine, they have always been so helpful. Many thanks for the great ideas, As we say in Florida,Texas or California Feliz Navidad Jack
Box it carefully
Remember to box and PAD the motor carefully along with the other advice already given about fluids. What most people may not realize is a delivery person(I used to be one)is STILL liable to put the heaviest part of the package down on the ground first-and not always too gently! In this case, the cowling is at risk. My 4hp 4stroke came to me damaged and ups never made good on it(there was insurance and instead of assesing the problem, they shipped it back to Texas to the original shipper!). I spent a lot of time finally re-glassing the cowl and fabricating a piece that had been completely broken on the cowlafter the shipper sent it back to me again in a time span covering 3 months.
Remember to box and PAD the motor carefully along with the other advice already given about fluids. What most people may not realize is a delivery person(I used to be one)is STILL liable to put the heaviest part of the package down on the ground first-and not always too gently! In this case, the cowling is at risk. My 4hp 4stroke came to me damaged and ups never made good on it(there was insurance and instead of assesing the problem, they shipped it back to Texas to the original shipper!). I spent a lot of time finally re-glassing the cowl and fabricating a piece that had been completely broken on the cowlafter the shipper sent it back to me again in a time span covering 3 months.
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