How to ship an oversize guitar from New York to Sydney for less than US$200 ?

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Clarification of Question by lll-ga on 02 Aug 2002 00:50 PDT

The properly packed guitar exceeds the dimensional weight limits at
USPS.
Most couriers ( FEDEX,UPS,etc.) quoted way too much. The ideal
solution would be to find someone, who for a fee would carry it over
as a personal luggage.
thanks

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 02 Aug 2002 02:41 PDT

Hi lll

I asked a friend about the dimensions of his guitar.
UPS didn't have a problem with them. But I did do a 
double-take when I saw the price of over $350.
Modifying the size and weight do not affect the
overall price by much. What is the size/weight
of your package? Including adequate padding please.

Without calling customer support lines (it's 2:30am)
I might have a suggestion that would help with 
the cost. How about offering accommodations in
your package you are shipping? You'll probably
have extra room around the guitar neck for a
small item. So you could take out an ad in
the local paper and say something like:

'Need to ship something to Sydney? Is it small?
Mortified by the cost of shipping? Why not catch
a ride in my shipment. Cost will vary according
to size/weight.'

maybe this will help til one of us
can find you an alternative...
-AI


UPS quick cost calc:
[ http://wwwapps.ups.com/servlet/QCCServlet ]

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Clarification of Question by lll-ga on 03 Aug 2002 08:44 PDT

Hi alien,

unfortunately this one is a bass (Fender Jazz `92), and  to make the
case even more difficoult, I am in Sydney, and the guitar is with a
friend in New York. He tried to post it, but USPS didn`t take it
because of the size. I`ll try to get  the exact measures. To find
someone who would carry it as a personal luggage would save me some
hassle with the customs too, although me too, would think twice to
take on something like this.
thanks
lll

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 31 Aug 2002 22:09 PDT

Hi lll...

Did you ever get a solution to your shipping
problem? 

Your question is about to expire, you might
want to consider reposting. We have acquired
new researchers since you asked initially.
Maybe the new blood can help out, if you still
need an answer.

thanks
-AI

If you do find a way to ship your guitar, make sure the strings are
loosened (or removed) before packing to avoid damage.

Check with the major airlines that travel the NY to Syndney route.  I
am sure almost all do.  Then call the various airline's freight
transit departments and ask about shipping rates.  Almost all major
airlines take on freight shipment when there is room inthe aircraft. 
You will likley not be able to selelct he specific flight, as they
will fit it in when they can.  However, you can request that the
freight forwarding office call you and notify you that you have a
shipment.  I don't know if this will be any cheaper than going
UPS/FedEx, but its worth a shot

cheers
E

edrox,
This sounds promising, I`ll look around and let you know!!
thanks

Hi,

I found an airfreight company, it is cheaper, but the price
alltogether (with all duties) is around US$250, and they might put
custom on the guitar, so, I might just wait a bit more, until someone
does me a personal favour. THanks for all the help, anyway!!

ll

Hi,

I found an airfreight company, it is cheaper, but the price
alltogether (with all duties) is around US$250, and they might put
custom on the guitar, so, I might just wait a bit more, until someone
does me a personal favour. THanks for all the help, anyway!!

ll