Tips on shipping a 4x12?

[Gaz]

I have to ship a 4x12 I've sold, and have never shipped one before. It's loaded with speakers, closed back, and has grill cloth (opposed to a metal grill).

When I've shipped amps, I've wrapped in bubble-wrap, boxed it, then double-boxed in a bigger box filled with packing peanuts. It's very protective, but don't know if it's overkill for a cab, making for a very large and expensive package.

If you guys have any experience I'd love to get some tips on packing, and maybe the cheapest carrier for a box this big. Please no arguing about Fedex vs. UPS. Frankly, they all suck

Thanks!

[Reeltarded]

Freight. Cheap. Bus? Cheap. Packing is a problem. Cardboard and plastic sheet wrap. Plastic outside.

[Cantplay]

Never shipped a 4-12, but I ship similar sized items

First wrap it all in cling film.

Then cut a piece of Masonite or thin ply to cover the baffle and protect the grill cloth and drivers from any poke through.

Get a handful of 'cardboard corners' from Uline and wrap these to every edge.

Strap it to a pallet, and call the freight company. Get the bill of lading marked "Do Not Double Stack" This means no other boxes or skids can be placed on top of yours.

Make sure to pay for insurance at whatever the value is.

I've also found that prepaid freight is about 40% less than freight collect.

John

[Reeltarded]

True dat and face down, yo.

[cbass]

Dude ,you been hangin out with to many rappers.Yo

[Reeltarded]

Yeah. If you find yourself using the word "what" punctuated by a period..

[cbass]

I thought you had to say what twice like .WHAT.WHAT.YEAAA

GEt some sleep you look tired

[Reeltarded]

Yeah, feelin' it. Been up all night in misery over what to do today when I wake up from sleeping last night. Oh well.

[cbass]

Its ok I have nightmares about the house I'm working on, then I wake up and realize they are all true.

[SeanF]

I always go with a trucking company if I can. They'll palletize it, stretch wrap it, laying down, top-load only, etc.; I've never had one damaged that way. The only down side is that they have to deliver to a commercial location, but the buyer can usually have it dropped at a local packing store for $5.00 or so. I always used AAA Cooper. They'd get it across the country with no damage in a few days (or less) for about $100.00.

[Scumback Speakers]

If you can't find a 4x12 box, find a store that sells ULINE boxes, and get one of these: S-4457 36 x 36 x 18"

http://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDet ... rHistory=Y

Then go to Home Depot, and get two sheets of the 1.5" thick Insulfoam, in the 4x8 foot size.

You'll have to cut it to fit, but you'll have enough packing to properly wedge it in the box, if you wrap the cab in a plastic bag, or use an amp cover (what I use for new cabs) to put it in.

Cost around $45 with a roll of 2" tape to put on all outside edges of the box. Then the box slides easily and doesn't catch on other boxes/objects as much.

Shipped a bunch of cabs (over 300 in the last three years) and never had a damage claim.

[Milkmansound]

Instapak RT #45 bags

expensive, fun to use, and VERY good for packing up amps

[Gaz]

If you can't find a 4x12 box, find a store that sells ULINE boxes, and get one of these: S-4457 36 x 36 x 18"

http://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDet ... rHistory=Y

Then go to Home Depot, and get two sheets of the 1.5" thick Insulfoam, in the 4x8 foot size.

You'll have to cut it to fit, but you'll have enough packing to properly wedge it in the box, if you wrap the cab in a plastic bag, or use an amp cover (what I use for new cabs) to put it in.

Cost around $45 with a roll of 2" tape to put on all outside edges of the box. Then the box slides easily and doesn't catch on other boxes/objects as much.

Shipped a bunch of cabs (over 300 in the last three years) and never had a damage claim.

Thanks a lot, everyone. And Jim, I really appreciate you chiming in - I know you have a lot of experience shipping cabs. I actually found the tutorial you posted on TGP, and that was really helpful.

I know you've had little to no issues with your method, but my only concern is that with a 36x36x18" box there is less than 3" on the front and back (with a typical 14" deep cab), and that doesn't meet the Fedex guidelines. In fact, they say it should be a double-walled box too or double-boxed.

I was wondering if you used Fedex domestically, and if you've ever had to file a claim using your method. I'm sure, however, they'd be a lot nicer to you seeing as you give them a lot of money each month.

I'm thinking I may go with the 36x36x24" box, and cut it down a little so I can get the 3" on all sides, but it seems so stupid to do that considering your track record. But then there's always Murphy's Law lurking where you least expect it....

[MGW]

In this case, Murphy's Law is going to come in the form of a fork lift and 3 inches probably isn't gonna matter. Good luck to you either way.

[selloutrr]

Don't use an airlines to ship it the last time I did.. Some yeti used it as a step ladder and broke the structural brace on the grill.

As said wrapping it is good, cover over the grill if possible.

Go to the local music store and ask about buying a box from another 4x12 if its a standard sized cabinet. The box should be heavy cardboard and possibly have foam corner support. Fragile!!! This side up!! Not a step!!!


The best you can do it take lots of pictures pre shipping, over insure it $$$, and wish it luck. The longer it is out on shipping the more it runs the chance of damage.

If its a cabinet of value. Ship it in a wooden crate or ATA case