Shipping board to Seattle/Gorge area

[lbird320]

Good Day All,

I'm trying to ship a board from Santa Cruz to Seattle/the Gorge area for a reasonable amount. The packaged board is just a bit to big for UPS or FedEx ground.

FedEx Freight or any trucking company wants well over $250 dollars for this 34 pound package.

Jet cargo (port to port) is very reasonable in $ 60 to $75 dollar range, but you need to be a Known Shipper with the airline for a $100 dollar fee. The Freight Forwarders I've contacted want much more than the the air fare for their service.

Any suggestions?

Thanks All.

[johnl]

[BRIMAR]

Yup Amtrack is AWESOME Deliver it to the Jack London Square station it will be $60.00 or less and it's next day delivery to the Seattle Station!

[airwave]

Yep again,

I shipped a board on Amtrak to Pennsylvania for $60.
Also shipped one to Florida for $60.

They do a great job. You have to take it to the station and the destination must be one that is big enough to have staff, not just a loading platform.

[loopless]

Can someone point out where Amtrak documents this on their web site?

http://www.amtrak.com/express-shipping
seems to indicate that the maximum package size is 3ft?

[kevinkan]

just call ahead and talk to Amtrak, get a quote for a windsurfer (they have a special rate), and ask what stations can take it. you have to fill out the paperwork at the station.

[lbird320]

Thanks for the great tip!

I shipped the board Salinas to Seattle for $ 62 dollars.

Couldn't have been easier, friendly staff. Didn't even measure or weight the package, just took my word for it.

Although the Amtrak freight site sets limits on size to 3' X 3' X 3', there are several exceptions, mostly sports equipment...skis, fishing poles, golf clubs, bicycles, and (wind) surfboards.

Thanks again

[noel]

1) Make sure you tell Amtrak it is a SURF board
2) Protect the rails/board well. I had some minor rail damage using them from SF to LA a few years ago (it was well packaged)

Cheapest shipping method by far