[RAW]

Well after a few orders of large RA8 going out via UPS and UPS having a field day with the RA8's and last we had the ApexII even in crates get damaged we have changed the shipping methods for both of these speakers.

We had custom double walled boxs made for the RA8 and the cabinets were packaged in 2" of solid foam as well as wrapped in a poly foam.And yet UPS still can damage speakers.
Attached you can see int othe packing boxes for the RA8.


The prices for some of our larger speakers includes shipping and this includes crating them.These larger speakers from the RA8 and up will all ship via freight companys we are looking at solutions to prevent  damaged to our our products.

For those who are looking at the prices of RA8 these include crates not packaged in our custom boxs any longer as well as freight delivery is included in the price.$2999.99 USD shipping included


ApexII same the price includes crates along with freight delivery.
$5999.00 USD  Shipping included

We feel that taking these measures will limit the amount of times the product is handled

[Watson]

I'm not sure if you know this, but the 2 inch foam you were using for your custom boxes only barely meets the UPS shipping guidelines (2 inches is their absolute minimum, and that's for non-fragile items) and it does not meet the FedEx shipping guidelines for furniture items.  

As much as I dislike UPS, those boxes just weren't good enough.  The new crates should be much better, but you'd be well advised to carefully read and follow the shipping guidelines of your carrier, even with the crating you've devised.

[RAW]

YA funny having custom double walled boxs made that have a 285PSI  depth strength and 2" of foam end up at a door looking like cheese.

That is why we have stepped into freight only as they will all just go in a crate.
And we are done with them.

[KUB3]

You can't post anything these days. I had a very strong steel safe arrive totally battered. Best to use a factory supplied courier or collect in person.

[three quid]

be sure to cushion it well even in the crate!  you'd be surprised at the hazards crates go through as well!

[three quid]

how much do the speakers weigh, btw?

 just buy looking at that picture of your first package design, I could tell the speaker wouldn't fair well against the UPS gorillas!  

a box with the correct cushion system could probably be made to protect it adequately..

[RAW]

Shipping weight with the above materials is 110lbs each.

Yes we have moved on to crates and yes in the crates 2" of solid foam as well.

[tdangelo]

My 2nd pair of Apex are supposed to ship today - hopefully they will make it better then the last pair.  The new crates Al made look a bit sturdier.

[RAW]

Tony
Yes they are on the way and freight company will contact you to let you know when they are coming.
All done.
As for crates.
Well as noted above in in crates UPS and FEDEX can still do them in.
So we have them going on pallets now.
All set up as of today.

[David Ellis]

And yet UPS still can damage speakers.

Yep, been there, done that.  Indeed it's highly frustrating    .

I have found over the years that UPS shippers are the strongest, most exuberant, and excel when providing maximum thrust to packages when vaulting them into the air.  While airborne the package is fine, but the landing is a different story.  I find this increasingly true when the packages travel through Chicago.

Lagging behind the UPS guys are those working for FedEx and DHL.  Among the folks capable of shipping larger packages, DHL is the kindest on packages.  

However, if you don't need to ship larger/heavier packages, nothing beats USPS! These semi-retired folks are securely employed by the government and don't have the need/desire/gumption to provide maximum thrust when moving packages.  Packages always arrive safely and are rarely tattered.  My vote goes to USPS!

And...When shipping really big stuff, a crate is generally very safe.

Dave

[RAW]

YEs I agree Dave
As a fact the east coast is were we find the most issues as well here the most issues with as well.

The Ground service for sure could still tear the bottoms out of creates
So we have just made the move to freight only and less hands or monkeys handles the packages.

Let alone saving valuable time not processing claims and playing in ring of no mind land when you phone to inquire about a claim.Then sit in limbo with UPS OR FEDEX for a few months  

Yes shipping is the one of the main issues with large speakers and as I said our prices now relfect the costs involving crates and freight shipping on our larger products.These are included in the prices as noted.

[David Ellis]

saving valuable time not processing claims

Amen to that!