How Do I Ship My Radio?

 

 

Shipping your radio can be uneventful or a disaster.  I can give you some pointers based on my experiences.  First, choose your shipper wisely.  Lowest cost is not always the best criteria.  See who will give you the best service, especially concerning an insurance claim.  And it varies with locale.  What is good for me may not be a good shipper for you.  It depends on the local individuals in charge.  I've heard horror stories about them all.  Do some research with friends or associates.

 

When shipping your radio protect the tuning shafts by taping pill bottles, 35 mm film cans, pvc pipe, etc. over them.  The tuning shafts are small spears that will pierce the box when dropped (the shipper seems to know how to drop it in a way that will cause the most damage!).  Covering the shafts with a rigid shell will protect them.  Oh, don't ship the knobs They only get broken or lost.  Some radios, like the 55 Ford, are the exception because they are well protected.  CLICK HERE to see what can happen if the radio is not packaged well.

 

Shipping peanuts are not a good medium for protecting heavy objects like radios.  I prefer wrapping the radio in bubble wrap as this keeps the radio from moving around in the box.  You can supplement the packing with peanuts outside the bubble wrap.  If you want an added layer of protection you can place your box within another box with more packing material.  Crumpled up newsprint is the least satisfactory medium since it can crush.

 

Lastly insure your radio for at least its replacement value.  Even if you've taken all the right precautions, they still can loose it. 

 

In the hundreds of radios that have been shipped to me and I have shipped back, only two have been damaged.  Only one was lost (but later recovered).  I think this is not by chance but because of precautions.

Classic Car Radio Doctor