Who has shipped a transmission?

[JonT]

I need to ship my 915 for some work but am unsure how to package it and am unsure if FedEx/UPS will be able to ship something this heavy. Any advice? Thank you.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Here is what I do.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

The Do Not Tumble signs I stick on are very important. UPS will tumble these off the truck, off anything, and tumble them to move them instead of using a dolly and destroy even a well-built wooden crate.

[RedCoupe]

Wow, that transmission packing job is amazing, Shaun! But, I think this is the way that Shaun packs all of stuff. I had him refinish a fan, housing, valve covers, timing chain covers and some other stuff, and they all arrived superbly packed, in addition to looking beuatiful. Laughingly, many years ago I bought a TR6 transmission from an ebay ad. It arrived strapped to a pallet. No packing whatsoever. The seller even left the shift lever still installed. Amazingly, no damage!

[ryans65]

I've used Rubbermaid tubs with high density foam encapsulating the trans and the lid held on with zip ties through holes I drilled around the lid parimeter where it interfaces with the tub. Holds up pretty well.

[mreid]

Get a cheap Walmart plastic cooler and a bunch of cardboard and duct tape. Pack it in the cooler surrounded by cardboard and wrap the whole thing with duct tape and add “this side up” and “do not stack” warnings. You are good to go.

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by ryans65

I've used Rubbermaid tubs with high density foam encapsulating the trans and the lid held on with zip ties through holes I drilled around the lid parimeter where it interfaces with the tub. Holds up pretty well.

FedEx destroyed a trans I sent in a Rubbermaid tub. Hit it directly with the forklift. Denied my claim. Said it was improperly packed. Now I strap to a pallet and wrap with clear plastic. No issues.

[turbo ride]

I've sent several transmissions - each time I thoroughly strapped it to a wood pallet with come n go's and delivered it to shipper such as Forward Air. I've received them the same way - strapped to pallets and I had to go pick them up. Now these were not Porsche $$,$$$ transmissions but they were not junk either (mostly Audi quattro stuff).

[jhelgesen]

I have used Action Packer tubs, bolt the tranny to plywood as other have. Pack with high density foam and bolt the tub closed.

[VWLoosenuts]

Originally Posted by JonT

I need to ship my 915 for some work but am unsure how to package it and am unsure if FedEx/UPS will be able to ship something this heavy. Any advice? Thank you.

use your local Fastenal company. much cheaper and on a pallet. call them and let them know what you need.


https://www.fastenal.com/en/22/3pl-(third-party-logistics)

[tgage]

I've shipped several 915 transmissions. Sometimes the shipper will require you to remove the oil in advance (some consider it a hazardous waste and will charge more). You will find your lowest rates are when you can drop off at a truck distribution center. As in previous posts, I bolted the transmission to a pallet. Depending on the shipper, that might be good enough. Most, however, require you to box it which means building your own box. If you do that, make sure that you put clearance on the bottom for a fork lift. I've paid as little as $300 coast to coast.

[69porsche]

Build a crate to ship 915 transmission.

[DanielDudley]

Yes, I built a fancy crate. I still strapped it down on a pallet.

[Matt Monson]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BU5W1IC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/130-9891514-6361912?ie=UTF8&qid=1524172906&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=instapak+foam&psc=1
A few of these are how you contain a gearbox inside a cooler.

[john walker's workshop]

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by tgage

I've shipped several 915 transmissions. Sometimes the shipper will require you to remove the oil in advance (some consider it a hazardous waste and will charge more). You will find your lowest rates are when you can drop off at a truck distribution center. As in previous posts, I bolted the transmission to a pallet. Depending on the shipper, that might be good enough. Most, however, require you to box it which means building your own box. If you do that, make sure that you put clearance on the bottom for a fork lift. I've paid as little as $300 coast to coast.

Federal law requires you drain it. Not all carriers enforce the law.

[roblav]

Back in 1988, I hand carried the gearstack of a 901 on a plane... with shafts sticking out the bag. No one said a word. And the case and diff went along with me in a checked large suitcase. Different day...

[Lukesportsman]

915 boxes fit well into the largest Walmart cooler. then drill and use industrial zipties to secure. Strong, light and if you aren't handy with wood a good trade off of time/cost. I've had a few shipped without issue this route.

A 996tt box is TOO big..... personal experience LOL

[Tom '74 911]

Similar to John Walker's crate:

[Lukesportsman]

ALSO

FedEx has more options than UPS....though they both have FREIGHT these days.