Engine shipping cost

TimW · 01-19-2001, 08:25 AM

I realize this isn't a 914 tech question per say, but I am shipping a 914 engine...does that count?

Anyone have experience shipping an engine cross country? I got a quote from Roadway of around $275 to have an engine shipped from the east coast to the mid-west (distribution center to distribution center).

Does that sound about right? Other carriers were way more (but did offer door to door service).

Any tricks to keep in mind other than pulling everything off the block and shipping separate?

joncdeke · joncdeke's Garage

That price sounds fair to me. I just paid $485 to have a 911 3.0 (400 lbs)shipped from SC to CA. The trucking company did require that it be fully crated to prevent damage.

Good Luck!

Jon

TimW · 01-19-2001, 09:39 AM

Yeah a form-fit styro crate would be nice...I saw on some cable hotrod show that's what new GM and Ford "crate engines" come in.

The shippers only concern/requirements were that the fluids were drained (woohoo--it's air cooled, one less fluid to drain), and it was strapped or shrink-wrapped to the pallet. Seems reasonable.

I read in some past PP posts that the weight of a 914 engine is around 300-350lbs, so that, along with only going half the distance, makes the price sound reasonable.

I just wanted to make sure I was getting a reasonable rate, and it actually sounds like I'm getting a pretty good one.

Thanks,
Tim
'73 914 1.7L -- soon to be 2.0L (hopefully)

rich · rich's Garage

Are you shipping or recieving. If you pay in advance no problem. If you pay when you pick the motor up be careful. I had parts trucks from Colorado once. When they arrived the trucker tried to jack the price up. Get it in writting. Or get an invoice.

TFI · 01-20-2001, 03:24 PM

I'm glad you posted this here. I"m about to ship an engine across the country also.
Rich, thanks for pointing out the getting in writing part, because i am going to ship it collect frieght and don't want the person receiving it to get a bad deal from the shipper.
thanks again

TimW · 01-21-2001, 10:15 AM

I’ve never shipped with Roadway, who I got one of the quotes from, but they are a reputable company. I imagine THEY would require pre-payment, and a written contract/receipt.

I also spoke with a fellow who said when he ships an engine he just shrink-wraps it too a pallet and calls FedEx Ground. I did call them but got a much higher quote.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Try Amtrak...I shipped from LA to Chicago and it was like 125.00. You will need a pallet, and I used shrink wrap. You need to pay in advance, most everyone does. The only COD on shipping I have seen is auto carriers...but then they have your car as collateral....8^)