Large Focal Speakers Shipping Service

Thank you all for your responses. The seller did not have OE crates, and I was not up to shelling an additional 3k to 5k for the move. That would have defeated the purpose of the score.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, I lucked out on a pristine and complete pair of Sonus Faber Cremonas within driving distance. I know they are way different, but I owned a set of these SF's a few years back and loved them. As a result, I no longer need to pursue the complicated West to East coast trek. 
I will keep the suggestions in mind though for future reference. 

I supplied a pallet, but they were happy to supply one if needed for no charge. I had the original packing. I shipped from south central virginia to upstate NY. I'm not saying it was cheap, but it was within reason.

I tried Uship but I don't like their insurance policies. They insure by the pound, not by the value. You would get pennies on the dollar should your expensive speakers be damaged or lost.

Oz

@ozzy62 

1) did they supply their own packing materials and do the actual packing?

2) ship from where to where? 

if yes to the above, they may be an invaluable resource to many here if they are reasonably priced - there have been many times i have wanted larger heavy speakers across the country but was deterred specifically by this issye

Last year I used Old Dominion Freight to ship some large speakers and the price was reasonable. Check with some of your local freight companies. If not pleasantly surprised, at least you might not faint from sticker shock.

Oz

Assuming the seller has the original shipping crates, you need to hire someone on the sellers end that can crate them properly. Then, any shipping company with policies you agree with can pick them up.

Perhaps contact some audio stores in the sellers area? They would at least provide insight on how to orchestrate such a move.

You can either look for a "white glove" mover or you can look at freight companies like XPO Logistics that do have a white glove option.  I have found some BAD piano movers.  Don't assume they are competent at something like this.  

I would expect a cross country move with white glover service to be $5K+ if it is a nickel.  If they have to provide crates...it will approach $10K.  

See if you can find a local to the seller Focal dealer, they might be able to help package them and know who to use to ship them. Will NOT be cheap.

does the owner still have the original boxes and internal packing materials for the focals???

if not, you are likely dead in the water on this one

using a run of the mill pack n ship outfit without original packing will usually end in outright disaster

I am under the impression that a piano moving company might be an option, but I have never used one.