Shipping speakers

I’ve had damaged speakers, turntables, amps, ..., and all the damage claims except one were rejected by UPS or FedEX even though the package boxes were the original shipping boxes. It didn’t matter if the items were fully insured.
The only one time the claim was accepted was when the seller packaged at a UPS store. A UPS clerk helped packing, and the turntable was damaged, and the UPS cannot but accept the claim.

One other step that I've found useful -- Buy a sheet, or half sheet, of 1/8" plywood at a home center and completely line the interior of the cardboard box, attaching the plywood to the cardboard with a hot glue gun. If you're properly paranoid, reinforce the corners with triangles of the same plywood.

I've shipped using SEKO not sure if they're in your area. Never had an issue but I always have them strapped to a pallet. 

+1 Freight only on a pallet. Received 2 pairs of Quad ESL57 over the years. Can't think of a more delicate component. One pair was transatlantic. Cost $1000 to ship. The other was $600. No issues whatsoever. 

Sounds like their trashed? Good luck.

It’s a lesson learned well by me..

Ship the package no matter what it is, as if it is coming BACK to you..

THAT is the only way to pack.

They cannot move inside the first box and the speaker grills usually are removed and reversed and securement tongs face out away from the back of the speaker, not the front.

You cover the speaker with softbag then with plastic. Heavy styrofoam for shipping heavy object is the key.. Pink 3M project foam is what I charge the customer when I have to critical ship. 1.5" all the way around. I tape it in place don’t get NUTS, remember the customer has to remove it without wrecking everything.

Build the first box around the speakers, TIGHT, nothing can move. ZERO, inside the box. If you have to get foam bags, charge the customer, IF THEY BITCH, give them their money back NOW.. BAD customer.. The second box 1.5 inches of space between the inside box and the outside box. You don’t have wrap the first box with styrofoam. BUT IT CAN’T move inside the second one.

NOW if its dropped so hard that the inside touches the outside, you will see it...If something from the outside touches the inside box (a forklift blade), you will see it..

I also look at the crossover and I will use an expanding foam bag to secure it.. Some manufacture are just NUTS hanging an OX in a box They securing the heck out of the OUTSIDE and the GD XO is hanging inside all busted up..

UPS, FedX, DHL, LOVE ME!!! They may ship it to the wrong continent BUT it won’t be broke when I get it back..

Shippers are not the problem (usually), packers ARE...

Palletize and mark the heck out of it.. "Fragile", "Handle with care" "Electronics" HEAVY"

DO NOT REMOVE FROM PALLET!! Do not remove shrink wrap.

If it's not marked, just run into it with your car, same silly way of thinking.. MARK THE PACKAGE...

Regards

I had a good experience using UShip. I shipped a pair of Vandy 3a sigs w/bases in their original boxes.
Most of the drivers are self employed people doing this to make a living, so they tend to be careful-as their ratings depend upon successful deliveries.

I have also shipped using UPS and Fed Ex. UPS requires that you go to one of their shipping centers to drop off the package, in order to have them accept the insurance (or have them pick the package up).
If your boxes are small enough to double/triple pack, then I would do so.
Bob

Box them in their original packaging, and have them palletized, and shipped using a freight company.

+1 - Years ago I had speakers damaged via FedEx despite being packed in original boxes etc.  Since then I only ship via freight, strapped and shrink wrapped on a pallet.  Well worth the extra $150.