I used to work for FedEx for 19 years and truly the only way to ship full siz floor standing speakers is via freight on a pallet shrinked wrapped with lift gate service to your door.
The only exception I can think of is where the speaker manufacturer designs their boxes to be ship in the normal 'unedr 150 lbs' systems of UPS and FedEx.
For example McIntosh preamps weigh about 25 lbs but their packaging is another 20 lbs and very sturdy with screws, special feet and wood inside to protect the component. They can be shipped via common carrier in their original box.
Using UPS store or FedEx office only drags them into the picture if there is a claim and then they become the shipper and you are in the middle. And given the economic climate these days, neither company is looking to pay claims unless your case is bullet proof and is one big hassle.
I've had B&W speakers shipped to me common carrier on 4 occasions and all were damaged. From then one I insisted and paid for freight on a pallet and no damage. It costs somewhat more, but you get what you purchased intact instead of a claim and useless speakers.
I'm referring to speakers 70 lbs+ each.
Just my two cents.
The only exception I can think of is where the speaker manufacturer designs their boxes to be ship in the normal 'unedr 150 lbs' systems of UPS and FedEx.
For example McIntosh preamps weigh about 25 lbs but their packaging is another 20 lbs and very sturdy with screws, special feet and wood inside to protect the component. They can be shipped via common carrier in their original box.
Using UPS store or FedEx office only drags them into the picture if there is a claim and then they become the shipper and you are in the middle. And given the economic climate these days, neither company is looking to pay claims unless your case is bullet proof and is one big hassle.
I've had B&W speakers shipped to me common carrier on 4 occasions and all were damaged. From then one I insisted and paid for freight on a pallet and no damage. It costs somewhat more, but you get what you purchased intact instead of a claim and useless speakers.
I'm referring to speakers 70 lbs+ each.
Just my two cents.