This may be a subjective topic but just want to get a general idea for it so anyone with experience with shipping their drums could chime in thatd be great
Im looking to get a general idea of what shipping charge is going to incur before going into the store to find out...
From: toronto ontario canada
To: north battleford saskatchewan canada
Distance: 3000km approximately
Will be shipping likely 4 boxes to contain
10x8
12x10
14x11
22x18 drums
A few tom holders and a clamp as well
I am trying to use either UPS or DHL. Trying to avoid canada post at all costs
If anyone has a general shipping cost idea or recommendations appreciate it in advance
Suggestion for boxes, check in with your local music stores (Long & McQuade, etc).
They are always receiving new stock. Loads of packing material - boxes, bubble wrap, packing foam, etc - gets tossed on a weekly basis. Let them know you are shipping some drums across country. Ask if you can get, or buy, some from boxes, etc. Get their advice on packing.
Re shipping, it won't matter who you chose. Shipping bulky items across country is expensive.
I always choose Canada Post for shipping within Canada. Their package handling is much more respectful than UPS and FedEx.
They do ship large boxes. I just received a 22x16 kick through Canada Post. Shipped from Nova Scotia to Manitoba.
It was one of three boxes, containing a total of 4 drums - 10x7, 12x8, 16x15, and the kick. Everything was wrapped, and packed VERY securely by the sender. Each drum was bubble wrapped, and then surrounded by sheets/strips of dense foam. The 10" tom was tucked inside the 16, with loads of material between them. It was a treat to unpack them.
IMO, packing all four drums in one larger box is asking for trouble. It will make a bulky and awkward box even more unmanageable. Definitely beyond manageable handling ranges of a single person.
Remember that box is going to be loaded on/off a number of vehicles during transit. Each time it is moved, there is a potential for it be dropped. I will gladly pay extra to know that each drum is very well packed, and the weight is manageable for the shipper/delivery person.
Normally, the buyer covers the cost of shipping. Do some more research, and discuss options with your friend. If they push for el-cheapo shipping, that's on them. Do your best to pack everything well. Take photos with your cell phone as you go. Take final photos of the boxes before handing them to the shipper.