UPS Rates for Shipping Ukes
- Thread starter Hochapeafarm
- Start date
I bought a tenor uke from California. USPS shipping costs to Ewa Beach, HI was $35.
badhabits
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Something ain't right there...USPS first class package is limited to less than a pound.
The USPS package equivalents are Priority Mail. Different delivery "times" and "Sign For" specs. Over $50 insurance is also extra.
ghostrdr
Well-known member
shipped a kamaka tenor in the case back to Kamaka. California to Hawaii. Cost via USPS with $2500 insurance was $147!
I probably could have picked a slightly smaller box, but it's crazy right now. UPS was over $240; Fedex was over $300. Seriously, it might be cheaper to buy a plane ticket one way and bring it with you.
"Ah pity the fool" who doesn't use ShipBike.com. Seriously, forget any other service, ShipBikes is it.
Peter Frary
Well-known member
I guess you're a shipping lawyer! Sorry, I used whatever the post lady said I had to use. She mumbled the official trade name and I paid. Perhaps the correct legal term is parcel post or maybe priority mail? They have rules about size and use those rules to place your package in a category and you pay. With case it was bulky. And, yes, with insurance it was $125. Not trying to pull your dad burn leg or lying. There was an even higher rate too. Sorry, don't know the official USPS trade name but it was USPS equivalent for UPS 2nd Day Air for another 50 greenbacks or so (she said will deliver on time or its free). I used UPS for years when we had an account with them but now I ship so infrequently I use whatever one-off is nearest to my home. And USPS is across the street...
I found out about Priority Mail by asking for the equivalent of First Class and she explained the differences and delivery times and insurance rates. I could have paid $275 to get it there a day earlier-maybe. There are a couple of levels of priority mail. But all include tracking. I think "sign for" was a small additional charge. You can also get a signed receipt, but that's kind of redundant.
CPG
Well-known member
I just used this today for the first time to ship a uke. Fantastic! Thank you!
Jerryc41
Well-known member
It can be expensive. It depends on the size, weight, and distance. Shipping with a case is more secure, but it's also bigger and heavier.
I always use Priority Mail because I can print the label and postage at home. You can go to - https://postcalc.usps.com/ and enter all the info to find out what it will cost. I like the package to get there fast so there is less handling.
Jerryc41
Well-known member
Jerryc41
Well-known member
I've driven to meet people half way to save them the postage. I'm talking a little more than an hour's drive.
Jerryc41
Well-known member
Do you have to lie and say there's a bike in the box?
EDIT: Shipping a large, heavy (6 lb) uke from NY to CA would cost $32.32 - extremely cheap.
https://www.shipbikes.com/HowMuch.aspx
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I was checking and comparing prices to ship an instrument to Hawai'i and as an FYI to everyone that is looking at options - this is from BikeFlights FAQ:
"The use of our services is only for the shipping of bikes and bike gear. Using BikeFlights.com to ship non-bike related items (such as computers, auto parts, personal or business packages, valuables, etc.) is expressly prohibited, and we are not liable for refusal of, delay of, loss of or damage to a shipment of any prohibited item."
So scratch BikeFlights!
And BTW, I followed Mike's advice and went with FedEx through ShipBikes.com - everything went without a hitch. Thanks again Mike!
And since the OP wanted to know prices, I shipped a tenor from Indiana to Honolulu with $1,300 insurance for $77.
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Glad to be of service.
jksk8in
Well-known member
I just used ShipBikes.com as well. Under $40 to Fed-Ex a soprano in a hard case from MN to CA with $2000 insurance. Fast and easy! Thanks Michael!
~Jodie
~Jodie
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