Technical Shipping without a box

I've been looking for a way to ship a steering column. According to UPS.com you can wrap up the sharp ends with cardboard stick a label on it and call it good. Has anyone been able to do this without to much grief from them?
Bare Metals and Other Irregularly Shaped Items

Packing

• Please tape corrugated cardboard pieces to all sharp or protruding edges for protection.
• Cover the other surfaces of the item as needed.

Labeling

• Please tape your address label securely on the flattest surface of the item that you are shipping.
• Cover the entire label with clear tape.
• Do not use "flying tags" (tags that hang from the item that you are shipping).

 

Go to one of the "box" stores and get the cheapest PVC tube that your part will fit into. Seal both ends with tape and cardboard, slap a label on it and don't look back. Barring that, go to your most convenient textile store, i.e. carpet, trim shop, Joanne Fabrics, etc. Ask the folks if they have any left over tubes that material is rolled up on. It's tough, light, cheap to ship. I never throw my tubes away for that reason. Probably have a dozen or more on a top shelf (almost a hoarder that way). Usually they're thick tubes to support the bulky yardage of material, carpet stores should have some. Just some ideas...

 

I've received parts without a box-only a label, but haven't shipped any.

 

I would go the way of the pvc pipe or something similar. Seal up the ends well. I have received things that were trying to escape out the ends.

 

I used a thick cardboard tube to send my A axle to Joe in Oklahoma.

 

Keep in mind, that the UPS workers will be doing their utmost to destroy the part....so pack accordingly. If you put it in a tube, then PVC with end caps is a great idea, but also consider making "plugs" of wood for added protection. And the most important thing, if you do pack it in a box or tube, make damn sure it cannot move inside the box or tube. It needs to actually be "packed".

If you don't pack it inside something, be sure there's nothing that can fall off, or get broken off, etc.

 

If you need something larger in diamter, try one of those cardboard concrete pouring tubes from the lumber store. Lowe's has a 9.5" diameter, 4' long tube for under $7.00. I save my tubes as well. Several times, I have had a single piece of strip aluminum shipped from Grainger that comes in a 4" diameter, 6' long tube. The tube cost more than the contents, but, since I am a Farm Bureau member, Grainger gives me a discount and FREE shipping.

Farm Bureau is a good deal. $75 a year gets me supporting the farmers, great deals from Grainger and a substantial discount off my Nationwide home and auto policies.

 

I received and shipped a Model A rear cross member and it didn't even have cardboard to protect the sharp ends. It was just plastic wrapped (think Saran Wrap here) and a label stuck to it. Made both trips just fine. I've also receive sheet metal parts that were carefully packaged, lots of packing material in the box to ensure no damage, only to have them arrive and look like they were ran over by a freight train.

Bottom line: its hit and miss. Good Luck.

 

I think the idea is to make it as "standard" an item as possible. The shipping companies are set up to handle standard sizes and shapes. When you go, oh I have been waiting for this, OUTSIDE THE BOX, you call undue attention and handling to your item that may well result in it being mislaid or handles inappropriately.

 

Make sure it p***es the curb test, where you heave it from the front door to the curb, as that's what happens at the other end.

 

Find a large cardboard tube at one of the rug/flooring supply places.
heavy duty and free.

 

This is true. As a retired mailman, I have seen this from the post office too. Remember Murphy's law...somewhat modified...if there is any possible way to destroy your package "accidentally" a shipper will do it. When I ship, I even tape the name and mailing address somewhere on the actual part itself also so when they destroy the box, the part still has an identification.

 

Businesses can get away with shipping methods we can't, I can order a can of one shot sign paint but I can't ship it because it is considered Flammable & dangerous, It can come to me via UPS or USPS but I can't turn around and ship it to a individual with the postal service or UPS. HRP

 

I've done it through GreyHound that way.

 

Thats because they don't trust you.
A business that ships a lot can be considered to be reliable not to package stuff dangerously. An individual might be shipping a bomb or something dangerous to handle.

 

56don nailed it, didn't he? The OP is asking if he can ship something without packaging it. That's not really a good idea. And as Squirrel said, it has to be tight. If it can move inside the box, it will eventually bust its way out of the box.

 

I'd wrap all the sharp edges and ends with cardboard, maybe multiple layers. Then wrap the whole thing in bubblewrap, a few layers. then use lots of tape for strength and tape the label on near the middle using full wraps of tape.

Mart.

 

Simple, Box it up as if you were receiving it!

 

I knew someone whose kid sent them a coconut every year for their birthday. Just a coconut, with a label on it and postage. Not everything needs a box, that's for sure.

 

If it's without a steering wheel, then make your own. Get a box long enough or a couple, undo them, wrap the column up and use a lot of packing tape. Double up the cardboard around the ends.

 

I shipped a polished column recently, I rolled it up in bubble wrap I saved and then I sliced open a cardboard box a sway bar came in, laid it flat and rolled the bubble wrapped column up in it. A little duct tape and it was ready to have the brute squad at UPS do their darnedest.

It arrived perfect and cost me nothing (he paid shipping).

 

This one isn't as pretty. It's from my 41 with the steering box attached.

 

Don't forget that at this time of year billions of packages are being shipped.
Chances for damage is high.
So,put it inside a box or container of some type to protect it and make it easy to handle.
I recently boxed up a 50 Merc gas tank and added a handle for easy handling/carrying.

 

Handles are handy but can get hung up in conveyor belts,etc.

 

So, irregulars are handled separately by hand to cart to delivery truck. things like metal, exhaust pipes and such.
If it looks like a package it gets tossed onto the belt. These belts take sharp turns here and there. If its long and skinny you run the risk of it jamming up and potentially getting damaged.
Your call

 

I shipped a 72 Comet front bumper through USPS one time. Wrapped the ends in bubble wrap as well as the center V, then wrapped all that in brown package paper. Made it through just fine.

 

I bought a Posies rear ‘32 spring from Speedway, no packaging, just a self adhesive label stuck on it. It was sent via UPS, no issues, arrived fine.

 

I would go the pvc pipe route. Protected and light so as not affect the price of shipping.

 

Saran wrap, then bubble wrap all taped on with really good 2" wide tape, stick your label on a piece of cardboard, tape the ****ens out of that onto the part/package and ship it.....I have shipped several unboxed items via UPS, never had a problem. OH YEAH, insure it for what its worth, insurance is cheap and you can quit the worry!.

 

I had some of the guys help me saran wrap it, brought it to the post office threw a label on it and off it went.