Hi i'm looking to get my SDM transported to Peter for a refit, with a transport company just gone bust i don't want to loose it. Can anyone recommend a good company.
It's a big package close to 100kg 1mx1mx1m big
I use e-go quite a lot, the prices are good, but they do take their time! so be aware of that. just to give you an example, a 10" SW newt + EQ6pro sent from sydney to here was just over 100 bucks one way.
A lot of people here use e-Go, primarily because they're cheap and convenient. If your item can be taken apart and well packed in manhandleable cartons, they're probably OK, but if you read the details of the insurance that they offer, you'll find that it doesn't actually cover most astro gear.
Given the size and nature of the SDM, I'd be talking to furniture removalists rather than general freight companies and courier services. Furniture removalists are expert at safely moving bulky, vulnerable items and your SDM has more in common with a piano or an antique table than it does with general freight, IMHO.
I've used pack and send a few times, mainly because a friend shipped his 20" to and from the US a few times without any drama. Not the cheapest, but at least the guy in the Bibra Lake shop has some experience with big scopes.
I've shipped an old Meade research grade from Perth to Melbourne, and a Unitron photo equatorial from Canberra to Perth without a hitch. I'm about to entrust them with my G11, so I hope they keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Andrew.
Hii, I used Smartsend for shipping a 20" Obsession from Perth to Victoria, all went well, lots of boxes and the mirror was packed in a specially made very solid "formply" box. Mark
I agree with Michael. I spend about $30,000 a year with Hunter Express (the commercial arm of e-go), and lesser amounts with TNT and other companies shipping Australia wide. I'm happy to send general freight with these carriers. However, I would never send a scope with any of them. I would definitely investigate shipping insurance too, as most carriers are all care / no responsibility.
When I sent my LX200GPS over to Karatha from Sydney, I crated it and sent it over with Shaws Darwin Transport. I'm not sure if Shaws handles freight to Victoria though. It might be worth ringing Jim at Shaws to find out. Alternatively, you could try GKR Transport. You should be able to get a crate made to your specifications for about $170 too.
Marcus.
