Shipping anything can be a real eye opener to the uninitiated.  I
occasionally sell things on EBay or this list (Vanagon content).  I have
used all three shippers, and have found FedEx to be by and large the best
and cheapest.  UPS is the worst and most expensive, especially when I tried
using old Mailboxes Inc. ---since bought out by UPS.  Mailboxes Inc and
their new UPS ownership charge about DOUBLE what you pay at a UPS terminal
or FedEx terminal.  Some FedEx drop off points are cheap like  a terminal,
but you need to contact them and compare rates to get the best price.
Never pay to have UPS box anything!  Also, UPS damaged shipments are almost
impossible to get straightened out.  If something you bought is shipped
boxed UPS or FedEx, there is an automatic $100.00 insurance included in the
cost of shipping.  However, if the shipment is lost or damaged,  the buyer
must go back to the seller to collect the insurance that UPS or FedEx
provides.  This means the seller and the shipper must cooperate.  The damage
award is sent to the seller, who should reimburse the purchaser for his
loss.  The shipper does NOT issue a check to the purchaser, nor will they
discuss the claim with anyone but person/seller  who shipped the package

I had the misfortune several years ago to buy some NOS parts from an
individual in CA.on this list, who took the parts to Mailboxes Inc now UPS
to have them packaged and shipped to me.  I had to pay the double UPS
shipping rate and the $20.00 boxing cost.  The box arrived opened here in
Atlanta GA., missing most of the parts.  I had to argue with the seller to
file a claim, and then, he did not want to send me the $100.00, as he felt
the $$$ was his---even though he had been paid in full by me before shipping
, and I paid the shipping.  He offered me $40.00.  We compromised on the
$100.00.  Yes, I was very lucky that he paid.

In closing, check with shippers on big clunky things like a steel hitch
which can be cheaper to ship out of the box, provided they cannot be
damaged.  The $100.00 insurance is NOT included on out of a box shipments
Hope this helps!

Regards,

Mike Nichols
2--'81 air cooleds