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U.S.
Postal Service
Shipping size limits: 130 inches in combined length
and distance around the package's thickest part. Maximum weight
of 70 pounds.
Packaging requirements: Sturdy enough not to fall
apart.
Delivery time frame: Parcel post takes at least
five business days.
Door-to-door delivery: Yes
Other tips/considerations: Use media mail (also
called book rate) to ship books more cheaply. |
Greyhound
Shipping size limits: Packages must fit under the bus,
i.e., no larger than two feet by four feet by six feet.
Packaging requirements: No restrictions. Container should
be sturdy enough not to fall apart during travel.
Delivery time frame: No schedule guarantees with standard
shipping rates. Priority shipping with guaranteed delivery available.
Door-to-door delivery: No
Other tips/considerations: A 50-percent discount is available
for students who have a Student
Advantage card, which requires an annual membership fee.
Students without the card can get a 25 percent discount for
showing a student ID or college acceptance letter |
Amtrak
Shipping size limits: Three feet square and 75 pounds.
Packaging requirements: Addressed, sealed cartons.
Delivery time frame: Usually goes on the next departing
train.
Door-to-door delivery: No
Other tips/considerations: There are numerous restrictions
on content, although train officials don't open sealed boxes. |
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Airborne
Express
Shipping size limits: 56 inches by 36 inches by 25 inches
and 150 pounds.
Packaging requirements: $5 additional fee for any item
not in a carton.
Delivery time frame: One to seven business days by ground.
Door-to-door delivery: Yes
Other tips/considerations: Ground
shipments are tracked the same way as are air express deliveries. |
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United
Parcel Service (UPS)
Shipping size limits: Generally limited to a maximum
130 inches (length plus two times the height plus two times
the width) and no more than 150 pounds, but odd-sized packages
are accepted.
Packaging requirements: Addressed, sealed cartons.
Delivery time frame: Five business days.
Door-to-door delivery: Yes
Other tips/considerations: You can track your shipment.
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Freight shippers
Shipping size limits: Very flexible.
Packaging requirements: No restrictions, but containers
should be sturdy enough not to fall apart during travel.
Delivery time frame: Partial loads go at shipper's mercy.
Door-to-door delivery: Yes, although pick up or drop
off at a freight terminal cuts costs.
Other tips/considerations: Incidental charges can add
up. Yellow
Transportation is well-known and consumer-friendly, but
check competitor prices, too. FreightQuote
will let you price several options. |
Airlines
Shipping size limits: In general, height plus
width plus length can be no more than 62 inches.
Packaging requirements: Sturdy enough not to fall apart.
Delivery time frame: If you're on the same flight as
your excess baggage, it should get there when you do.
Door-to-door delivery: No
Other tips/considerations: Pricey, plus you have the
cost of getting to and from the airport. Checked items are subject
to security searches. Call your airline or check its Web site
for details. |
Truck rental
Shipping size limits: A 10-foot truck generally
will hold enough furniture to fill a one-bedroom apartment.
Packaging requirements: Sturdy enough to prevent breakage.
Delivery time frame: You do the driving.
Door-to-door delivery: Yes
Other tips/considerations: The most popular self-move
company is U-Haul,
but an Internet search will provide links to several other nationwide
truck rental companies so shop around for the best rates. You
must be 18 to rent. Consider buying the rental company's insurance. |
Jennie L. Phipps is a contributing
editor based in Michigan.
