Anyone have a good LTL Freight Recommendation?

[cgrigsby79]

I just got a killer deal on a 6 month old Gobi Stealth rack and (unused) ladder but now I’m struggling to get a decent LTL freight quote to have it shipped to me from rural upstate New York (12441) to Denver/Boulder Colorado (80301).

Anyone have any recommendations for a good and reasonable freight company? It is already on a pallet that resembles the rack dimensions (90”x47”x9”) but I’m having to guess somewhat on the weight. Gobi says the rack weighs 70lbs, so I’m assuming 125lbs if I include the weight of the pallet and ladder?

I’ve literally spent days trying to get quotes for this to no avail. Either the price is absurd ($700-1700?) or you have to wait for a call back from a rep...who never calls. I found one quote last night for around $275 but it went up to $375 overnight.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[straitR]

Have you asked Gobi who they use? I know FedEx has a LTL freight division, and we use ABF at my work (as do a lot of our suppliers).

Individually quoted freight is outrageously expensive. Companies like Gobi (and others) have standing commercial contracts with a freight company for discounted rates based on volume. Still not "free" though, and Gobi most certainly includes it in their price.

If you manage to get that $275 price back, and it still makes sense on top of what you're paying for the rack, I'd go for it.

 

[cgrigsby79]

Yeah, tried calling Gobi 10 times the other day but they don’t answer the phone. Even at $300 in shipping, I’m still at a pretty great price for this setup. People in Colorado want $2k for a 3-4 year old rack that was stored outside in the elements, that is, if you can even find one.

 

[straitR]

Yeah, tried calling Gobi 10 times the other day but they don’t answer the phone. Even at $300 in shipping, I’m still at a pretty great price for this setup. People in Colorado want $2k for a 3-4 year old rack that was stored outside in the elements, that is, if you can even find one.

Ouch. I guess they're banking on people not willing to wait for a new one. Sounds like someone could go into business buying Gobi's and selling them locally at a premium.

It's interesting to see how expensive freight can be, yet it's offered free from most of these rack companies. Gives a new perspective on the actual cost (value) of the rack. $1595 with free shipping is easier to swallow than $1295 with $300 shipping charge. haha

Not a slight on Gobi though, as my Frontrunner rack included "free shipping" as well.

 

[socalka]

try Jon Nevins at Shockwave Cargo

or LandStar, may be more affordable...

 

[Clarkie152]

The problem that you are running into is that it takes up 2 pallets worth of space, and obviously doesnt want to be stack on top of. GOBI ships their racks straight up, to avoid damage and stacking.
Check Fastenal, they do store to store delivery.

 

[Off2Mtns]

Not sure if he is still in the biz, but try an email to: [email protected] . Used him a few times on stuff, real popular on TheNewX.org Xterra forum for many years. https://www.thenewx.org/forum/10-off-topic/25873-will-ship-freight-items-cost.html

 

[cgrigsby79]

Thanks guys, really appreciate it! Feel free to keep the recs coming; I’m contacting every one at this point!

Worst case scenario is I’ll just sell it to someone else in close proximity, but I was pretty excited to find a 6 month old rack in perfect condition without having to wait 5-6 months.

 

[old_golfer]

http://www.uship.com

I've gotten a couple decent deals on there over the years.

 

[mtnbiker49]

http://www.uship.com

I've gotten a couple decent deals on there over the years.

A good price for a lightly used gobi rack is $750-900 from what I’ve seen.

The rack does not weigh 70lbs. That is a total lie. Say 120lbs for the rack. The way I shipped mine was I had the seller wrap it in cardboard, then wrap it in plastic. I went through shippi.com and they picked it up at the seller’s driveway and then I picked it up at the freight terminal. From Dallas to near NYC was about $240.

 

[Steve S]

Try freightquote.com

 

[cgrigsby79]

Thank you!!!

Not sure if he is still in the biz, but try an email to: [email protected] . Used him a few times on stuff, real popular on TheNewX.org Xterra forum for many years. https://www.thenewx.org/forum/10-off-topic/25873-will-ship-freight-items-cost.html

Man, I can’t thank you enough for this referral!!! After 3 days of searching for a decent quote, Jeremy replied to my email over the weekend and totally hooked me up. So nice having someone arrange this who is actually familiar with these racks as an avid 4-Wheeler. We spoke on the phone a few times, and he took the time to give me every single option ranging from absurdly cheap (slower transit time and pick up at the carrier depot) as well as quicker but still affordable residential door to door delivery. In short, I’m paying a fraction of what I would otherwise. This seriously made the difference between keeping the Gobi and throwing in the towel to resell it to a local buyer in the northeast.

Thanks also for the suggestion about uship.com. I listed my shipment for auction and did manage to get one bid within reason, but still quite a bit more.

Best,
Chris