The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is it true that due to USPS postal restrictions, something the size of an ordinary disc phonograph horn would be deemed too big to post to a non-US destination?

I can't figure out whether an Ebay seller is being truthful or evasive?

Clarification is sought. Thank you in advance.

Steve,
I think the seller is likely honest. While I don't have very recent experience, the US post as well as other carriers are placing more restrictions. The changing rules and increasing restrictions (and higher prices) are making many sellers just not want to bother with it too.

There are other alternatives so you may want to explore further.

cheers!

Steve,

I tried to ship a searchlight horn several years back and was not able to use the USPS as it was too large.

Take a look at this page, it may help: http://www.usps.com/send/preparemailand ... ngtips.htm

Brad

Thanks, Brad. It appears the seller might be right but notwithstanding this, other outlets would still allow the shipment of a horn, surely? I'm thinking Fedex, DHL, UPS etc

I have used FedEx ground for US domestic shipments of large packages for reasonable rates. I really don't know about international shipping.

Brad

Steve wrote:It seems the USPS is getting as difficult as our own beloved Royal Mail! It appears the seller might be right but notwithstanding this, other outlets would still allow the shipment of a horn, surely? I'm thinking Fedex, DHL, UPS etc

Personally, I think that FedEx and UPS are probably better choices than DHL, at least domestically, but I have not dealt with any of these internationally.

Of course, regardless of who is carrying the parcel, I think someone out there has complaints regarding their service. I wish I could remember who handled one of our previous shipments of magazines at work—apparently the box of said magazines was handled roughly and came partially apart, and the carrier attempted to tape it back together...in the process doing a great job of taping the crap out of a number of the magazines, as well.

Needless to say, the magazines that got the packing tape treatment were a total loss.

I think that may have been the United Parcel Smashers.

Anyway, hopefully anyone opting for any of these carriers will have better luck with their phonographs, horns, etc.

— MordEth

Craters and Freighters http://www.cratersandfreighters.com/cf/home.do probably offers the most comprenensive solution if there is one nearby. They ship worldwide and will pack for you. They have spotty coverage though.

Thank you, everybody!

I will cautiously shortlist FedEx and Craters and Freighters as potential shipping agents to investigate.

Regards

Steve