How To: Build a tranny shipping box....

[transzex]

Supplies needed

20x20x20 box from FedEx-Kinkos $6.25
18x18x18 boc from Office Depot $3.99
3/4"x12"x48" styrofoam sheeting, one pack of five sheets
Tape and strapping as needed.

First, tape the bottom of the 20x20x20 box.......then line with styrofoam, 2 panels should be enough.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120018.jpg

Second, tape the 18x18x18 box and insert it into the lined 20x20x20 box

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120019.jpg

now use foam scraps to line the walls up to the top edge of the 18x18x18 box

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120020.jpg

Inside the bottom of the 18x18x18 box, make 2 layers on the bottom......

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120023.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120024.jpg

You could use a piece of 1/4" luan (thin plywood) on the bottom before the two layers of foam.

Line the walls of the 18x18x18 as before.......

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120027.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P7120028.jpg

You should have enough foam left over to line the top between the two boxes, no pic.

[transzex]

Next, double bag the tranny with heavy duty lawn trash bags AFTER drain the tranny, making sure to tip it up to get as much as possible out.

Drop the tranny in, use left over foam shipping blocks from TV's/Monitors/etc to fill the open void above tranny. Omaha Steak shipping containers work great for this (neighbors can affod them), then close and tape or strap as much as you think is needed......

Then do it again!!!!!

Also, 19-20" TV and 17" CRT monitor boxes work great as they are double walled cardboard. You can mark "This Side Up" but dunno if I'd mark it fragile.....as the term "DROPPED shipping" might come into play.

Should end up with a 75 pound package, so higher shipping charges will apply, if a LSD is installed, add another 5 pounds.

[modsHXcivi]

Great info Bone :TU::TU:

[4Door Life]

very cool, thank's for the lesson mr. Bone... :)

[fireant]

Awesome, the most unique How-to idea I've seen ever. Now you're encouraging me to send you a trans.

[ryan89crx]

ill be using this write-up next week

got my tax return today :TU:

[s_18]

Nifty crafts :)

[cvic90]

Thats better than buying a storage tote bin and lining it with old bed sheets and drilling holes in the top to zip tie it closed.

[SOHC_STUDENT]

nice writeup Bone!

My tranny came wrapped up in a teal EG. Seemed pretty sturdy ;)

[Clutchmaster]

I'll be sure to send to this to whoever winds up sending me the new Si tranny I want

[myHonda1]

Good info! :TU:

[transzex]

I'll be sure to send to this to whoever winds up sending me the new Si tranny I want

got one of those too!

[ryan89crx]

got one of those too!throw an LSD in it and sell it to me :smile:

[transzex]

throw an LSD in it and sell it to me :smile:

only if you give it a review!!!!!!!

OK, spare PL3 tranny used for mock up, the bungie cords will be replaced by straps......Ryan, your the test subject!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3080005.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3080006.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3080007.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3080008.jpg

Foam blocks will be added after the 1/2 plywood plate is dropped into the box.
BTW Ryan, this gets shipped back, I have about $50 into it already!

[transzex]

Hey Ryan.......it's boxed!!!!!!!!

Lay board on the bottom

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110014.jpg

Drop in tranny and strap it down. Normally I double bag the tranny because of oil, but this one was dry inside from being town apart, twice.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110018.jpg

Add styrofoam, neighbor get Omaha Steaks, super thick foam shippers.....

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110019.jpg

more

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110020.jpg

2" thick on top.......

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110021.jpg

close first box and add 3/4" layer of foam

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110022.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110023.jpg

Tape it up GOOD! If I had a strapping/banding machine, it'd get 4 straps....

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box/P3110025.jpg

[ryan89crx]

hell ya!! im stoked!!

[civic97]

damn thats a sick ass box:TU:.

[transzex]

Now people can see how "anal" I am about shipping a tranny. I don't wanna have to fight a damage claim.

I worked in warehousing for 20 years, I know what happens in normal transit, let alone "box testing"......

[berettagtz117]

Damn nice work!!

[stmotorsports]

great write up Bone :TU: :TU: :TU:

btw, fyi for anyone thinking of getting some of the insulating foam in a can and shooting it into a plastic bag to make your own custom shipping molds, don't- it doesn't work. That stuff needs direct air exposure to dry and when you shoot it into a bag you just end up with a big heavy ass bag of goo that will never dry.

[Haysoos]

great write up Bone :TU: :TU: :TU:

btw, fyi for anyone thinking of getting some of the insulating foam in a can and shooting it into a plastic bag to make your own custom shipping molds, don't- it doesn't work. That stuff needs direct air exposure to dry and when you shoot it into a bag you just end up with a big heavy ass bag of goo that will never dry.

Throw plastic wrap on it, then whoot it on in layers to the shape you want. That would work, wouldn't it?

Nice write-up bone, there should be no damaged trannys in d-series shipping from now on.

Now figure out a engine shipping box so people don't have to make any more coffee tables. :D

[transzex]

great write up Bone :TU: :TU: :TU:

btw, fyi for anyone thinking of getting some of the insulating foam in a can and shooting it into a plastic bag to make your own custom shipping molds, don't- it doesn't work. That stuff needs direct air exposure to dry and when you shoot it into a bag you just end up with a big heavy ass bag of goo that will never dry.

They make a kit but it is special foam, doesn't need O2 to setup.

But, to get the tranny out after encased in foam, not gonna be easy. If you look at the pics, you can see how tight the shift shaft is going in the box. Try to keep a 70-75 lb tranny level with on hand, NOT FUN!

[Burnboy]

good write up

[crxmotorsports]

Good writeup Bone!
Being empoyed in the transportaion business, I can definitely say proper packaging is a big deal. Gravity seems to take over on heavy packages...
The only recommendation I can make from my experience is to make sure you bag it in a thick bag to contain the oil that you just cant drain out. Gear lube makes mush out of cardboard!

[K2e2vin]

Great write-up Bone! That's an excellent way to package a transmission.

<-I see hundreds of damaged goods due to bad packaging.

[Importfan1]

damn. thats a nice write up bone.

[transzex]

Good writeup Bone!
Being empoyed in the transportaion business, I can definitely say proper packaging is a big deal. Gravity seems to take over on heavy packages...
The only recommendation I can make from my experience is to make sure you bag it in a thick bag to contain the oil that you just cant drain out. Gear lube makes mush out of cardboard!

Anything I work on will have no oil inside it, the people shipping a tranny back need to double bag it.

Also proper repacking is mandatory. If not the return tranny will destroyed the box from the inside out. The returned tranny wasn't even strapped down when box got to me.

[bense]

If I had a strapping/banding machine, it'd get 4 straps....

Sounds like the trans master is about to get his strap on!

[importheaven]

i wish i had seen this i just shipped a tranny two days ago, and went to lowes and paid 11 for insulation/roofing styrofoam and just used that.. still worked pretty good though

[Boricuanolgy]

You did the packing now I think you should do a write up about the shipping. Now get the best tranny you got, with LSD of course, and send it to me, I will put the tranny on my car and test it to make sure it didn't get damage on delivery and if everything is ok I get to keep it since I sugested and volunteer for this idea. LOL.

[transzex]

send me $3000 and I'll get started.......

[Boricuanolgy]

send me $3000 and I'll get started.......
I have been working on two jobs, I guess I can get a third one to paid for my tranny. LOL

[transzex]

Time for an update, 2 boxes + stryofoam was messy.

Still 20x20x20 FedEx out box, but now a 4x8 sheet of pink insulation foam, scored for easy transport :)

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140005.jpg

tape the bottom of the box.......

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140006.jpg

20x20x20 bottom foam

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140007.jpg

Using the score marks, 16" high sides are easy

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140008.jpg

then another 20x20x20 top cover (label and set aside, or you'll think it's scrap!)

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140009.jpg

Scrape used for level the tranny

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140010.jpg

[cory jordan]

what about carpenters tape on a sheeet of plywood. secure that mug down and give it some padding for the roll oever, should it happeh. but givien the tap. that bith wouldnt move an inch,

[transzex]

now fit this into the box.......thats when shit hit the fan!

The first box was 18x18x18 inside, this box was only 17x17x17, tight fit before, even tighter now!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140012.jpg

Start filling the gaps

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140013.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140014.jpg

Using the 1.5" thick foam, top comes out 1" short, scrap laying around FTW

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140015.jpg

Top piece(s) on, was one piece but I grabbed it thinking it was scrap, but this works just as good.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140016.jpg

[cory jordan]

what about carpenters tape on a sheet of plywood. secure that mug down and give it some padding for the roll over, should it happen. but given the tape. that bitch wouldn't move an inch,

[transzex]

add tape, don't skimp........

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140017.jpg

(need a header?)

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%202/P9140018.jpg

One 2'x4' sheet left over along with 8"x2' piece, used 2/3's of a 4'x8' panel of 1.5" Pink foam.


Cost......

Foam $18.40 for whole sheet, Home Depot
Box $6.65 from Kinkos
Tape $3, 2" strapping taping not cheap, even from flea market.

I'll get a total shipping weight tomorrow, expect it to be 78 lbs, maybe 80 lbs.

[transzex]

The box is ready to roll, literally. I know how the monkeys at FedEx/UPS handle packages, why I over pack and over insure. This tranny will be insured for $500, just a stock low mileage Y8.

[cory jordan]

tape, wrong tape. metallic tape with holes in it. screw it to the same dimensions of the box in which you are setting it in/ add some padding to the walls. bingo bango. done and done. that trans will never move. im talking appp. screws in accordance to the thickness of the plywood base.

[transzex]

this box has no plywood........

the pink high density foam is sooooooo much easier to work with, alot less mess.

Roll the box to the door, tranny will be fine.

[greasemonky50]

well now i know how to send you my tranny when i have cash.

[transzex]

my first design, I'd hope the box would be reuseable......it lasted for 1.5 trips. This is a one trip deal, might be fine for a return shipment.

I might do some drop tests to see how much it takes to damage a box.

IF your shipping me a tranny, drain well, than means tipping it up while draining, plug both axle holes with rags, double bag.

If FedEx see's an oily box, it gets the ROUGH treatment. It's not pretty.

[krkline2gdsm]

Built a box... I stood up on it and it held all 220lbs!

20x20x20 box, 2" pink foam from home depot, 1/4" luan wood for bottom and top support, tape and duct tape. This write up made shit easy!!! Thanks

[transzex]

A tranny that was delivered over a week ago, unpacked last night.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270013.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270018.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270019.jpg

I don't think the peanuts helped any.......

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270021.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270022.jpg

[transzex]

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270023.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270024.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270025.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270026.jpg

Even bagged, the two mount bolts punched thru.....

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270027.jpg

[transzex]

Double bagged FTW

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270030.jpg

Shaft wrapped (not really needed) and both axle openings plugged

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270031.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270032.jpg

They stayed dry, meaning the tranny was well drained before hand

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270033.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bonespec/Transmission/Shipping%20Box%203/PB270034.jpg

[Importfan1]

:TU: for whoever packed that tranny.

[transzex]

:TU: for whoever packed that tranny.

He's a newbie, only 74 posts right now, but listens and reads well.

Wish more could do the same!

[bense]

shit. I can't believe you put that much work into your shipping boxes.

Whenever I pack something up, I just raid the local blue cardboard dumpsters and grab a big box out of there.

I'll bag it thrice, then I take all the trash out of my car and use it for padding. Hamburger boxes, beer cans, whatever. I think I shipped someone some gears recently and I grabbed a cereal box and stuffed the gear in it and crumpled it up. A lot of times I'll even grab plastic bottles and put them in there. It's awesome.

[Historyg]

mistabone, i am wondering if you will do some work on my tranny, i sent you a email, but i heard you dont respond to pm, so i dunno if you will through the email, if you read this please let me know if you will do work to a y8 tranny thanks, I am a noob on this site, sorry man, i hope that does not make you judge me. I am willing to ship to you, that is why i put this here sorry

[cory jordan]

shit. I can't believe you put that much work into your shipping boxes.

Whenever I pack something up, I just raid the local blue cardboard dumpsters and grab a big box out of there.

I'll bag it thrice, then I take all the trash out of my car and use it for padding. Hamburger boxes, beer cans, whatever. I think I shipped someone some gears recently and I grabbed a cereal box and stuffed the gear in it and crumpled it up. A lot of times I'll even grab plastic bottles and put them in there. It's awesome.

lovin' it!

[mike93eh]

i just boxed a tranny for a customer and i used a heavy duty cardboard box and inside that was a 5/8" particle board box and inside that was a 1.5" foam board box and newspaper was stuffed in there with the tranny.. it came out to about 100 lbs. i will get pics of it.

[Danronian]

Shit these things end up heavy. HOw much do they generally charge to ship something of this mass?

[transzex]

Shit these things end up heavy. HOw much do they generally charge to ship something of this mass?

90 lbs insured for $1000 to 19512 zip code is $58.14 via FedEx ground.

[MidCalTuner]

That's a waaaaaay better deal then using a freight carrier.

[transzex]

LTL trucking company will also charge you a dock fee, also another fee if shipping to a residence.

This is why FedEx wins here.

Now shipping a 9" Ford complete rear or a C4 tranny skidded, gonna have to go LTL.

[jakester9500]

this is the perfect thread. I was just saying yesterday I was thinking of selling 1 or 2 of my spare transmissions but I had no idea how to ship them

[SnailTrail]

:shocked: amazing write up! i sent out 2 EG trannies with a lot of foam thru UPS few years ago but didn't use double-boxes. VERY IMPRESSIVE Mista Bone!
ty and glad i saw this sticky b4 hitting junk-yards. never know when you'll come-up on a low-mileage Dtrans @ ecology or Pick-ur-part

[transzex]

I have a 4th style box, only 20x20x20, cheaper, offers same protection.

I'll get pics when I ship the next tranny to a HMT member.

[Importfan1]

I will be using this here in the next few days.

[T-Bone]

thats bad ass

[Rexinre]

Outstanding write up Bone! Great job.

[SOHC_STUDENT]

502 enjoyed this post, thanks Bone
http://www.502streetscene.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2291359#post2291359

[transzex]

Thanks, hadn't logged into there for 10 months :)

[EF in germany]

can u send a tranny trough USPS? im stationed in germany and am trying to get a 5 speed for my d15 but they are expensive here

[LoSt GhoSt]

Great write up bone. Never seen this thread before.

[sleepingciv]

can u send a tranny trough USPS? im stationed in germany and am trying to get a 5 speed for my d15 but they are expensive here

Ya they do up to 75lbs and the ls trannys weight 63lbs. But its gonna be $$$$$$$ ups or fed ex would prob be cheaper.


And nice right up Bone I awlays wanted to ship trannys now i can when i get them. :clap:

[EF in germany]

fedex wants $700 to ship to my house cause of german tax. i can USPS 70lbs to my p.o. box on base for $100 and i dont have to pay german tax

[stmotorsports]

wow f that...

there are so many cool uk- specific parts/cars i've found over the years but had to pass on cause taxes were ridiculous

[Aragorn]

Ya they do up to 75lbs and the ls trannys weight 63lbs. But its gonna be $$$$$$$ ups or fed ex would prob be cheaper.


And nice right up Bone I awlays wanted to ship trannys now i can when i get them. :clap:

fedex wants $700 to ship to my house cause of german tax. i can USPS 70lbs to my p.o. box on base for $100 and i dont have to pay german tax

It is 70lbs. If the trans were 63lbs, you would be in trouble. I'm thinking Bone's shipping box if made correctly is going to weigh over 7lbs. D-series trans is probably lighter than an LS. I'd go weigh mine right now, but I'm not supposed to be lifting anything that heavy.

[Importfan1]

If I remember correctly mine was about 77lbs when I shipped mine.

[Mizz Topher]

looks good :)