Shipping household goods on empty trucks

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by 10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012.

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  1. Nov 25, 2012 #1
    10thMtnInf

    10thMtnInf Bobtail Member

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    Nov 25, 2012
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    Hi guys,

    Had a few questions and would appreciate some advice.

    I am going to be deploying here soon and I am trying to figure out what the cheapest way to ship my stuff from Northern New York to Southern California is. I'm not going to be shipping everything that I have, just the stuff that my wife needs for the baby as she is moving back to be with her family so maybe only 500-1000lbs worth if stuff. It wouldn't need to get there super quickly as I can take the important stuff in the car when I drive back so how long it takes isn't a huge factor. I also can pack everything into some type of container if this is cheaper than shipping items individually.

    What is the best way to do this? would it be ltl shipping? if so what type of container would you suggest and what would be the cheapest way to get it? How do I find shippers? are there load boards that I could post on or would I have to go through a broker? how much do you think this will roughly cost and would I be cheaper renting a uhaul and doing it myself?

    I know lots of questions but any suggestions would be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance
     
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    #1
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  3. Nov 25, 2012 #2
    GAlanFink

    GAlanFink Medium Load Member

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    The military will 'fund' your move up to a certain amount. Pre-scale the vehicle (remove spare tires... anything that can add weight) and provide that to your liaison. Moving it yourself is going to be cheapest and fuel will be your biggest expenditure (but also funded to some extent).
    Talk to your S-1 and get the full information before you deploy your bank account too.

    'Bigfoot'

    BTW... Southern California is a dump.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2012
    GAlanFink, Nov 25, 2012
    GAlanFink, Nov 25, 2012
    #2
  4. Nov 25, 2012 #3
    10thMtnInf

    10thMtnInf Bobtail Member

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    They only fund ETS or PCS moves, I moved everything my self on the way up here and made a nice chunk of change but when you are deploying, as far as the military are concerned, there is no need for anyone to move so they wont pay you in that situation. Thanks for the reply though.
     
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    #3
  5. Nov 25, 2012 #4
    ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    Check PODS, UCRATE. Or other storage/ shipping service. That will probably be your cheapest bet.
    I mean if you have a container to put the things into already then you can call an LTL company to come pick it up for you. But if you need the container, it is easy to go with one of the storage/ shipping solutions that are around now.
     
    ChromeDome, Nov 25, 2012
    ChromeDome, Nov 25, 2012
    #4
  7. Nov 25, 2012 #5
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Would it be more cost-effective to sell / dispose of the stuff and buy new when she gets to CA? Just a thought.
     
    windsmith, Nov 25, 2012
    windsmith, Nov 25, 2012
    #5
  8. Nov 25, 2012 #6
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    http://www.uhaul.com/Ubox/

    Cheapest way I know you can get it moved across the country.

    Pick it up with a trailer, go load it, take it back.

    Tell U-Haul where you need it moved to.

    Go pick it up with a trailer and unload it.

    Take the box and trailer back to U-haul.


    I have been hauling these around the country for a couple of months now.
     
    MNdriver, Nov 25, 2012
    MNdriver, Nov 25, 2012
    #6
  9. Nov 25, 2012 #7
    10thMtnInf

    10thMtnInf Bobtail Member

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    Windsmith the more I look into it the more it seems like that is going to be the way to go. I called PODS $3300, Uhaul Ubox $2100, cant find Ucrate. Don't have a shipping container already either. The Ubox would have been perfect other than the fact that its going to cost the same to deliver it as it would if I drive it myself and haul my car behind the Uhaul. Thanks for the advice though, some good ideas I just think that maybe I'm not moving enough stuff to warrant the cost.
     
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    10thMtnInf, Nov 25, 2012
    #7
  10. Nov 25, 2012 #8
    SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Be aware most carriers can't haul household goods without being authorized for it. I'd stay away from brokers too.
     
    SHO-TYME, Nov 25, 2012
    SHO-TYME, Nov 25, 2012
    #8
  11. Nov 25, 2012 #9
    58Skylane

    58Skylane Medium Load Member

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    Somebody had already asked the question and not sure if it was answered. But what is the value and sentimental value of the items to you? If it doesn't add up to the $2100.00 for the Uhaul Ubox. Donate it and buy new stuff in SoCal.

    This has also worked for some of my friends. I'm not sure what kind of vehicle you'll be driving to SoCal. But if you can tow a small box trailer, try to find a cheap one in NY and when you get to SoCal, sell right away. Sometimes you can sell it for about what you paid for or a little less. That way your not too much in the hole for the move.

    Good luck and I thank you very much for your service!!
     
    58Skylane, Nov 25, 2012
    58Skylane, Nov 25, 2012
    #9
  12. Nov 26, 2012 #10
    ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    Sorry, it is You Crate. Had to do a search. do not know if it is any cheaper. Also some LTL trucking company's have tailgate service, do not know if they have the containers to pack though. Still should not be more than 1.00 per mile for an LTL shipment. Not like you are using much of the truck.
     
    ChromeDome, Nov 26, 2012
    ChromeDome, Nov 26, 2012
    #10
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