Robert,
I think it depends a little on the shipping agent at your terminal. I have received large items with just tags on them; however, the shipping agent at my local terminal in Albany, NY was not very flexible and never clear or correct on estimated costs.
Go over and talk to the shipping agent. Cardboard covering or shipping paper covering might be all you'll need.
I have never shipped anything larger than tires at FedEx but they were very accommodating and had better prices than Greyhound.
Tim
