The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Freight shipping options

I’m trying to buy a motor and tranny in California and have it shipped to me here in Texas. Submitted a quote request to Fastenal and got a reply saying᠁..

“The route you have requested for your shipment is currently not available. Due to COVID-19, limited capacity, environmental and other restrictions, we are currently not shipping between our east and west zones. For a map of our zones and the latest status on restrictions please visit our website www.fastenal.com/blf”

What other options do I have? Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

There are other LTL freight companies out there. I've used YRC & Span Alaska to get a 4x4 axle from Pennsylvania to Alaska, but that was quite a while ago. They may not quote for individuals, although I did get tires shipped to me by Span Alaska (free shipping to their terminal in Washington, then barged up here to Alaska) when the vendor wanted $3000 to ship directly to me in Alaska, but offered free shipping in the Lower 48.

Another LTL outfit is XPO (have not used them).

There are also LTL freight brokers who could handle your shipment.

Terminal to Terminal (you pick up at their terminal) is the cheapest way to go for any freight company. Local delivery adds quite a bit to the cost.

Grab a small U-Haul trailer and take a road trip? If you're uncomfortable with entering a combat zone, maybe the seller could meet you at the state line.
Jerry

Kevin, thanks for the suggested freight lines. I’ll look into them and other lines here in Texas.

Jerry, you crack me up! “Combat zone”?? Love it!

It’s 1,800 miles and 28 hours one way to where I need to go get the motor. Great idea, but I just got back to work after a 3-week vacation so taking time off now isn’t possible. Why didn’t the motor come up for sale while I was on vacation?!?!?

Go to Uship.com, follow the prompts - and you will get a quote. Just know that the shippers and agents all work together - for the most part.

FedEx does freight. I purchased a frame and FedEs handled the freight.

Glad you said "trying" to buy. The answer is don't buy it. Prices, routes and trust is out the door right now. Won't be back for many a day. Find one near you. Don't say there are none. There are.

Example: You get this for $1500-2000.......way less than buying one on CA. Go hear it run. 3 hours. or face time it. You get all the parts to sell.........with a title. You will end up getting the motor and trans for free. Been there done that.
You gotta do what I do, think outside the bottle.
https://houston.craigslist.org/atq/d/houston-1954-chevy-bel-air-for-sale/7429841832.html

Chuck
Just sent you a private message.

Lee, just responded.

7045george, thanks for telling me about FedEx. Didn’t think they would be an option.

Tom, thanks for reminding me about Uship.com. I’ve used them before to haul a car for me. I’ll investigate.

Bartamos, you speak wise words, Kimosabe. You’re right, finding one closer to home would be ideal, but the problem is I haven’t been able to find one. They’re either “boat anchors” or nice rebuilt fancy motors priced high as a cats back! Nothing in between that I’ve wanted to buy. I’ll keep looking, but in the meantime my old green truck sits parked in the driveway wondering when I’m ever going to drive it again. Wish me luck!

Getting a whole vehicle hauled is a lot easier than heavy freight. Freighters require specific crating, the receiving person to have a way to lift and roll the crate and are very expensive. The whole thing would be a nightmare. Find a motor near then a tranny near or haul a whole car/truck with a Uhaul trailer. DIY is the only way in this case. What vehicle is this for and what is wrong with it's motor now?

Keep an eye on the hauling boards ...you never know. I can sympathize with your dilemma. Needing a replacement I found my #1 motor on the coast about 350 miles away. Brought it home could`nt get it running (my fault) that took about 8 months. Next drove a solid 2 days to Denver, rebuilt motor ended up with one bad cylinder, that took 4 months. Decided to build a good run stand to avoid pulling motors back and forth....Got #1 running after a ton of help here on the forums. Just got it back in and running fine now!! Meantime I have passed on at least two running rebuilts within 150 miles . SO they do eventually show up .So far I`ve invested about $1450 in the motors and have a good runner and two spares to work on for fun. Patience sometimes pays off sometimes not.

Don't be so quick to dismiss Bart's idea! That BelAir looks pretty interesting ... harvest the engine out of it and flip it -- probably get same or better money for it if you're not in a hurry. Or keep it and drop a crate motor in it and have a rod ... and then flip it ... Like Bart says ... expand your imagination ...

Another advantage of a complete car, is that you can drive it where you need it to be.

We could also post any trips we are taking that have room for a load, usually have room for trans’ etc.

I have used U-Ship several times for pallet load and whole vehicle load. Whole vehicle load is best if vehicle can drive on and off. Pallet loads are best held at local freight terminal for convenience, otherwise higher cost for lift truck, if even available.

Ed

I have used Saia truck lines which has LTL and a terminal in San Antonio on Seguin Rd. The terminal to terminal rate was much lower than doorstep service. They will load with a forklift at the terminal.

The point is that the far away seller has to crate, lift, transport, drop off or whatever, ,with a heavy motor and trans. Not many willing to do that. If they live in a rural area, that may add to the problem. When it's far away you can't see it, test compression, hear it run............ Check tranny gears.

In my opinion a used motor is a core for a rebuild. I have one of my cars I purchased a car for $3500 for the motor and trans. The car is sitting in my garage with, I think, cam bearings out. Rebuild or replace. You can buy a crate engine cheaper than rebuilding an engine in most cases. The good side to a crate engine is you get a warranty. Know what a crate engine would cost so if you’re thinking about buying another engine it would be a lot less than a crate. I mentioned the FedEx freight for shipping but I do think buying an engine close to home is sound advice.

I shipped my Allison trans to Cal. from San Antonio using Central Freight and got it back from them the next week. They have a freight depot on east Houston St. east of 410

Thanks again everyone for all your great suggestions and recommendations. I made some headway with Uship.com, but the bids are still rather high. I’m now looking at a nice, running 235 much closer to home. The seller is calling me later this afternoon to tell me about the motor. If it all sounds good haggling will follow.