Tandem Cycling - Shipping a used tandem

I have been searching ebay, craigslist and tandem mag web sites for a small used mountain or enduro tandem for my wife and myself. I was wonder what is the best way to ship it once I have purchased one. Thanks to all for your advice.

A commercial trucking company, as tandems are generally considered an oversize item. However UPS and FedEx *may* also be able to handle it but have heard some horror stories.

A commercial trucking company, as tandems are generally considered an oversize item. However UPS and FedEx *may* be able to handle it but have heard some horror stories.

From the archives, previous reply to a similar question that may be of some assistance:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=923871&postcount=3

Note that Danzas has not been extending their special Santana tour rates to non-tour shippers for several years, which is really a shame: that was a good value with reliable service.

FedEx Ground seems to be willing to take oversized with the prerequisite premium charges; of the various big overnight shippers FedEx is currently my pick: I've had a few bad (really bad) experiences with OOOPS (UPS).

Greyhound has gotten very good marks just following the postings of folks who have used them: very low cost compared to other alternatives; however, you must be attentive to the logistics on each end of the journey.

Any commercial, over-the-road shipping company (Roadrunner, etc...) will also handle your shipments; however, residential delivery is often times a problem or carries a big surcharge vs. delivery to a commercial business address.

If you and/or the person selling / buying a bike have a good relationship with a LBS, having any shipment picked-up / delivered there (UPS, FedEx, DHL/Danzas, OTR, etc..) will usually save you $$$ if a drop-off / service center isn't convenient.

In the past we have also dealt with Roadway Express, even with a residentail addresss. We just asked the shipper/Roadway to contact us when cargo arrives at the Roadway facility and we arrange to pick it up there. Saved about $30+.
Mark's LBS suggestion is another good option.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

I shipped mine Fedex from my Grandparents home in Oregon to O.C, CA. I paid $140 and everything was fine. I did take the time to properly pack it. Most people don't do this. I bought 3 frames mailorder, over the past 2 years. 2 from shops, one private party. None took proper care when packing the frames for shipping. 1 frame was fine, 1 damaged, 1 appears to be fine but I need to get my alignment double checked.