Well, I've been doing this rod building stuff for about 2 years now. It is surprising when I keep running into a new situation. Most of my rods that I have built to be shipped have had an overall length of 66". Most of been two piece, boat rods, etc. If I built a 7' or 8' live bait rod the customer came in person to pick them up.

Now here is the situation. I have this beautiful Harnell one piece 11' surf rod. I have just started working on it and realized I have to ship it to my customer. Checked with the Post Office and some of these Mail & Go places. They won't take it. Does anyone know who will handle this type of package and should I just use PVC pipe to ship it in?

Any suggestions will be helpful.

Anthony Rossillo
Arizona

pvc is all you really need i would double tube this rod simply because you need to check with a common carrier i.e. frieght shipper ups /fedx might do it for a bundle but your best bet will be a frieght company hope this helps ....John T Burford aka Tightline Rod's

You might try asking your distributor if he would ship it for you. I have done this on occasion and find it a great help.....Jim Upton

Anthony,
Like John said, check your carriers. Make sure they will transport a package that length.
As far as packaging...we use PVC on our rod shipments. However, do not use your local post office. We have had a lot of problems with the PVC showing up bent or crushed to our customers with the rods broken. In some cases, the PVC tubes had been opened and the robs removed and than replaced.
Since than we have used FedEx...and have had no problems since than.
Best of luck!

Anthony, Check with FedEX Ground. That's who I use for all of my rod shipment and they are alot cheaper that anyone else. I use schedule 20 PVC tubing for all of my rods. Good Luck.
George

Scott,

Interesting experiences. Mine have been just the opposite. FedEx has damaged several rods I've shipped, while the USPS has always done an admirable job. Perhaps each person's experiences, good or bad, depend on his location and the individuals who handle the packages. I know our FedEx delivery man has a bad reputation all over town.

Harry Boyd