So I shipped a Miata transmission about 2 months ago without too much trouble. Then yesterday I get a note in the mail for additional weight fee of $105. Sweet. Apparently the estimate I gave of 85lbs, was about 115lbs under what it really was; 200lbs. Sweet. Then I started thinking, I'm about 140lbs (on a good day) and I lifted this thing with no problem and even carried it about a block from my apartment to my Wagon.
What I'm saying is that a Miata transmission does not weigh 200lbs even on a pallet. How do I get out of paying this fee? When I called the lady said that I need a spec sheet for this particular item. Would a dealership have a spec sheet on a 1992 Mazda Miata transmission? Could one of the great people (hmmm Keith?) at Flyin Miata vouch for me?
I can back you up - they're around 75 lbs or so. We have a bunch of loose ones here as well as a set of UPS scales. What sort of documentation does she need exactly?
Most trucking companies have what is called the "FLOOR" rate. Anything in a class below a certain weight is classed the same. For example a transmission which I would class at 92.5 under 150# would cost the same from 150 down. Denver to New York cost would be about $350 with very little discount. My cost with another carrier would be as high as $225.
Most of the carriers I deal with will weigh the item when it is taken off my truck when I make a delivery.
That is the time to get the weight certified.
Unless you can come up with the manufacturers shipping weight you are screwed. By the way if you look at the bill for the reweigh there may be a charge JUST to reweigh the item.
I am in the shipping business and alot of this info comes from making a mistake once.
Nick
Keith wrote: I can back you up - they're around 75 lbs or so. We have a bunch of loose ones here as well as a set of UPS scales. What sort of documentation does she need exactly?
She said that she needed a manufacturers spec sheet so I might be screwed. What I'm thinking is that a company that specializes in Miatas (such as yourselves) would be proof enough. Basically she needed the weight and dimensions.....so maybe something like that written on your letterhead would be good enough.
By the way, thanks for the help.
nickleone wrote: Most trucking companies have what is called the "FLOOR" rate. Anything in a class below a certain weight is classed the same. For example a transmission which I would class at 92.5 under 150# would cost the same from 150 down. Denver to New York cost would be about $350 with very little discount. My cost with another carrier would be as high as $225.
Most of the carriers I deal with will weigh the item when it is taken off my truck when I make a delivery.
That is the time to get the weight certified.
Unless you can come up with the manufacturers shipping weight you are screwed. By the way if you look at the bill for the reweigh there may be a charge JUST to reweigh the item.
I am in the shipping business and alot of this info comes from making a mistake once.
Nick
That's not comforting to hear. I'm sick of saying "live and learn" over stupid crap like this, but that may be the case.
