[TowerTalk] Freight charges when shipping towers

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

I am looking for an economical way to ship a complete tower package 
about 900 miles (one-way). I have created four "bundles" of nestled 
sections, base stubs, rotator plate, TB-3, and mast. The entire weight 
is slightly over 400 pounds of aluminum and steel.

What seems out of whack is the freight classification (250 or 300) and 
the resulting freight charges in the $1,200 to $1,500 price range. I 
have called numerous freight companies and agents and this is pretty 
consistent. There are also "up-charges" for no loading dock, etc. that 
are added on as well.

Short of loading the tower into a pickup and driving it there myself, 
how have you dealt with the freight industry so as not to break the bank?

FWIW, these are 10 foot sections and the outside sections are 30" on a 
side, open lattice, welded aluminum.

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN