Barrel saddle shipping help needed - PLEASE!

[KITTONNP]

Hi all,

I am new to riding barrels and a TRUE greenhorn. While on vacation to go to a few rodeos and learn a bit, I purchased a used Circle Y 14" barrel saddle. I am curious how everyone ships their saddles when they need to come through the mail.

Also, the weight and packaging as well as your preferred carrier. It will have to make a very long trek from Wisconsin to Florida.

Thanks so much!

[Foxglove]

I’m a coward at shipping saddles. I take mine to the local saddle shop and pay them to ship for me —they inspect the saddle, box it, pack it, and ship it --I pay the shipping amount ($20-60 depending on kind of saddle and where it’s going) and give them $20 to do it for me (provide box, packing material, “certify” saddle was in good condition when it left the store.) --that way, I’m off the hook for “the saddle came with a broken tree.” —kind of crap. I’ve only done this 3 times, but it worked well each time.

[BlueDrifter]

I think most use USPS as it is cheaper than UPS, but asking a tack store to ship for you is novel and not a bad idea!

[Bluey]

Just sent an old saddle to a museum, insured for a higher value, FedEx, in a Home Depot extra large box, I think 24" x 20" x 18", maybe?

Weighed saddle in box was #40.2 and cost $48.- to ship.

Was there in two days.

One more option.

[Aces_N_Eights]

I just shipped a cutting saddle I sold on eBay today.
I kept the box my cow horse saddle came in. Measured- 20"×20"×32" and was pretty thick cardboard, much stouter than most shipping boxes.
Put some wadded up paper in the bottom for a cushion. Had some sheeping to cover the horn. Laid the saddle on its side in the box, neatly tucked the stirrups in the underneath side of the saddle and stuffed big air packs in any space available so the saddle cant move in the box and to make sure if something gets set on top of the box during shipping it doesn’t put stress on the tree. More paper wadding on top. Taped it up tight.
And just for safety sake, I wrote in big letters not to drop or stack heavy items on top.

Since the saddle sold through Ebay there was a slight shipping discount through USPS or FedEx. I refuse to use FedEx as they’ve lost more of my items than any other shipper. Box weighed 37#, shipped through USPS Parcel Post with tracking for $65.

[bugsynskeeter]

FedEx Home Delivery was the cheapest I could find.

[beau159]

I have a local business that ships through everyone (USPS, UPS, FedEX, and Spee Dee). They check the rates for me, and see who can give me the best deal. Last time I had to ship a saddle, it only cost me $40. They also supply shipping material (and will package things for me) when it need it. I had my own box this last time.

Prior time before that, I used FedEx and it cost me over $100.

So if you have a shipping company that uses multiple companies, that’s your best bet for the best rate.

Certainly, put the saddle in the smallest box you possibly can. The bigger the box gets, the more expensive the shipping gets. Of course, make sure you get insurance and understand the terms of the insurance. Put the saddle in the box UPSIDE DOWN, fold the fenders in. It’s a good idea to wrap your saddle horn so it doesn’t get scuffed, and then of course wrap the saddle in protective material (as shipping companies usually aren’t gentle on things).