Shipping iMac to Myself Cross-Country

[dukee101]

I've got a 27" iMac (2013) I've been using here in the Midwest since the fall but I'll be out in California for 4 months and would like to have it there too.

How safe is it to ship my iMac across the country with FedEx? (specifically FedEx Ground)

They're quoting $80 each way with a declared value of $2,000. That seems reasonable.

I'll be shipping it in the original package plus that extra box surrounding it (just the way Apple shipped it to me). That should be secure, right?

Spending $160 to have my iMac for 4 months isn't what makes me nervous -- it's my iMac going back and forth across America through a complex logistics system that doesn't know a box of cereal from a violin.

Has anyone done this? Any stories? Am I overthinking it?

 

[b3av3r]

If you are using all the original packaging then you should be OK since this is what Apple trusts.

Otherwise take pics of the machine prior to boxing it all up and make sure you are getting enough insurance coverage for the cost of the machine. I would inquire how FedEx handles their insurance claims to see how much of a hassle/time delay it might be before you are paid if something were to happen.

Also, back up any and all data incase it is damaged or lost.

 

[dukee101]

take pics of the machine prior to boxing it all up

Good idea. I will definitely do that.

make sure you are getting enough insurance coverage for the cost of the machine

For FedEx, unlike UPS, isn't the declared amount what they're liable to pay you if the item is damaged? Do I have to purchase insurance separately from the declared amount?

Also, back up any and all data incase it is damaged or lost.

Absolutely. Already have this machine covered with offsite backup plus a local Time Machine copy.

 

[b3av3r]

For FedEx, unlike UPS, isn't the declared amount what they're liable to pay you if the item is damaged? Do I have to purchase insurance separately from the declared amount?

Even though I shipped hundreds of packages a day with FedEx and had to fight with them weekly to get refunds on missed delivery times at my previous job, I have no idea how their insurance works.

I would look it over online and try to understand all the fine print. Again, even if they pay you for a brand new machine but it takes 3 months or 6 months or a year to receive the money, is it worth it?

 

[CosmoFox]

Fed-Ex. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[JoeG4]

Why not carry it with you?

 

[Nuke61]

Has anyone done this? Any stories? Am I overthinking it?

I've done this, except that I only had the display/trapezoidal shaped box because I bought my 27" iMac at a local store. I took it to Fedex/Kinkos, they said they had to put it in a sturdier box, so it was probably very much like your shipping box. Traveled from Oceanside, CA to Columbia, SC. No problems, no box damage.

 

[dukee101]

Why not carry it with you?

Two problems with this: I can't check the iMac in as baggage because my airline won't accept responsibility for it. I specifically called and asked about this. Secondly, the 2012 and later iMacs no longer allow you to detach the display from the base/stand, which would have at least made it easier to swaddle in all the clothing in my luggage. So that's not an option either, and even if it was, I don't know how safe that would've been.

I've done this, except that I only had the display/trapezoidal shaped box because I bought my 27" iMac at a local store. I took it to Fedex/Kinkos, they said they had to put it in a sturdier box, so it was probably very much like your shipping box. Traveled from Oceanside, CA to Columbia, SC. No problems, no box damage.

My shipping box is also an identically shaped trapezoidal box, just made of sturdier cardboard than the original trapezoidal package. It wasn't a square box with tons of padding. Hope that still makes it OK.

 

[thedeske]

How safe is it to ship my iMac across the country with FedEx? (specifically FedEx Ground)

Has anyone done this? Any stories? Am I overthinking it?

Shipped quite a few with UPS (better luck with them in the SE states) Your factory pkg is fine.
I normally add a little internal packing if the original box feels loose from wear and tape it to death so it feels firm.

There's an old understanding - The Faster the Safer - it's true, but the new iMac is a solid item and light, so it should arrive AOK. I think 2500 insurance with UPS is around 18 bucks. Depends on the item and time on the route. Fedex should be the same.

 

[Nuke61]

My shipping box is also an identically shaped trapezoidal box, just made of sturdier cardboard than the original trapezoidal package. It wasn't a square box with tons of padding. Hope that still makes it OK.

I forgot earlier, but my first iMac was a refurb from Apple, and they sent it via Fedex. It too, arrived in good shape, no signs of box abuse.

 

[rambo47]

The original styrofoam packing is key for safe shipping. As long as you have that and the original box you should be golden. I would NEVER trust an airline to check an iMac, no matter how well I packed it. Have you seen how some things come off the baggage carrousel at the airport?? They look like the baggage handlers played kickball with them!

 

[dukee101]

iMac Successfully Delivered!

Just wanted to update everyone with the good news: my iMac was successfully delivered today across the country in one piece!

I can confirm that for around $80 and nearly 5 days later, FedEx will ship your iMac across thousands of miles with no damage!

...just be sure to pack it with the original styrofoam, put the box within another box, have the system photographed just to be safe, and also backup one last time before packing it up.

 

[Nuke61]

Thanks for the update (too many posters don't do this courtesy step) and glad to hear it worked out well!