Originally Posted by
riessen
My 2 cents - I've shipped several pairs of big monitors east coast to west and overseas, with zero damage. If you pack them solely in a box, any box, you're likely to have damage. The packed box ends up being too heavy to handle or pickup. The handlers end up using other means to move it - like a fork lift. If they can't pick it up they're likely to push it off the truck upon arrival (I've witnessed that before). But if it's just a box they can't get a hold of it. The box will arrive with fork holes stabbed in it and maybe the speakers too. If you box them consider the following: Band the box to a pallet so it can be handled, regardless of the end weight. Take 6" wide heavy cardboard strips and form them into an "L" and with shrink wrap, wrap ALL corners of the cabinet. Then cover the corners over the cardboard with bubble wrap and more shrink wrap. Do another cardboard "L" over that if you feel it necessary. Cut the cardboard srtips longer than the cabinet so they overhang the edges of the cabinet 2 to 3 inches. Put the cabinet in the box BACK SIDE DOWN on a blanket of large bubble wrap at least 3" thick, 4" or 5" would be better. With the cardboard corner wraps overhanding the edges of the cabinet, there will be space between the cabinet sides and the box. Fill the voids with bubble wrap. Forget foam peanuts. They're worthless for heavy objects. Mark the top of the box "DO NOT STAND ON" and/or "DO NOT STACK". Try to locate a box that is big enough to provide 3-4" of space all around the sides/top/bottom once the speaker is in the box.
I don't use cardboard boxes but instead built crates. $50-$60 at Home Depot should be enough for 4331's/4333's. Consider Forward Air. 3 days and minimal handling and less chance for damage. Speakers this size are out of UPS/FedEx area of reliability and weight range.
Boxes on PALLETS or CRATED and they'll arrive safely. Boxed only - you're taking a big chance. I shipped a pair of 4333B's a couple months ago from Chicago to LA, crated for less than $150, 401 pounds. 3 days and not a scratch on the crates let alone the speakers.