How do you ship heavy oversized speakers


I have some heavy (120 lbs each) and oversized (60"x22"x8") speakers that I need shipped to me (I bought them, and I am not doing the packing) The weight is borderline for UPS and FEDEX GROUND but the size will be bigger than allowable (130" for Length + Girth) once packing materials are added. What have you done in the past for these larger speakers? Pick-up is not an option as they are in CA and I am in WI. For some odd reason FED-EX 3 day air might work, they allow 165" total dimensions, but it will be close to $200 per speaker, not including packing. I would prefer the $60-$90 per speaker that UPS and FEDEX Ground would charge if the package was just a hair smaller. PLUS has anyone used any shipping services that do the packing for you? What are the costs and experiences you have had? I need help as soon as possible on this, thanks!!!!!
a71spud
Merlin ships their speakers by BAX GLobal (Burlington Air Express), and they highly recommend them. Their fares are reasonable, and they will pick up and deliver to your house for a fee. They have a website, but you'd get a more accurate rate if you talk to a person.
Word to the wise, Mail Boxes Etc generally charge at LEAST 2 times the amount for shipping then it would cost you to drop off the package yourself, PLUS charge for packaging.
I recommend BAX as well. They seem to understand what "Fragile" and "This End Up" means and generally treat shipments with care. Prices are very good, they offer dor-to-door service, are accustomed to handeling heavy shipments, and do so in a timely fashion. Good luck with your shipment(s).
What you may want to consider is asking the speaker mfg. who they use. I did this with Magnepan and found that the shipping company they use is used to handling fragile packages such as speakers.I shipped with them and had no problems whatsoever.
When I bought a pair of used Vandersteen 3A's from Audio Connections in New Jersey, and they had to be shipped to Seattle, WA, Audio Connections used a private trucking company. I can't remember the name of the trucking firm, but they are a national firm with an excellent reputation. If you want their name, I suggest you contact John Rutan at Audio Connections in New Jersey.