Dubs1, both Fed EX and UPS have about the same ability to get things delivered on time and without damage....as well as lose your stuff or damage it along the way.
Aluminum heads are both durable, and fragile, at the same time.
Bash in a corner of a coarboard box and it is likely the endge of the head hit will be damaged.
But at the same time it is a lump of metal and pretty sturdy and rigid.
If you will be using only cardboard to box your heads here are my suggestions for best results.
Do not use any type of packing materials, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, loose foam....none of it.
This stuff does not work well with heavy items having sharp corners like a cylinder head.
Unless you literally secure the head inside the box it will shift in transit and be subject to damage that will be found to be your fault....meaning no claim.
I suggest rolling the head in a few layers of cardboard. Wrap the cardboard tightly, directly against the head, folding neatly around edges as you roll the head.
Don't worry about the ends just yet, simply roll the head in at least three layers of cardboard and elmers glue it before taping things up.
This will result in a very rigid, impact resistant, zero shift type package that is very durable.
Once you have the head wrapped up and glued and taped...and dried...then move on to making the end plugs.
Again, cut pieces of cardboard to fit into the shape of the rolled end of the cardboard around the head....three layers minimum, more is okay.
Push these plugs into the ends and tape things up...a little elmers here is good too.
If you want to go one step further, construct a wood box around each head.
Be sure to secure the head to the "bottom" board of the wood box so it can not move in the least.
This is over the top but it also all but ensures good delivery.
Basically think on these terms to determine of you have packaged the heads properly.
If the shipping package can be played with by a room full of six year olds all day without being damaged it is just barely good enough to ship via any shipping company.
Last, ensure the package for the full replacement cost of the items to cover any losses or damage.
Also, either video tape, or take photos, of the packaging process/steps.
This is a pain in the butt step but it will be invaluable if a claim should be filed because you will have tangible proof concerning the quality of packaging that was used......every shipping company I have every dealt with almost universally begins a claim with "It was not packaged properly" just to see what you will do.....and most just walk away thinking it was their fault.
Heads are easy to package properly if you understand the game.
By the way, find out the weight breaks for single packages from the shipper of choice.
If the heads are light enough to be packaged together it is worth looking into, otherwise you can sometimes increase the shipping cost by being just over the single package weight breaks......all details and formulas and if you know them you can save good money.
