How to ship large items using greyhound xpress

I recently picked up a very large lamp which I will be hard to ship USPS, so I asked Olivia11dancer to write me an article on how to ship items VIA greyhound express.  She uses it quite often and its a great way to save on shipping depending on where the item is going.  If you want to ship something greyhound express make sure your item meets the criteria below.

SIZE, WEIGHT AND VALUE LIMITATIONS

Size: Packages will be accepted for transportation, provided the dimensions of the package are within 30 inches X 47 inches X 82 inches.

Shipments of Skis and/or Ski Poles will not be subject to the size limitations specified herein.

The Carriers participating in these rates, rules and regulations reserve the right to refuse to accept a package if its dimensions, even though within the limits specified herein, exceed the size or capacity of the Baggage and Express Compartments of the available vehicles.

Weight: No single Package will be accepted for transportation that exceeds one hundred (100) pounds in Actual Weight. Provisions for shipments weighing up to, but not exceeding, one hundred fifty (150) pounds apply in selected areas. Shipments over one hundred (100) pounds are limited to the routes of carriers with a (150) after the name. See next page for applicable areas. Xpress Baggage shipments may not exceed 75 pounds per piece.

Value: No single shipment (Prepaid, Collect, or C.O.D.) will be accepted for transportation that exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000) in actual or released value. Released or declared value is the value agreed upon between the shipper and the carrier as evidenced by the uniform receipt given to the shipper by the carrier at the time of shipment or within a reasonable time thereafter or as agreed upon. With the exception of Xpress Baggage Service shipments, excess value charges will be assessed for any shipment with value greater than one hundred dollars ($100). Xpress Baggage Service shipments will be assessed excess value charges for any shipment with value greater than two hundred, fifty dollars ($250).

My items meet the criteria now what?

So your item meets the criteria to ship greyound express.  This is how you do it.  

How to ship using grey hound express

Prior to listing your item:

Go to greyhound xpress website

http://www.shipgreyhound.com/

Enter your zip code to find a station near you

I always enter a New York and California address when listing on eBay. This way you are covered no matter where the package is going.  Yes, if the person is closer to you they will be paying more than the actual cost, but it has to be done this way as you have no idea where your item might be shipped to.  Include in the listing shipped to the lower 48 states only.

I then enter weight and the longest measurement of the item, the website then gives me a shipping quote.  

Always insure your packages.  They break stuff all the time.

Insurance is expensive I add 20.00 to the shipping cost to cover that fee

Package it very well

When an item sells  you will have to have your customer pick the closest terminal to them based on their zip code.

You will also need their phone number so that the terminal can call them when it reaches it destination.

Jefferson bus lines also work with greyhound xpress for delivery of packages.

Some terminals like Jefferson bus lines don’t have updated computers and tracking number aren’t available online thus leaving yourself wide up for a customer that might say he never got the package. 

 I have never had a customer try this scam, but just be aware it is a possibility. 

Some bus terminals are nothing more than a gas station.  Not all terminals are equipped to handle packages so be aware that there can be a very limited number of locations in each state, Most large cities are fine, but you need to be aware that some of the smaller cities cannot be used as a delivery point. 

All the  locations are listed on they greyhound website by zip code. 

Shipping time is varied, it depends on the number of people on the coach,  If they have room for your package they will put it on.  It might sit some where in transit for a day or two.  Normally shipping is 3-10 days.  They won’t leave a customers suitcase off of the coach to fit in package in.  Passengers come first. 

Cost of shipping is very reasonable, but remember the insurance isn’t and it does average to about 20.00 no matter what it is worth.