Shipping an Organ

[myorgan]

Folks,

I have been trying for almost 2 months to get an organ shipped from the Southwest to the Northeast. I've listed everything on an online self-serve shipping service, but can't seem to get any bids from shippers.

Other ideas? Preferably cheaply? Less than a full load?

I am expecting my xylophone to arrive at a local trucking company in the next day or two, so when I pick it up, I may have to ask them if they broker items being shipped--like organs. I think they're used to potatoes--not organs, but it's worth a try. I prefer to deal directly with the trucker and not a broker, but will if I have to. Another option is rail transport, but I don't know the first thing about that.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Time is running out--I need it for my next concert.

Michael

[voet]

I have been going through a similar experience to yours, Michael. I tried UShip and got no bids. I contacted a local franchise in the city where the organ is located and they really did not want to do it. When I told the seller that I could not purchase the instrument if I could not arrange to have it shipped, he graciously agreed to deliver it himself. I will, of course, be covering his expenses and I have found a local mover who will meet him when he arrives. The local mover specializes in pianos and pool tables and was half the cost of a quote I got from a franchise operation.

If you want more particulars, Michael, feel free to PM me.

Good luck to you.

Bill

[Pipeorganbuilder]

Michael,
I have used Joe Long in NJ to move organs and nickelodeons from Ca., Denver, NJ. to Tn. for years. He is very good and very reasonable. Never one item scratched. Joe's number is: 609-444-7874.
Another instrument mover I have used that also moves anywhere in the US is Russell Lauterback. His phone number is: 407-301-2474. I really like both of the movers and recommend them highly.

Michael

[jbird604]

Michael (Maine),

Michael (TN) has good advice there. You should call one or both the guys he mentions. I would've thought U-Ship would work, but perhaps your item is too large for most of the companies who are affiliated with that site.

I assume you've found some monster organ with a 32' pedal reed ;-) so it may cost a pretty penny to have it moved!

[toodles]

Michael,

I've used PlyCon for several organ moves and they have been reliable with reasonably good timing--the last one just arrived from New England to Utah--ships from their NY office to LA, then the LA office consolidates several drop offs and/or pickups in the general area.

You can get an online quote within a day or so of submitting an RFQ: https://plycongroup.com/

By the way, if the quote is too high, you can always negotiate. Filling space on a truck at a lower price is better than empty space.

Toodles

[myorgan]

Thanks, all for your valuable information. Yes, John, I finally found my every-so-elusive 32' Pedal Reed. If I get the organ in time, I get to try it out on The Pines of Rome. I hope all those resources answer their phones after normal business hours. I've been leaving for work around 6:30, and not getting back until 6:30 or after. Not that they pay me any more.

I'll keep y'all posted.

Michael

[toodles]

PlyCon has an on-line request for quote system--it's easy to use and they are quick to respond (during the week).

[gebohmusic]

Need an Allen organ shipped from TX to GA

Hi,

I need to have an Allen organ moved from Texas to Georgia.

Can anyone recommend someone?

[Horseshoe_or]

In many cases, long distance organ and piano shippers work with a local piano mover to pick up the organ or piano and then another one on the other end to deliver it. That was how my last move went. So, you might contact piano movers in TX and see who they work with then you will know who to contact for a price quotes. Piano movers in your area may also be helpful in identifying shippers. Once you contract with a mover, don't expect the move to happen quickly. Often the shippers wait until they have a truck load of instruments to move before they will ship. Good luck with your new Allen.

[Pipeorganbuilder]

Hi,

I need to have an Allen organ moved from Texas to Georgia.

Can anyone recommend someone?

I use Russell Lauterback. Cell # 407-301-2474. He makes from Tampa to Texas all the time and is a good mover.

Another mover is Joe Long. His cell # 609-444-7874.

Michael

[toodles]

I've used Plycon for moving organs. Online at www.plycongroup.com. They have an on-line quote form and will get back to you within a day.

[myorgan]

Gebohmusic,

May I recommend searching for a similar thread before starting a new one? I merged threads because this one was just started earlier this month--same information in both threads.

I tried UShip, but received no bids for 1-2 months, so I arranged shipping with one of the carriers recommended. In fact, he could deliver your organ on the same trip. I'll PM you with the details.

Michael

[Casavant Fan]

Has anyone tried Walter Transport or Keyboard Carriage? They ship pianos, including concert grands, all over the US.

I would call Rich Galassini at Cunningham Piano in Philly. They also ship pianos all over and are Philly’s Rodgers and Johannus dealers.

[toodles]

On my last console move from the New England to Utah, the dealer that was involved got a quote from Keyboard Carriage, but Plycon was considerably less expensive. I'm sure it depends upon the detail of the move.

[Horseshoe_or]

I used Walter on my last organ move. Took a while but the move went well.