MTFCA Forum

I intend to purchase a long block from Connecticut to Indiana. Asking for recommendations on shippers. Someone suggested Fastenal but are there other shippers? Thank you in advance.

Fastenal is really easy to use and very reasonable. I have shipped things with them multiple times and it has worked smoothly each time. The last one was a Model A long block from Connecticut to Texas and it wasn't very expensive; definitely less than $200 (it was over a year ago so I don't remember exactly).

If you put it on a pallet Fastenal will ship it cheaper than anyone else I have been able to come up with.

Here is the link to FASTENAL https://www.fastenal.com/fast/blue-lane-freight#

You mentioned you were going to purchase a long block and going to have it shipped from Connecticut to Indiana. The shop your buying it from should be able to secure it to a good sturdy pallet and maybe use some 2x4’s around it. The way it’s secured to the pallet and protected is something I would want to know.

Russ T Fender wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 26, 2025 10:48 am

If you put it on a pallet Fastenal will ship it cheaper than anyone else I have been able to come up with.

Totally agree. I've shipped engines to and from California and Utah and Oklahoma. Hands down what Russ said. You're not going to get a exact delivery date. They put it on the truck when they have room. Very smart! Gotta remember they're not a shipping company. Just smart enough to have a side job. You may have other perks if you get to know your store! Just my opinion and a dollar might buy you a cup of coffee.

I recently shipped through Fastenal/Blue-Lane from Washington to Utah - I was given a delivery date.

Fastenal is great, just remember that you must have an enclosed crate to insure. Also, not all stores can be used for pickup/drop off. Their staff will walk you thru every step. Far better than other trucking companies

I have a pallet of starter and generator cores on a Fastenall truck headed my way right now. 900 lbs and $275 to ship from CA to Idaho.

Make sure you weigh it and get a quote approved. They don't take walk-ins. So nice to have a LTL service that works well.

Jeff

Think I read that they don’t cross the Miss river any more. Something about they will ship from east coast to Miss and west coast to Miss. But not East of Miss River to west of the Mississippi. Or maybe I dreamed it.

Dan,
They can't cross the Mississippi because their trucks don't float!

I tried to ship some wheels from Arizona to New Hampshire less than a year ago and they told me they will not ship east of the Mississippi. I don’t understand what the guys are talking about. This has been like this since the start of Covid.
Clarify before you commit to shipping.

Dan Hatch wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 27, 2025 3:16 pm

Think I read that they don’t cross the Miss river any more. Something about they will ship from east coast to Miss and west coast to Miss. But not East of Miss River to west of the Mississippi. Or maybe I dreamed it.

They do ship cross the Mississippi River
The key is consistency.
Because 95% of our routes are static (trucks running fixed routes through the night to service our branches and customers),
we’re able to provide consistent service and control transportation costs.

Fastenal does not currently offer shipping between East and West Zones as shown on below map.
Fastenal does not offer transportation services between the US and Canada. --
--
Logical
Geographical Division:
Fastenal divides its operations into East and West zones, likely for logistical efficiency and to optimize their trucking routes and distribution network.
Shipping Restrictions:
Fastenal has stated that they do not currently ship between the East and West zones, likely due to capacity limitations, environmental restrictions, or other factors.
Focus on Localized Service:
Instead of shipping across the country, Fastenal focuses on providing localized service within each zone, using a hub and spoke model with distribution centers serving a 50-100 mile radius.
"Fulfillment Centers":
Fastenal stores are now referred to as "fulfillment centers," suggesting a shift towards a more localized and efficient distribution model.
Limited Shipping:
--
Map of locations kind of explains it, since you'd piggy back on their existing replenishment routes to their stores

They wouldn't accept the KRW combination table for Gene French from Washington to Colorado ????????????? But they took the other parts to Utah ???

^^^^^^^^^^

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 27, 2025 4:09 pm

They wouldn't accept the KRW combination table for Gene French from Washington to Colorado ????????????? But they took the other parts to Utah ???

The map shows that CO is split with both East and West zones, with Denver in the East. If your agent was more savvy they might have suggested you ship to western CO and let Gene drive a few extra miles. They may have also done away with “open” pallet shipments

I beg forgiveness for missing the no ship zone by a few hundred miles.

Thanks Kevin - didn't realize that ! I shipped open pallet, strapped it, then the agent (a gal) shrink-wrapped the heck out of it for free !

I live in CT, and I'm going to homecoming. If that helps.
Charlie

'Fire_chief » Thu Mar 27, 2025 7:38 pm
I live in CT, and I'm going to homecoming. If that helps.
Charlie'

Thank you Charlie. I do not want to impose and inconvenience you because the long block is about 85 miles away from Orange. Thank you for your offer. I'll check in with Fastenal.