Custom Packaging

How to ship a large TV having no box or original packing supplies?

I have quite a problem. I need to ship my 42" Samsung DLP TV (45" x 30" x 10") from the Bay Area to Los Angeles (that's about 500 miles). I'm ready to pay the shipping costs (+ insurance), but the TV's box and original packing supplies have disintegrated in the rain! What can I do to get this shipped? Is there some kind of service where someone could fashion the packing supplies to the TV? I heard that this can be done for trade shows / businesses, but I don't know any details. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. any dealer has empty boxes phone around.
2. Trade show crews do save the boxes, and then pallat ship them to the next destination. Most of the shipping "fashioning" you mention is done with expensive metal boxes and custom cut foam inserts. The best bet is to contact a local retailer (Best Buy, Circuit, Tweeter) who might have a box that would be CLOSE to your specs. Even a box too big is better than just wrapping the TV to the pallat. Your biggest concern with the DLP is making sure the screen doesn't get scratched, and for that, you should see if you can salvage your screen cover. One other option you might want to try is to call 800-SAMSUNG and see if their customer service or parts department can ship you a box. It might be silly, but it's worth a shot.
3. Another good option is to find a local shipping place near you,most are near malls and etc they will pack wrap ship and insure your item for you, using bubble wrap and etc. The store list below is not near you but an example of the type place im talking about and their service so you might find one near you on an online search or in phone book under shipping packing etc http://www.packwrapship.com/
4. ups store will handle everthing for you from box to packing and shipping. also try uhaul
5. Wood. goto home depot and get the supplies to build a wodden frame around insulation foam, about 2 - 3 inches thick, also available at the home depot, and cover it with plywood.. adapt he foam to the shape of the TV. use wood screws and a screw gun.