Ship it UPS Red or Blue.

We ship THOUSANDS of packages via UPS in my business every year. Zero issues. Packing is the key. FedEx destroys so much merchandise, we only use them collect on customer accounts who have a Fedex contractual agreement.

I use PIRATESHIP.com to Ship Ground UPS to Eric..........

Pirate Ship charges $1 for every $100 of added insurance........

Plenty of Bubble Wrap and Either a Thicker/Heavier Box or Double Box

PIRATESHIP.com has much lower pricing than buying a label at a UPS Store
PIRATESHIP.com has lower rates than many business's with UPS Accounts

FYI

https://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/faqs-shipping/

As stated above I the Shipper caused my own problems, in my instance, DOUBLE BOX!

Eric, knows me well. I make wood crates out of 3/4" shelving wood and 1/2 plywood. I use the shelving wood for the sides and the plywood for the top and bottom. I then buy four carriage bolts, 12 washers and 12 nutd drilling the holes in the plywood that I to use the mount the carb securely. The crate is not expensing to make. I also use only Fed Ex 2 day Air, insuring you have their "A" delivering the crate. Never had any thing damaged or lost doing this. Good luck with you decesion.

I'm sure you would contact Eric before you go, but verify that you can go to his house first. I'm local and he didn't want me to go to his house as its in a residential neighborhood and I think didn't want the traffic. I met him at a local engine shop to hand it over to him and pick it up.

Over insure the box and ship it UPS. 2 box method is always great. Don't skimp on bubble wrap. Small bubble style only. Hand it off to a UPS service center not a store.

I think the suggestion to hand deliver a package form KY to OH is extravagant! UPS and FedEx ship billions of parcels annually. We all have horror stories but it is very rare.

I dont even think its so much about damage, its about it getting lost. How could you replace it? I sent my Holley 3910 to him next day air, but that was back when shipping was more reasonable. If I could have drove it, I would have. I was more worried about losing it, even at that time. I also agree Next day items usually fare better and you are not waiting the extra time to see if it shows up.

Whatever you decide,never put FRAGILE on it,as workers will treat it like a Basketball regardless of who they work for.

Maybe even drop an air tag in it to try and track it.

Buy an Apple Air tag and tape it to the inside of the box. You can track it anywhere.