Shipping DME?

[lovesLilo]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has ever shipped DME (Durable Medical Equipment) such as a wheelchair or other item? If you have, how did it go for you? Is it possible to insure those types of things in case they get lost or damaged in transit?
Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have actual experience shipping DME to WDW, but your post brings several questions to mind that you might want to consider:

Shipping costs are largely determined by size and weight of the package to be shipped. Obviously, a wheelchair would cost more to ship than say a nebulizer, and a power w/c would cost more than a basic push w/c. You should be able to insure anything you ship, however if there is damage it likely would take time to make the claim and receive settlement; you would not get immediate replacement and you would need to make alternative arrangements. Definitely take pictures from all angles just prior to boxing whatever is being shipped to proof the condition of the item prior to shipping.

Lowest shipping costs are typically associated with the longest shipping times. Do you have "spare" equipment that you can do without at home both prior to and after your vacation?

Medical equipment can be taken on an airline free of charge and without counting towards your baggage count (either checked or carry-on). You specifically mention a wheelchair - how will the person get through or around the airport without it if you ship it ahead?

Again, considering the possiblity of damage or loss during shipping, it might be better (and possibly more cost-effective) to rent the item once you arrive in FL. If anything did happen in transit, you'd end up renting anyway plus you'd have the hassle of filing a claim, etc.

I think shipping is definitely POSSIBLE, whether it is the most convenient or economical is what you would need to decide. Good luck!

 

[jlcw14]

My father uses O2 at night and it is supplied by lincare. When he told them we were vacationing at WDW last fall, they arranged for their store in Orlando area to deliver a unit to his hotel room at POFQ. It was waiting for him in his room when we arrived. This arrangement of course won't help with custom wheelchairs, but is a possiblity for other types of DME.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I wouldn't ship to WDW.

If you're talking in general, I once bought a manual wheelchair off ebay and had it shipped to me. For Missiouri -> Connecticut the UPS cost was $65 for a wheelchair that was somewhere in the 30-40lb range (this was several years ago). I can't remember for sure what they packed it in, but I think a normal shipping box with lots of padding. It was a used chair to begin with so I certainly didn't notice any extra dings or scratches. I think there was insurance on it, but I don't remember for sure.

 

[cm8]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has ever shipped DME (Durable Medical Equipment) such as a wheelchair or other item? If you have, how did it go for you? Is it possible to insure those types of things in case they get lost or damaged in transit?
Thanks!

My Mom had her WC shipped to the GF and it arrived in pieces
Luggage signed for it as being in great condition and also noted that there was no damage to the box. When Bell service brought it up, the box was torn halfway opened and had a big hole on one side and a piece of her chair was sticking out Long story short, management bought and delivered another one the next day.

Three times I've have O2 delivered and it was "lost" all 3 times. Two of the times the Oxygen was given to the wrong person and the 3rd, it was there but no one could find it so it had to be delivered again at Disney 's expense. Otherwise than that,I can't complain

 

[JennyDrake]

I have no experience shipping DME but lots of experience shipping in general. I prefer Fed Ex Ground. Yes, you can insure it, but there is no compensation if it is delayed in arriving. You CAN ship Fed Ex 2nd or 3rd Day and they will guarantee delivery or refund the money. It IS expensive though.