STI usually picks up the pin and then it goes to the closet hub located in your major cities. It then goes to the hub closest to the destination. Lastly, it goes from that hub to the recipient. At least that is what I was told. I'm sure there's probably variations.

I've had 2 pick-ups that went fine from STI within the last few months and before it was usually picked up between 5-7 business days and now it's closer to 7-10 business days.

Michelle Bianchi is a booking agent with Precision Transportation who uses STI to ship the pinball machines. That's who the op got a quote from.

Brian Saunders (Pinballs of the Past, Lerna, IL) also hauls a lot of games mostly to the east cost and Texas for shows. He used to make other trips out east and to other parts of the country but not sure what he is doing now because of work.

Have had uship come here twice (both times I was the seller) - First time the guy brought a 28' cargo trailer to pick up 3 pins and did a nice job wrapping with blankets and strapping to side walls. Then, the 2nd guy came to get one pin with a pick-up that had a motorcycle in it and he placed the pin next to it. Never have paid to ship to me using them though.

From what I understand, get several quotes and have patience - wait a month or two for the best quotes.