Update about the shipper
I got the machines yesterday (thanks Matt, that's a neat Whirlpool, by the way). Jim the shipper is a very nice guy and seems really interested in helping us here. BUT, his attention to detail wasn't great. I was in a hurry when I went home from work during the day to get the delivery so I didn't examine stuff super closely. I thought the machines were dirty and dusty from sitting around, but as it turns out upon closer inspection last night, they're actually covered in salt spray.
As it turns out he hadn't covered or tarped the machines and they traveled here exposed to winter weather. One of the machines was loaded with the lid partially up, facing into the wind, which made the lid fly back and bend the hinges, etc. There was an outboard motor in the bed of his truck with the machines, and the pallet it was strapped to rubbed the Whirlpool all the way here, all the way down to polished steel.
Some padding and load preparation would have prevented all of that. I should be able to fix the lid and the rub mark, but cleaning that salf off EVERYWHERE is going to be a pain!
So, overall, Jim's a nice guy and he'll probably do anybody a good haul, but just be sure you make clear how you expect your item to be handled and check it thoroughly upon arrival. I'm pretty sure I asked for stuff to be tarped. So I'll have to check that out.
Gordon