I'll say it again
For anything you want to arrive almost 100% certain well packed, crated and with some certainty of undamaged go with C&F. Yes, they cost dear but you get what you pay for. After my disaster with another highly recommended service that delivered my virtually NIB AEG set with damage I won't bother with anyone else but C&F for long distance hauling. Locally there is always U-Ship for something one or two states away, but again you have to very careful and prices there are creeping up as well.
Aside from those two options the only other *safe* route is go and fetch the thing yourself. But then again when you consider so many factors including the cost of one's time C&F may still come out ahead.