Buying sheet metal without getting killed on shipping?

[Nepagarage]

I got the floors and firewall in the Challenger this week and am hoping by the spring I'm going to take it to my buddies and get it dustless blasted to see what surprises are still there in other parts of the car. Reason I did the floors and firewall before blasting is they were so far gone I wanted to get those pieces in to give the car some rigidity back and it be safer to transport on the trailer. While I won't know for sure until it's blasted, I suspect I may need to replace the roof skin, trunk gutters, and possibly a quarter. I'm aware of where there is some rust issues but some of it can be patched and the blasting is going to tell the story and make my decision for me. Anyway, I'm curious what you guys do to save a few bucks when it comes to shipping these parts that have to come via truck freight. The floors and fenders etc I got from Classic Industries a while ago. When I bought them they had a decent sale but the shipping more than offset the discount. When I got the firewall and A pillars I picked them up from Stephens Performance while at Carlisle, so no shipping of course, but his prices are higher and no discounts.  While we're on the subject, any of you guys have a Classic Industries credit card? I do and it claims 15% off each purchase but I've never seen it come off

[Jocigar]

I used Roseville two times.

First order was over 5k and they extended shipping.

Second order, I also needed a roof    so I to decided to order parts for my daughters 67 dart to make the $250 shipping worth while, that was fenders, qtrs, extensions and roof skin ... shipping felt cheap by comparison.

I guess making a list and combining larger sheet-metal is your best bet, 250 lot charge for freight is a decent value considering the size of the boxes.   One at a time would hurt.     

[Nepagarage]

 Oh I'd be thrilled with $250 shipping! Last order from classic industries (order was about $1500 of freight) the shipping was over $500!!

[Rich G.]

Stevens gives you a 10% discount if you pick it up in Carlisle and tell them your in a club.

[jimynick]

I drove down to Roseville Chrysler (4-5 hr trip) and bought much of my stuff from Dave, and so there was no shipping fees. I don't know what your work schedule is, if any, but when I start seeing tales of $500 shipping, I'd be looking at how far I'd have to drive myself to get it; with an eye on trip costs as well. Here in the days of the Wuhan Flu, getting out of the house seems a luxury and a road trip might not only save your sanity, but your $'s too! Just my 

[Nepagarage]

I didn't know Stephens would give the 10% discount. That is decent and my best bet for being able to pick it up myself at Carlisle. I like the idea of road tripping too, but from PA to either MI for Roseville or to CA for Classic Industries is not feasible unfortunately

[Rich G.]

I bought plenty from Stevens but the only problem is I have to wait until July comes around!

[torredcuda]

Find  local distributor - http://www.autometaldirect.com/dealer_locator.php

[72hemi]

Find  local distributor - http://www.autometaldirect.com/dealer_locator.php

This is a great idea and what I have done in the past is go to a local distributor and give them the list of parts that I need and have them order them when they place a big order so I don't get hit with shipping. I've had to wait a couple months doing this, but saved hundreds on shipping.

[anlauto]

Find  local distributor - http://www.autometaldirect.com/dealer_locator.php

YUP....same here, then I drive to his place 2.5 hrs, and pick the parts up....his shipping cost is included in his price, so as long as I'm good with that...I don't mind...

[RUNCHARGER]

We used to save our AMD orders until it added up to $10k then we got free shipping to our warehouse (in the US). Then what happens of course is stuff that was in stock may not be in stock when you place the order. Then your customers get butthurt and blame you for the metal taking awhile, don't be that guy.