coconut chair disassembly for shipping question  

Greyhound
FTW.

Thanks. Greyhound's size...
Thanks. Greyhound's size limits are, 30 inches X 47 inches X 82 inches. Since the coconut chair w/ legs is 40 x 34 x 34, this solution only works if the legs come off. But Greyhound doubtless would be a lot less than UPS.

In the event you can't...
In the event you can't remove the legs, I have had a very large item shipped coast to coast through this company, and felt the price was very reasonable, but it could be that the cost was discounted via the retailer I bought the item from, so I am not really sure what they would quote you. You also have to live near to the Interstate Freeways their trucks travel on in order to get the lowest prices.
http://www.aceexecutivevanlines.com/

Caution: I have used Greyhound,but they are sloooow!
I sent a floorlamp to Florida thru Greyhound Package Express,which was measuring in at about 72x24x24".Well,to summarize,they should drop the word "express" from their name,as I was told it would arrive there in 3 business days,when in fact it took closer to 3 weeks! Apparently,passenger luggage gets priority in the underbelly of the buses,so my package sat in the Port Authority bus terminal in NYC for two weeks!It arrived there in one day from South Staion Boston,but just sat there til I rattleled their cage.Furthermore,you can only insure the parcel for $350. max,so I would not recommend entrusting a valuable Coconut chair to them.Unfortunately,Craters and Freighters and Plycon also suck ,yet at a more expensive rate to boot.I have a major horror story to tell about getting an Eames 670 shipped via Plycon a few years back.

Sounds like
Your package probably would have taken up the majority of a cargo space, so it's understandable why it was delayed so long.... especially having to go through NYC.

legs
The legs can be removed from the inside of the shell, the cover and padding would have to be removed. As it has to be re-upholstered anyway this shouldn't be a big deal.
I've got pics with the cover removed and the instructions to do so if you would like them.

thanks norm
I'd love to see your photos and experiences if you don't mind sharing them.

Craters & Freighters
Tulipman: You say that both Plycon and Craters & Freighters suck, but only mention a Plycon horror story. Do you also have one for Craters & Freighters?
I ask because I've used C&F a number of times -- most recently for a Womb settee shipped halfway across the country -- and they've never disappointed me. I recommend them to friends, so I'd be interested in hearing more about experiences that were less favorable than mine.

Ship intact
I've shipped coconut chairs in the past and I'd recommend shipping them intact.
You can take the legs off the shell, but depending on which generation leg construction you have, they can be vulnerable. The first generation legs are all welded including the wire struts. When not attached to the shell, they are quite vulnerable to bending. The second generation legs can be easily disassembled as they are attached to the shell as well as the struts with screws. However, the cover does not come off easily as the first generation. The cover and foam will most likely be damaged or destroyed when taken off to detach the legs. I'd think you'd want the original cover as a pattern and to have your upholster see how it's supposed to go together.
It's not too expensive to ship a coconut chair intact and I think it's well worth the extra money.

thanks pegboard modern, suggestion?
Thanks Pegboard Modern
Do you have a freight shipper to recommend? The chair is coming cross-country. And has to be taken from the house, prepared for shipping, and then transported by the shipping company. I've received quotes from about $500-750 for this full service move. Would that seem to be a normal and reasonable charge?

Depends
In my experience it really depends on where the chair is and where you are. I'm in the middle of the U.S. and I've used a variety of shippers.
It sounds like you need a good "blanket wrap" shipper. You probably don't need to have it packed or crated, but you need someone who will wrap it up nicely and ship it safely. Coming from the West coast I've had good experiences with Plycon van lines. You can get a free quote on line. From here to NY I use a very good shipper who makes a monthly run. For other destinations I've shipped packed pieces with freight carriers and I've had some good experiences (at very reasonable prices) with UShip.
You have to register with UShip, but you can post up your item, give your max price and accept bids. I've been quite pleased with the shippers I've used. I've had a couple waste my time with bids that they did not honor, but those that did the job did good work at very reasonable prices.
Good luck with your coconut. That is a great chair!

Yes,Godspeed for the coconut chair
I would do everything possible to insure its safe travel.