Dave, it could be worse, it could be in CA.
have you considered USHIP?
http://www.uship.com/?page=brandus&-...alwaysShowCCTA
I have used them several times with good results. It would probably help if you could get the seller to strap it to a pallet and wrap it in shrink wrap. Or just the shrink wrap plastic, which can be gotten at any home improvement store.
Good luck.