Packing tips: The last two bikes I've shipped have included insulated pipe wrapping around all the tubes and stays. Styrofoam blocks at or near each corner and in the center of the main triangle help prevent crushing damage. All this in addition to frame braces and the sturdiest box my LBS will give me. Finally, don't skimp on the amount of tape around the box. I also like to make sure that the bike is wrapped inside the box so that prying eyes don't see what's being shipped. No sense in tempting the resolve of the weak!
I've also used FedEx Ground and found them to be easier to deal with than the brownshirts.
Regards,
CarloCarr New Orleans (My probation officer wouldn't let me go to Cirque unless I took the kids)