I can give you some insight into shipping, since that is what I do. The shipping costs on "common carrier" is determined by a few basic factors. Distance, weight, and freight class. There are also a few other factors to consider such as extreme configuration/oversize freight (as long as the freight is under 96"x96"x144" overall this should not be an issue with most carriers,) and accessorials; this means that if it is shipping to a residence it will cost more, other things that will cost more: lift gate service, delivery appointment, to name a few, basically anything that is not business to business dock to dock will cost you more. How much more will depend on the carrier and bill to party's discount on which tarriff level they are being charged. Discount although important is not alway the most important factor unless the discounts being compared are from the same tariff level. A 50% discount from the 2003 tariff sheet will more than likely be a better rate than a 60% discount from the 2007 tariff.
Glass tanks are mostly class 150 and others (including acrylic) are generally class 175, higher classes cost more to ship. As to transit times, that depends on the carrier but you can expect 7 business days coast to coast, 1-2 days from one state to the next, it depends on several factors, the day of p/u is not included and if a delivery apointment or special equipment such as a lift-gate is required that may delay the delivery.
If the tank is extreamly large and shipped on a flatbed, or on a dedicated truck class will not matter, but it will more than likely cost more, calculated solely on distance, weight, fuel surcharge and market demand of equipment/drivers, but will be delivered direct.
3rd party insurance is highly recomended on anything of high value that a carriers liability coverage will not cover, generally a $/lb figure. One can insure up to $10,000 in freight for around $20, tanks will almost always have some type of deductible.
This only applies to North America, and if it is going from one country to another, the long and the short of it is that it will cost more, and you will need a customs broker.
IMO...Oceanic is the Ferrari of glass tanks...you cant get a nicer one.
Least my tank had a soft landing...but ouch! I do like the fact glass cant be scratched up like acrylic but I feel more comfortable with large fish in acrylic that whole harder to break thing...and then the weight is cut in half.
