Reliable carrier for pipes?

[Richard York]

There's a possibility I'll need to send my pipes from Northampton to Northumberland for some maintenance beyond my level of competence. Please does anyone have any particular experience of a trustworthy carrier?... or any particular horror stories of carriers to avoid?
I for one don't really trust the Royal Mail sufficiently.
(Or do you personally know anyone who regularly makes the trip from South to North & back, and may be encouraged to take them as extra cargo?)
I realise I'm opening potential nightmare story time here!

Thanks,
Richard.

[Julia Say]

On what sort of time scale, Richard? Email me, its possible there could be a one way ticket from Brackley (or back to it), but in June.

Julia

[John Gibbons]

Whatever you do - don't trust special delivery Royal Mail, as the insurance never pays out.
Breakage is proof of inadequate packaging they think.

John

[Richard York]

Thanks both - Julia, I'll email indeed.
John, I've heard horror stories indeed about Royal Mail... and our neighbour's a postie too; I'd trust him, it's the others!

Anyone got any other positive suggestions, please?

Best wishes,
Richard.