I've shipped 5000's to Connecticut and 5500HC to Toronto from California. With original Meridian packing, the 5000's qualified for UPS or Fedex weight limits and the shipping was reliable. I used UPS and these went as separate boxes, not palletized.

The 5500HC is too heavy for them and I didn't have the original packing materials. Here's what I did.

1. First wrap in saran wrap to avoid scratches, etc. Do this on all speakers you ship.
2. Use heavy duty bubble wrap, several times around.
3. Then obtain a large packing box from a shipping/box company;
4. Re-inforce the bottom with foam or heavy cardboard.
5. Then place it over your bundle of 5500+bubble wrap; the re-inforced end is on top!.
6. Turn the entire package on end so the re-inforced end is now on the bottom.
7. Use another slightly larger box, re-inforce it's bottom and place it over the upright speaker and box.

It should be a tight fit. Have your shipper band the box. He probably will ship it on a pallet using a freight company. You can compare prices with UPS freight option.

It can be successfully done, just takes a lot of effort on your (the shipper's) part. Hope it's appreciated by your buyer. Good luck.

Roon, Technics SL10 turntable, Meridian 218, Jolida tube DAC, Nuforce STA 200 Amp and passive Swallow Acoustics ALS2 speakers