I've sent countless SS and EM machines interstate. These are the games most at risk because the head is detachable and the glass is silkscreened. A DMD has a backglass with a translite and the head folds over protecting bath. Rare to hear of broken DMD backglasses. but if they do, it would be cheap to replace the glass. Not so for an EM/SS.
The transport company need to take care of the shipment, that's why the machine should be clearly labelled. This reduces the risk - however, accidents can happen (as is the case here).
Shipping nightmares can be sourced back to the seller IF the game is not packed correctly. Something as simple as forgetting to lock the backglass into the head can be an issue. My method of "mummifying" a machine reduced the risks, and it costs stuff all for piece of mind. Got to your local bike store and grab an empty bike box. Sometimes they are SUPER thick cardboard. Fold this around the head and tape with packing tape. Wrap with plastic wrap and finish off with packing tape. Do the same with the body. Then place the head with the glass facing the playfield and use plastic wrap or packing tape again. Then go over the EXTIRE machine with plastic wrap AGAIN. It should take around 1 - 1 1/2 hours if done correctly. The only complaint I've ever had is that "it takes too long to unpack" !
A clumsy shipper can cause damage to the machine, but you can reduce the risks by packing the game and labelling the machine "Heavy load" / "this side up" etc.
