Actually it is no more expensive to ship a "Pig" than say a Kirby G type vacuum.The Pig bag support post detaches from the machine.I have had three shipped to me.They ship well.Only one problem with one of them-the screw that held the bag support post was missing---the junk drawer at work offered the solutiuon-a perfect replacement.We go to that drawer often to fix various problems at the site-you find hardware that fixes most anything.NSS packs these machines well-the hose and tools come in a separate box.The Pig comes in its own box with bag post,bag,and a paper bag-screw and an allen wrench to install the bag support screw-and tighten the screws in the front wheels.