I just can't see paying the markup some of the companies that do this charge and was wondering if anyone ever decided to put together their own basket and ship their own apples, oranges, pears, etc to another state? How'd you pack it and how did it turn out?

Don't know but watch out for regulations governing the interstate transportation of fruits, veggies, etc. Regs in place to prevent the potential for spread of nasty pests.......

Every time I try he just keeps ripping his way out of the box

I think one good fruit shipping experience would probably teach you a nice lesson on why those markups are so high.

-spence