Ep 3. Geometrically Challenged

In Shipping Wars season 3 episode 3, titled "Geometrically Challenged," viewers are taken on a wild ride as five independent shippers compete to transport unique and challenging items across the country.

The episode kicks off with two shipments that could not be more different. First up is a massive hydraulic excavator that needs to be shipped from Texas to Ohio. This complicated machine requires a flatbed truck and specialized equipment for loading and unloading, and the shipper needs to be experienced in handling heavy machinery. The second shipment is a collection of antique geometrical instruments that once belonged to a well-known mathematician. The shipment needs to be delivered to an auction house in New Jersey, and it requires careful handling to ensure that the delicate instruments are not damaged during transportation.

As the bidders start to make their offers, tensions rise as each shipper tries to outbid the others. Marc and Jenn, a husband-and-wife team from Florida, are the first to make an offer on the excavator. However, they soon find out that their bid is too low, and they are quickly outbid by other shippers. Meanwhile, Roy Garber, a veteran shipper from New Hampshire, is interested in the antique geometrical instruments. Despite his experience in handling fragile items, Roy faces fierce competition from other shippers, including Jarrett Joyce, who is known for his creative solutions to tricky shipping problems.

As the bidders prepare to transport their items, they face a number of challenges along the way. Marc and Jenn's journey to pick up the excavator is fraught with difficulties, including a blown-out tire and a malfunctioning GPS system. They also discover that the machine is much heavier than they anticipated, which makes loading and unloading a major challenge. Meanwhile, Jarrett struggles to come up with a plan to transport the antique instruments, which are too fragile to be packed in a crate.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of the unique strategies that each shipper uses to overcome these obstacles. For example, Jarrett decides to create a custom crate that is designed to protect the instruments during shipment. The crate is made from special materials and is shaped like a tetrahedron, which allows it to withstand even the roughest handling. Roy, on the other hand, decides to transport the instruments in his truck cab, where he can keep a close eye on them during the journey.

As the shippers race towards their destinations, the competition heats up. They must navigate treacherous roads, overcome mechanical failures, and deal with unexpected delays. At one point, Roy's truck breaks down in the middle of a busy highway, which puts him at a disadvantage. However, he manages to fix the problem and resume his journey, determined to be the first to deliver his shipment.

In the end, only one shipper emerges victorious in each competition. But viewers are treated to an inside look at the cutthroat world of shipping, where every moment counts and only the best can survive. Whether transporting a massive piece of machinery or delicate antique instruments, these shippers are up for the challenge, and their determination to succeed is what makes Shipping Wars season 3 episode 3 a must-watch for reality TV fans.