FWIW it was shipped in a very durable bubble wrap! Appears to have survived the trip(only took one day!!!!).
When I returned Brian Thigpen's call from last week(He called to apologize for the shipping delay), I mentioned the declining price of the planer table as mentioned here. He transferred me back to Michelle(originally answered the phone) who then included a small gift card to help compensate for the fluctuating price along with a Thank You note.
I was in no hurry for anything I ordered but am grateful it arrived today!
THANK YOU to all who contributed to my current state of mind!!!
Good things do come to those who wait patiently!