Because you don't know what the weather might be like this time of year, I would definitely wrap the roots with paper towels and then heavily in newspaper. I would not wet the paper towel cause you do not want to take a chance of freeze. Wrapping in newspaper will also help to insulate the plant. Once you get them home and since you are in the midwest I would suggest putting them in a large tote with mulch on the roots. This will really help protect the roots till you can plant in the spring.

When I've received domestic bare-root plants they've been packed in damp moss and I've never had problems. I've also gotten quite a few sent from Thailand completely bare and dry. All of those also bounced back and grew just fine.

At this time of year you have dormancy going for you so you should be okay either way as long as they don't get below 40 degrees for several hours. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies! The transporting in suitcases went OK. about 80 made it between 1.5 and 3 ft in height in 2 large suitcases (with only 4 broken tips and one branch that broke.

UPS faired well also for another 40 or so; but I'm afraid those may have gotten cold. Only time will tell I suppose.

Jandey, do you know what the first signs of freezing would be? I was able to get the 80 lb box inside within 40 mins of delivery, but have no idea how cold the inside of the truck may have gotten. Especially after reaching the main transport center 24 hours before arrival.... I should have added more insulation. Most of my favorites were in that box....

Unfortunately, as I'm finding out myself, sometimes the damage isn't apparent until several weeks later. Just cross your fingers, sometimes they surprise you with their resilience.