I think Liz is right about the wire crates. I think you'd have to find a plastic one, which makes yoru quest significantly harder. Check with the freighting company once you make arrangements just to be sure... It's smart to do all this hunting well beforehand.
As far as sending the pupper... I have shipped my friends dogs to Spain from Miami, as well as recieved them in the Czech Republic. It's important to make sure your dog has all his visas and paperwork. My friend's beagle got held over night during his layover in Frankfurt, Germany because of a paperwork problem. Luckily the airport vet was very kind and actually took him home to play with his GSD's for the night.
Once you have the crate, I would suggest getting your pup accustomed to that particular crate before hand. I think that literally shipping a dog has the potential to be very, very emotional and stressing for the dogs themselves. I think that making the particular shipping crate a warm, inviting place will make the actual trip go smoother. I suggest getting the clip on fans that attach to the wire crate doors - 4 AA batteries and they last for 12 hours. Also, you will want to leave food in there for him, as well as water. I know, it is common sense, but really, they are going to be treated like freight and probably not given any personal attention.
Good luck working out all the details. Keep up posted if you find a shipping crate that fits your beast! I am sure the rest of us would like to know for future reference!