shipping a bike ( to OZ )

joshuacoyote · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 35

HI-anyone have any experience shipping a bike overseas? Recommend a box and or company?

Thanks !

O&S · Joined: 16 Nov 2010 Posts: 8

I looked into it to and from France...not a cheap deal regardless how you do it. Are you flying with it? That might make it a bit cheaper, taking it as over sized baggage. If you do that be sure to check airline baggage fees to get it into the cheapest category. They often have a different rate for "over sized" baggage than for "sporting goods".

Other considerations are the box. Going all the way to OZ I would suggest a hard case....but then you have to store it while there. Cardboard has a lot of hours to bounce around a cargo hold and permit damage to the bike.

If going to major locations what about renting a bike and avoiding the whole shipping thing? Regardless of where you are going a hub through Sydney is very likely so you would have a chance to look into rentals there.

If it must be shipped then DHL is probably the best option to and from OZ. Fedex and UPS do not have a very big presence there. Also look into getting a Carnet on it before hand so you don't have to pay import duties. The Aussies are very particular and protective of their revenue flows.

Europe had services that would ship bikes globally, I found their rates to be about $450 a single direction in 2010.

Good luck!!!

Kevin · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 1414 Location: Kingston

I've heard many tales of woe about shipping anything to or from Oz: Customs, time, and cost issues.

Find shipping companies that service where you need to get it to. Check the rates of various box sizes to find the smallest combination possible. Cutting a box down an extra .5" can save you major $$ if you're right on the edge of the cubic inches threshold. Hopefully, it is not cost prohibitive for you.

For what it's worth, I've spent 70 euro on average for shipping costs on just frames/forks from Europe, sent by their mail system. So, safe to say, it's going to be well north of $100. You should also check rates with your airline to see what they charge for a bike box. That may be your best bet...

Good luck!

slave2bacon · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 4:50 pm Post subject:

IMBA members get deals shipping bikes through this company. One more reason to join IMBA!

http://www.bikeflights.com/?isc=imba

I have flown with my bike internationally without any issue with standard bike box. They are easy to find for the return. Less ware and tare than shipping by UPS actually. Airlines have (or had) a loophole for oversized items. If it was a bike they charged about $150 each way. But if it was something else in a bike box, they charged only $50 each way. So my bike was a harp and it got the lower rate. You may not be so lucky so call ahead for your airlines rules.

kate · Joined: 04 Jul 2011 Posts: 210 Location: Red Hook

Can't ya just click your heels a few times to get to OZ?
_________________
YIKES!

joshuacoyote · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 35

Thanks for all your input. One company wants 1300.00 um, does that come with fries?
dragging the bike to the airport might be the best way.

cdub · Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Posts: 82 Location: Highland, NY

My sister races all over the country and overseas (just came back from Japan). She declares the packed bike box as a business display or trade samples and there is usually no, or a small, charge.

DrDave · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 82

I have a hard case that you're welcome to borrow although it is sort of a monstrous thing.687-7219

DrDave · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 82

I have a hard case that you're welcome to borrow although it is sort of a monstrous thing.687-7219