I’m new to the community and have been trying to crack the puzzle of bike transport. I would like to use a service to simplify things on my first trip so I can spend a couple of weeks in the Netherlands, just me and my bike. I estimated some bike box weights and dimensions to ship from Florida, US to Amsterdam and was quoted $531.91 one way! This is without insurance and not including any packing fees the bike shop would charge. I feel like I could almost buy a new bike, use it, then throw it out for that amount. Are my weight and dimensions way off?
by MrMcSparklePants
3 Comments
Isn’t it cheaper to book it as odd size luggage on your flight?
I don’t know how much international shipping you’ve done, but bikes are BIG, which matters a lot for air service. My discounted rate from FedEx is coming in at $1465 for those dimensions, weight, and transit locations.
I will note that FedEx appears to have introduced a new service called “Last Minute Rate” that is basically selling deeply discounted additional capacity (based on my reading) which is only $108.
FWIW this is why checking your bike in a box for an extra $75 or whatever is considered a reasonable price to pay.
Whenever I’ve done one way tours, I’ve always boxed my bike in a cardboard box, checked it in as oversize luggage, and thrown it away at the first destination. Then at the end I give myself a day or two to find a box and pack up the bike. Found boxes in China, Japan and Croatia before.
Some brave people just shrinkwrap their bikes so the luggage handlers know what’s in it and treat it gently. Too risky for me though.