Shipping Bikes Overseas

I've got a potential overseas customer who's interested in the E-Bay chopper and spare frame--the container would have to be around 80" x 48" x 36" and would weigh around 450 lbs.

I'd appreciate comments from anyone who's done this--do people still use wooden crates or is there something better these days?

I'm in Chicagoland--many thanks for your help


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
630 474-9164

I have shipped several bikes from USA to Australia. As hard as it gets. Distance, strict Customs etc. Cheapest options are

1. If it rolls, treat it as motorcycle. Plenty of transport companies will move a bike, even if its a frame and wheels with boxes attached.

2. Break it down and box it. You will need to be able to load it.

If its the buyers responsibility, drop it all to a freight forwarder and they will make the crate and door to door it for you. This service costs.

Many thanks for your advice.

My potential buyer lives in Sydney as well--if you'd be willing to give him a pointer or two I'm sure he'd appreciate it. My e-mail address is shown below--thanks again


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net

Nortiboy said:

I have shipped several bikes from USA to Australia. As hard as it gets. Distance, strict Customs etc. Cheapest options are

1. If it rolls, treat it as motorcycle. Plenty of transport companies will move a bike, even if its a frame and wheels with boxes attached.

2. Break it down and box it. You will need to be able to load it.

If its the buyers responsibility, drop it all to a freight forwarder and they will make the crate and door to door it for you. This service costs.

Click to expand...

There are many shipping companies around ports and airports; it is a matter of phoning and finding out who will deliver a complete bike, if that was the case.
Frans Mass, ship between UK and USA and will ship worldwide cars so it should be no problem to ship bikes either air or ship freight.

http://www.iessex.co.uk/profile/214429/ ... as-UK-Ltd/

$$$$$$$ :shock:

The need has passed--reality sank in.

Special thanks to Nortiboy for detailed first-hand advice--and to all who chimed in online and off--I appreciate your comments



Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net

concours said:

$$$$$$$ :shock:

Click to expand...

Import approval application $50.
A photo of the motorcycle.
A scan of the title.
The shipper will file the application. (pre 1989 motorcycles)
Transport within the USA (JC Motors) $350 to $700.
Exit point from the USA - San Francisco $1000.
Long Beach - $900.
Arrival in Australia - 10% tax on the amount payed for the motorcycle in AU$.

You then try and sell it off for up to twice what it cost and drive the local prices through the roof for everyone else,hello Norton Commando up to $17000.
Be assured the place is awash with USA cast off's.

Our racing club ship our bikes all over Australia by truck and we all get a crate from the local bike dealer. All bikes that come from Japan ( or anywhere else) come in a neat steel crate. The bike shops over here just take them to the dump.
If you look out the back of any bike shop they will have a dumpster full of old crates that they will usually be very happy to give away. I took them a pack of beers to say thanks.

Most modern big bikes are fitted into the crate with the front wheel removed and the axle supported in a clamp so the crate can be smaller.

For overseas bike shipping, I recommend to go with citizenshipper. They are really good people to work with. I used them to ship cars, bikes and other stuff many times and never had any issues. They provide exclusive services with cheapest rates that are best in the industry. Most attractive feature is reverse auction style shipping deal where many movers bid on your shipment and deal goes to mover who put price in our favor.