Shipping a bike to the US

[Reload]

I just found out last week that my company is sending me to work in the US for awhile.

I would like to ship my bike to the US so I can take advantage of the warm weather and do some riding while down there. It's a full suspension mountain bike.

I talked to a guy from my bike shop earlier this week who indicated he can pack my bike in a box and have it ready to ship for a small fee ($30). I've been looking around on the internet for some options of shipping it and there are just so many available.

I will be flying from Canada to the US the first week of January.

I was wondering if anybody has shipped a bike or anything of comparable size internationally before.

What is the best option?

Shipping through a courier service such as Purolator or paying an additional fee to have it as check-in luggage at the airport?

The bike is just under 30lbs and I imagine the entire shipping weight of the box, bike, shoes, helmet (if it fits in the box), and other accessories will be approx 35lbs. Not sure on the dimensions of the box though. But from what I know, the bike will be partially disassembled to fit in the shipping box.

I will definately have it insured if I'm shipping it.

I am also concerned about US customs trying to charge me taxes on the bike when I reach the US and Canada customs charging me taxes again when I return to Canada. I was told I need to fill out some type of Customs form to prove that the bike was purchased in Canada and will be returning to Canada, but I didn't get the details as to which form I need.

So if anybody has any experience shipping a bike or something similar (like skis or snowboards) internationally, and has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

 

[skypilot]

If at all possible keep it with you on the airplane and pay the extra baggage cost.
If you ship it you will probably get hit with brokerage fees even though there is no duty. Non-residents can bring in transportation items for their own use duty free as long as they intend to take it back out. Thats the same rule that allows you to drive your car across the border without paying duty on it. If you have the bill of sale showing you purchased it in canada you can use that to get it back. Or you can register it at a Customs office, they give you a card that allows you to bring it back.

As an example, I shipped an extra suitcase with used clothes in it from Toronto to Buffalo via UPS. (I was flying to Europe and didn't want to take that suitcase with me.)
The cost was $38 shipping and $75 brokerage even though there was no duty. I was told the brokerage included the cost of paperwork that I would not have needed if the bag had been with me. I wasn't told about the brokerage fee until delivery.

 

[hairyfucker]

call your airline and work with them. if you need to, talk with their freight division.

 

[tboy]

as skypilot said: it isn't that much larger than some things I've seen taken as luggage on a plane. When I went to Jamaica an enduro motorcycle came down the luggage chute.

You can take to it oversize luggage and have it tagged for fragile handling and you're good to go.....

 

[Garrett]

You are much better off taking it on the plane, but I would call your airline first. Air Canada is pretty straight up about their rules:
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/sports_equip.html

For expensive items, you can have a form filled out at the airport before you leave showing you have the item. I never bother. I have proper receipts at home and assume I can use this to clear it. Worst case, you will have your flight record showing you travelled with a bike.

I would never ever ship via Purolator. You are much better off going to Buffalo and shipping from there when large items are involved (there are carriers that specialize in large items and are quite cheap). However, in your case, take it on the plane.

I would recommend buying a hard shell bike box. Sometimes they turn up on the used market. You can rent them as well, but I assume you are gone for more than a couple of weeks. This may be reasonable if it is reinforced:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/936419367.html

 

[elmufdvr]

yea and when you get there it will get stolen or you will get jacked for it.. keep it here where it is safe... rent one there or buy one from a crack head... 10 or 15 $$$

 

[benstt]

I just found out last week that my company is sending me to work in the US for awhile.

I would like to ship my bike to the US so I can take advantage of the warm weather and do some riding while down there. It's a full suspension mountain bike.

I talked to a guy from my bike shop earlier this week who indicated he can pack my bike in a box and have it ready to ship for a small fee ($30). I've been looking around on the internet for some options of shipping it and there are just so many available.

I will be flying from Canada to the US the first week of January.

I was wondering if anybody has shipped a bike or anything of comparable size internationally before.

What is the best option?

Shipping through a courier service such as Purolator or paying an additional fee to have it as check-in luggage at the airport?

The bike is just under 30lbs and I imagine the entire shipping weight of the box, bike, shoes, helmet (if it fits in the box), and other accessories will be approx 35lbs. Not sure on the dimensions of the box though. But from what I know, the bike will be partially disassembled to fit in the shipping box.

I will definately have it insured if I'm shipping it.

I am also concerned about US customs trying to charge me taxes on the bike when I reach the US and Canada customs charging me taxes again when I return to Canada. I was told I need to fill out some type of Customs form to prove that the bike was purchased in Canada and will be returning to Canada, but I didn't get the details as to which form I need.

So if anybody has any experience shipping a bike or something similar (like skis or snowboards) internationally, and has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Go to

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/board/?o=3Tzut&board_id=3468&v=AB&board_mode=thread

 

[Cycleguy007]

I have a couple cycling buddies bring their bikes to France last summer... they took them on the plane with them- cost about $100 (CDN) each. The problem isn't the weight- but the size... I'm not sure if they packed their bikes in a carton or anything, but both bikes were damaged when they arrived- flat tire on the one (no biggie...), but the other one had a mangled derailleur!

How long is "awhile" anyway... might be better to rent one there or buy a cheapie... I know, I know, you want your OWN bike. I'm a cyclist as well, so I can relate to your situation. You may also want to contact a reputable bike shop where you're going and ask them if they have any decent rentals available...

Just things to consider is all.

Happy trails!

 

[Reload]

I have a couple cycling buddies bring their bikes to France last summer... they took them on the plane with them- cost about $100 (CDN) each. The problem isn't the weight- but the size... I'm not sure if they packed their bikes in a carton or anything, but both bikes were damaged when they arrived- flat tire on the one (no biggie...), but the other one had a mangled derailleur!

How long is "awhile" anyway... might be better to rent one there or buy a cheapie... I know, I know, you want your OWN bike. I'm a cyclist as well, so I can relate to your situation. You may also want to contact a reputable bike shop where you're going and ask them if they have any decent rentals available...

Just things to consider is all.

Happy trails!

I believe I'll be there for 3 months. Possibly longer if they need me there longer. Was considering the rental route. But how much would it cost to rent a full suspension XC, trail, or All-Mountain bike for 3 months? I imagine it wouldn't be cheap. Plus, i upgraded the front fork in late October and never got the chance to try break it in yet. I figured this would be a great opportunity to do so.

So by the looks of it, taking it with me on the flight may be the best option. Is there insurance available for the bike if it's going on the plane with me as check-in luggage? I'm concerned about damaged rims or damage to the frame, like a broken head tube or something.