Omari Gates
If you're planning to ship a bike box to Australia, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you'll need to disassemble the bike and pack it securely in a suitable box. Cardboard bike boxes are commonly used, and you can obtain one from your local bike shop or purchase it from shipping companies like FedEx. You'll need to remove the front wheel, pedals, handlebars, and any accessories that could increase the box size or cause damage. Wrap the frame to prevent scratches and secure loose parts with cable ties. Proper packing is crucial to ensure the bike arrives safely. Additionally, you'll need to choose a reputable shipping company that offers international shipping to Australia, such as Bikeflights.com or FedEx. They can guide you through the process, including customs clearance and providing competitive rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping company | FedEx, Bikeflights.com, Pack & Send, USPS, Bicycle Shipping Australia |
| Packaging | Cardboard bike box, soft case, hard case |
| Disassembly | Remove front wheel, pedals, handlebars, accessories, seat post |
| Packing tips | Wrap frame, cover sharp points, use cable ties, add padding, seal box with packing tape |
| Weight limit | FedEx allows up to 95 lbs. |
| Cost | Varies, FedEx quoted as over $700, Bikeflights.com around $380 |
| Transit time | Varies, "surface" shipping from the US to Australia takes a long time |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing a bike box
- Contact your local bike shop: Reach out to your local bike shop a few weeks before your trip. They may receive bike shipments regularly and can provide you with a box. Make sure to specify the type and size of your bike, as mountain bike boxes differ from road bike boxes, and larger bikes require bigger boxes.
- Use a shipping company: Companies like FedEx offer bike boxes and packing services for a fee. The FedEx bike box measures 54" x 8" x 28" and can be purchased at their office locations.
- Hire a professional: Services like Bicycle Shipping Australia can arrange for a professional bicycle mechanic to supply a box and pack your bike correctly. They can also provide assembly services at your destination.
Remember that packing a bicycle can be complicated, and it's essential to ensure that all components are adequately protected. If you plan to pack the bike yourself, be sure to follow packing instructions carefully to minimise the risk of damage during transit.
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Disassembling the bike
First, shift your gears into the largest ring on the cassette. This will bring the derailleur closer to the bike and away from the outer edge, preventing damage during transit. If your bike has a quick-release axle, remove the front wheel completely. If it has a thru-axle, reinsert the axle into the fork.
Next, remove any accessories such as racks, fenders, or computers. You may also need to remove the pedals, depending on their size and shape. If they are large or protrude sharply, it is best to take them off. Cover or wrap any remaining sharp parts to prevent damage to the box and protect the bike.
Now, remove the handlebars. Take off the faceplate on the stem to free the bars from the frame. Once the handlebars are removed, replace the faceplate and bolts. You can leave the brake and shifter levers attached to the handlebars, but if any cables are stretched unnaturally, remove them.
The next step is to remove the seat post by loosening the bolt on the seat tube. You can leave the saddle attached to the seat post. Before removing the seat post, mark your seat height with tape or a marker, so you know the correct position when reassembling.
Finally, place any small removed parts, such as pedals or bolts, in a bag or small box and seal it. Wrap the bike frame with protective material to prevent scratches and damage during shipping.
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Packing the bike
To start, you will need to get your hands on a cardboard bike box. If you don't have one lying around, contact your local bike shop a few weeks in advance. They may only receive bike shipments once a week and will likely discard the boxes as soon as the bikes are built, so be sure to specify the type of bike you intend to pack.
Once you have your box, it's time to disassemble the bike. Shift your gears into the largest ring on the cassette to move the derailleur away from the outer edge near the box. Remove accessories such as racks, fenders, and computers. If your bike has a quick-release axle, remove the front wheel completely. For bikes with a thru-axle, reinsert the axle into the fork.
Now, remove the handlebars. Take off the faceplate on the stem to free the bars from the frame, then replace the faceplate and bolts. You can leave the brake and shifter levers attached to the handlebars, but if any cables are stretched unnaturally, you may need to remove them.
Next, remove the seat post by loosening the bolt on the seat tube. You can leave the saddle attached to the seat post. Before removing the seat post from the frame, mark the seat height with tape or a marker so you can easily adjust it when you reach your destination.
Wrap the bike frame to prevent scratches and minimise metal-on-metal friction. Cover or wrap any sharp points that could puncture the box, and use cable ties to secure moving parts to the frame. Place any small parts in a sealed bag or box, then put this inside the bike box.
Finally, fill the bottom of the box with packing materials such as packing peanuts or air pillows. Place the bike frame and wheel inside, using a cardboard divider to separate them. Add more packing materials to fill any remaining space, then close the box and shake it. If you hear rattling, add more padding or use cable ties to secure loose parts. Seal the box with packing tape, applying at least a 2" wide strip around the edges of the top and bottom.
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Choosing a courier
When it comes to choosing a courier, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the courier company you select has experience in shipping bicycles, as this will ensure they have the knowledge and expertise to handle your shipment safely and securely. Some companies, like Bicycle Shipping Australia, specialise in bicycle transport logistics and have built relationships with various courier companies to streamline the process.
Secondly, compare prices and delivery times between different couriers to find one that suits your budget and timeline. Websites like Fast Courier allow you to input the size, weight, and destination of your package to receive quotes from multiple courier services, making it easier to compare options.
Thirdly, consider the level of service and convenience offered by the courier. Some companies, like FedEx, offer additional services such as pick-up and drop-off options, tracking details, and alerts about your delivery. Others, like Bicycle Shipping Australia, provide assembly services, either at their partner bike shops or through a mobile technician, ensuring your bike is ready to ride upon arrival.
Finally, read reviews from previous customers to gauge the reliability and quality of service provided by the courier. Look for feedback on factors such as delivery speed, communication, pricing, and the condition of the bicycle upon arrival. For example, PACK & SEND has received positive testimonials for its value for money, reliability, and efficient delivery service within Australia and internationally.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a courier to ship your bicycle box to Australia, ensuring a smooth and satisfactory shipping experience.
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Costs and payment
The cost of shipping a bicycle to Australia varies depending on the shipping company, the weight and dimensions of the package, and the chosen shipping route. It is important to note that shipping a bicycle can be expensive due to its large size and weight.
When shipping a bicycle, you may need to pay additional fees, such as oversize fees charged by airlines, which typically range from $75 to $200 each way. Some courier services, such as Fast Courier, offer instant quotes based on the package's dimensions and weight, allowing you to compare prices and choose the most suitable option for your budget.
To obtain accurate quotes, it is recommended to measure the length, width, and height of the box and determine its weight. These measurements can then be entered into quote forms provided by courier services like Fast Courier and Send My Bag. Send My Bag, for example, offers a free online quote by entering the pick-up location, destination, and bike box dimensions and weight.
Some companies, like Bike Flights, offer more affordable rates than FedEx, with users reporting savings of up to half the cost. It is worth noting that shipping costs can vary significantly, with some services charging close to $1000 for shipping a bicycle.
When shipping internationally, it is important to consider customs clearance and any associated taxes or duties. Using a customs broker, such as the one suggested in the Cycling UK Forum, can assist with navigating these additional costs. Additionally, some courier services, like Send My Bag, provide guidance on customs information for specific shipping destinations, helping you to plan accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a cardboard bike box. You can get one from your local bike shop or buy a new one from FedEx. You will also need packing materials such as foam, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or air pillows. Disassemble the bike, removing the front wheel, pedals, handlebars and accessories. Wrap the bike frame to prevent scratches and cover any sharp points. Place the small parts in a bag and seal it. Put the bag and the wheel inside the box, adding packing materials to fill the bottom of the box. Add a cardboard divider between the frame and the wheel. Seal the box with packing tape and mark it with the correct orientation.
The cost of shipping a bike to Australia can vary depending on the carrier and service used. Regular FedEx shipping has been quoted at over $700, while Bike Flights offers shipping via FedEx for around half that amount, at around $380.
The time it takes to ship a bike to Australia will depend on the carrier and service used. One user on Bike Forums reported that their shipment was supposed to take a week.
Yes, some carriers may have weight restrictions. For example, the maximum weight allowed for a FedEx bike box is 95 lbs.
Yes, there are companies that specialize in shipping bikes internationally, such as Bikeflights.com and Bicycle Shipping Australia. These companies can help with the entire shipping process, including providing boxes, packing services, and coordinating pickups, tracking, clearance, and deliveries.
