Bike Shipping Anecdotes
Wade:
I recently sent 900 pounds worth of EX racebike and spares from BOS to
LAX in two crates for under $400. I got the crate for free from the
local dealer, I just had to fabricate sides for it from heavy
cardboard boxes originally used to ship windshields. They were free,
too. I have never been unhappy with forwardair.
Adam:
The only shipping method I've ever used was the one that works for the
AMA. Allied Van Lines or something like that? The shipping wasn't
bad, and it was certainly convenient -- ride up, drain gas, go. No
crates. But it cost about $500 to ship an FZR400 from Boston to
California last year, and that was only because it was a 400cc bike --
they go on cc's rather than weight, so a 600cc bike might be more like
$700. Don't even bother asking about literbikes. On the other hand,
you don't have to crate the thing up. Most/all of the places
mentioned below require crated bikes (call and find out), but you can
get crates for free (disassembled) from bike places -- they get new
bikes in 'em, remove and assemble the bikes, and leave the crates out
for the trash guy. Assembly is easy if you have all the parts.
Wade:
Just a quick note to say I'm another satisfied customer of Forwardair.
I shipped 733 pounds worth of bike & parts in two crates from Boston to
Memphis for under $200. I dropped it off at the terminal Wednesday, it will
arrive there Friday morning. Using the metal-framed shipping crate that a
suzuki savage came in (acquired from the dealer at no charge) worked great
for the bike.
Such a deal. Just thought I'd share.
Scott:
I just shipped 2 bikes last month. Use Forward Air. They are the
cheapest way to go. You have to crate the bike yourself and deliver
to/pick-up from their facility. Here is a breakdown of costs, (one
way).
- Seattle to Dallas/Fort Worth - 606 lb crate (Hon RS250 and spares) - $135
- Norfolk, VA to Seattle - 430 lb crate (Yam WR250 dirtbike) - $147
I have found no company that beats their prices. 4 day delivery in
both cases. No damage/friendly folks.
Paul:
We used Forward Air, Inc. (http://www.forwardair.com/)
to ship a YZF600 from Boston to San Francisco.
We got a nice metal crate from a local bike shop (free -- from their
trash pile), wrapped it in cardboard and cellophane, and ~5 days and
$180 later, it was in San Francisco. We disassembled the crate at the
Forward Air, Inc. warehouse and threw the pieces into their dumpster.
We brought the bike home in the back of a pickup. The hardest part was
probably assembling the crate and getting the bike ready for shipping.
It'll be easier next time.
unknown:
Team Air Express's number is: 800-643-6474 and ask for operations. I
have no association with them, but the rates are pretty damn good--I
sent a bike to Atlanta from San Francisco for $208, with a couple
thousand $ of insurance.
unknown:
Four day shipping from Hartford Airport to Los Angeles Airport for a
crated motorcycle, 430lbs in a crate measuring six feet by four feet
by four feet. $170. Forward Air Express. 860-654-1733.
unknown:
Use Forward Air, Inc. I paid $125.80 to ship a GSX-R 750 from
Buffalo, New York to Portland, Oregon. The bike must be crated and
delivered and picked up at a Forward freight drop. I insured the bike
using my own vehicle insurance, just comprehensive is pretty
reasonable. Must be enclosed crate, no pallets. I used a metal crate
without the cardboard and although they bitched, it wasn't a problem.
Their customer service number is 800.726.6654.
Karl:
Forward Air is cashing in on ebay bike sales.
They now provides rental crates for shipping a motorcycle and has online
pricing for using your crate or theirs ($50 extra for their crate).
http://www.forwardair.com/prepaid/MCmainpage.jsp
Add your anecdote to the list! Send
me email at clarity.net@adam!