Ok, heres the deal. Sold a bike on Ebay last weekend. Buyer is from Australia. 38 lb package, 44x27x8 box. Fedex says 498 bucks and UPS says 501 bucks. USPS wont take it because the girth plus length is more than 108. It will not fit in a smaller box. Is it really that expensive? The buyer had NO idea it would be this much.

Is there another alternative?

Thanks

Jer

Try DHL.

Do not use USPS. They can not track outside the US. Once it hits the border you have no idea if it arrives. When they do offer tracking the rates are close to UPS/FDX and they are nowhere near as quick or accurate.

UPS: call -1-800-pick-ups. press 0, press 0, say speak to an agent. Ask for an international specialist and have them explain the charges. Most likely it is accurate. Plus the buyer may have to pay an import tax on the item as well. Your international specialist should be able to assist with all documentation needed.

Definately go with UPS/ FDX or DHL. DHL is strong to Germany and worldwide. But not a recommended choice in the states as they still have more missed and late deliveries here.

I am sorry, I am a bit rusty on it all, but I used to work in sales for UPS. FDX will be roughly the same depending on the "lane" or area you are shipping to in Austrailia.

There is also a bunch of helpful info on UPS website. Unfortunately if you do not know what you are looking for their site appears to be a mess.

Good luck

DHL 517 bucks. Anyone else?

You say it won't fit in a smaller box but will it fit into multiple smaller boxes? Maybe the frame and fork in one box and wheels and everything else in another...?

I agree with Monster-Robot. Try the frame alone in one box and the parts in other boxes.

I think some of the USPS services do offer tracking to the destination not just to the border and are part of the EMS system which Australia Post offers. You can also request return receipt. You might wish to contact 84profile (member here) as he has just had a complete bike sent to him and can tell you the method and cost. Definitely needs to be split into more than one box though for USPS but most likely still cheaper than UPS/Fedex/DHL etc. Customs issues into Australia are also less when sent via post rather than a courier company.

I recently shipped a bike to Australia via USPS which did offer tracking and got it there inside a week's time. It was a heavy old thing, almost 50 lbs including the packaging. Anyway, I broke it into 2 boxes to get inside the whole 108 inch maximum and it ended up being about $200.

I cocncour with Z-man, it was me he sent it to (USPS) and It was in good time, 2 boxes and around the $200US mark all up!

I had just sent a bike to Australia a couple of weeks ago. Due to size regulations, I had to totally take the bike apart just to ship it there. One box had the wheels, cranks and chainwheel, the other box had everything else. It cost a little under 200 through USPS.

PLeas note guys,
Since USPS rate and size changes in may this year. It is USPS that has the smaller size restictions. Australia's size restrictions are larger than USA. Yes split into 2 boxes and it will be ok. With the new smaller USA sizes it is real touch and go to get a Kos Kruiser framae and forks out of USA. where as it is still under max size for shipping within Oz..

I have had a few bikes shipped to the UK from the US, I always use USPS as they have been very reliable. The cartons have been all different, from hand concocted to a U-Haul standard box.

I can track the delivery using the same US number in the UK mail system too.

I've recently had a complete 20' Cook Bros and a 24' Patterson sent from the USA to Australia via USPS Global Priority. No problems. It is important to get the carton sizes down, as per above comments. I had the Cook Bros broken down into2 cartons, and the Patterson Cruiser into 3 cartons. It seems to be regular misconception about no tracking outside of the USA, if global priority is used the tracking is completely shown both in the USA and in Australia. Actually shipping time from door to door is genrally from 6 - 8 days. However it is worthwhile keeping the value to under $1000 AUD or about $800 USA just to be safe, as it will get pulled and duties/GST charger if over that value. If you do get pulled up by customs, do bank on another 2-3 weeks.

Cost for the 20' Cook Bros complete about $180 USD
Cost for the 24' Patterson complete about $210 USD

It really isn't a drama, provided you use USPS Global Priority and you get the carton size right.

This is just FYI - I shipped a set of cranks to Australia earlier this year via Global Priority. The tracking method had them tracked out of Chicago O'Hare airport. Then there was nothing more on the tracking log for about 6 weeks. After that, they were delivered, and my tracking report from usps.com gave the full tracking information from AusPost. Very strange about the delay, but at least they eventually got there!

Paul