Touring - International Shipping

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Dwagenheim
01-12-04, 08:34 PM
I am going to be shipping my bike and trailer (two separate boxes) back to the States (Miami) from Panama City. Can anyone help me out with ideas for the cheapest method?
So far, since my mom works for Delta, I am thinking of using their cargo to ship it, but she is not sure she can get a discount, so it might not be the best deal at full price.
Anyone know about shipping bikes through UPS, DHL, or other international currier services?

Thanks...

Dave

ngateguy
01-12-04, 08:40 PM
Anyone know about shipping bikes through UPS, DHL, or other international currier services?

Thanks...

Dave
I ship parts to that region a few times ayear this is what I have found:
I would really try to get it on Delta if you can otherwise DHL has more experiance in the S hemisphere. Fedex and UPS don't fair as well. I have had both of them return stuff I have shipped to that area because they couldn't deliver it but DHL I have never had any trouble.

Another thought just came to mind sometimes airliners honor competitors employee discounts.
Dwagenheim
01-14-04, 01:05 PM
Thanks so much for that info.
One thing that has got me swaying towards using a company like DHL vs Delta is that I just realized the airport is about 30 mins drive out of the city which means maybe $20 cab ride one way. I dunno how kind the cabbies will be when I have two boxes to take with me.
Maybe with DHL I can do it all from the city.
I still need to look into comparing the prices. But I am not sure I can do that until I get there in person.

Dave

Dwagenheim
01-16-04, 05:09 PM
I ended up sending it off with Copa Airlines to Miami. Only $106 for bike in box and trailer in another box. Total of 41 kilos. The nice price definately seemed too good to be true, so we'll see how it arrives!

Dave
ngateguy
01-16-04, 07:43 PM
When I first got into air frieght I was suprised how cheap it is. It used to be cheaper in this country before 9/11 then you could take the stuff directly to the airport yourslef. Now you have to do it through a known shipper to the airlines. When shipping to Asia it is cheaper to fly it then send it Ocean. I have no experiance with Copa so cross your fingers. Good Luck!