Need Some Advise on Shipping!

[lcammisa]

Hi Gang,

I have sadly sold my Co-Motion. My wife prefers her single bike and it doesn't get much use. I need some help on how to ship the bike. It is a non S&S coupled bike and it is a large size. Is it possible to get it under the UPS size restrictions for regular UPS Ground shipping? If so, what do I have to do to the bike to accomplish this? Or, does it have to be shipped via regular truck freight? Anyone have experience with this? Also, does anyone have any packing tips? This will be the first time I have shipped any bike, let alone a tandem. I should mention that the bike will be shipped from NJ to Illinois.

Thanks for your replies.

[DocF]

Our tandem came via DHL which aborbed Danzas recently. Bike boxes can be had at most bike shops or, if you cannot get one there, at manned Amtrak stations. If both wheels are removed and secured, a largish regular bicycle box will work. Handlebars, seats, pedals and wheels need to be secured with tape, stretch wrap padding, etc. cables need not be disconnected.

Good luck,
Doc

[TandemGeek]

If you're anywhere near Tandems East (http://www.tandemseast.com) in Pittsgrove, NJ you might want to give Mel a call to see what he would charge to ship it for you.

However, as for packing your tandem, here are a couple of Web pages I've put together that show how I prepped two smaller tandems for shipping:

http://www.TheTandemLink.com/articles/packingtandems/tandemshipment.html
http://www.TheTandemLink.com/articles/cdalebuild.html

With a large frame, you'll definitely be hard-pressed to get it packaged in a bike box that will fit within the UPS or FedEx standard oversized guidelines. Co-Motion keeps its shipping costs low by shipping their frames with no components attached in a very thin box and putting all of the other components in a second box. IMHO, unless you and the person on the receiving end are both good mechanics that do your own work, the costs in terms of time and effort to do this usually outweigh the cost of using a big box and paying the extra $$ for insured freight or using someone like Greyhound or Amtrak to ship it and keeping your fingers crossed that they don't lose it.

Anyway, these are the shipping options that are most frequently used:

1. Cheapest ($35?) = Greyhound; however, you and buyer must go down to terminals to drop-off / pick-up box and they don't usually insure full value.
2. Cheap also = Amtrak; however, same deal as Greyhound.
3. FedEx = Rate will depend on the size/weight of your box. Again, two smaller boxes are usually less expensive to ship than one large box.
4. UPS = same as FedEx (Note: I've had too many problems with UPS and no longer us them)
5. DHL / Danzas: Have always had good results with Danzas but cost has gone up. Have paid as little as $80 and as much as $140 and have heard that others have paid more.

Here are the key points that I look to address when buying or selling long distance:

1. I told buyer to find LBS to receive, inspect and assemble tandem and then
send me the name of shop & POC at the shop. He did so.
2. I contacted the LBS owner and confirmed details. Great guy who knew what
he was doing with tandems. Shop was doing basic assembly & check out for nominal fee and betting on the come that customer would be buying accessories & apparel when the tandem arrived (they did).
3. Created sales contract that said shipping to included in purchase price.
Faxed back & forth to collect signatures. Terms included:
a. If on inspection upon delivery tandems isn't "as represented" and
purchaser declines to accept, I eat returning shipping.
b. If buyer changes their mind, they pick up shipping costs.
c. I sent tandem ahead on good faith and requested payment (personal
check OK) following acceptance.
4. Shipped the tandem down UPS (two boxes). Cost < $50.
5. UPS missed it's quoted delivery time, but both boxes arrived without
damage.
6. Bike was in great shape, couple had sent off the check before the tandem
arrived -- on good faith.

Again, I'd definitely call Mel if you're anywhere near their business just to find out what he'd charge to ship it for you. Beyond that, get it boxed up so you can know what your package(s) weight & L x W x H dimensions are and then give the various carriers a phone call.

[lcammisa]

Thanks for the great responses. I already have a call into Mel at Tandem's East. We bought the bike from him. He is a great guy. We live about an hour and a half from Mel but the drive may be worth it. Thanks for the links as well. I'll let you know how I make out.

Regards,

Lou