What is the best way to ship a bicycle across the US?

Question

Are there cheaper services than USPS? Obviously we will break it down, but it still seems like a very expensive idea from what i have learned so far. Thanks.

Answer 1

The easiest way to do this is to go to your local bike shop- they can professionally pack the bike and they'll probably ship it UPS ground (i've done this several times with NO problems). You can pack the bike yourself if you know how to do it, just ask the bike shop for a bike box in good condition. Shipping my bike from Colorado to Boston cost me $60, more or less, when I packed it myself.

I would not recommend shipping a bike on greyhound or other similar arrangements: security is low and there is a bigger chance of the bike getting damaged. You can also take out insurance on the package through UPS or FedEx.

You might try craigslist and see if anyone is willing to drive your bike to it's destination. I have friends who have done this successfully with their cars, so why not a bike?!

Answer 2

Fed Ex or UPS will be cheaper beacuse of the weight. If you go to your local bike shop, they will probably have empty boxes they received bikes in. They will probably give you one to ship your bike in. Make sure you pack it well, and it wouldn't hurt to insure it also.
Some bike shops also offer the packing and shipping as a service. But that would probably run about 50 bucks or so in addition to the shipping cost.

Answer 3

The private carriers (UPS, Fedex, DHL, etc) tend to be quite a bit cheaper than USPS for larger items like bikes. Sending it via ground is the cheapest (but slowest) method, and typically works well - just make sure it's over packed, because they are quite rough with their handling.

Answer 4

Try Greyhound (Bus company) they do ship items like bikes and prams.

You are best to stay with a direct service and have someone deliver to a depot and meet it when it arrives. If you can put it in a box it will be safer.

Answer 5

Ride it ! ! ! ! !