All you need to know about getting a quote for international bicycle transport
When someone asks me for a quote to send a bicycle to an international destination then I always first make sure that they understand the ins and outs as follows. Here then is our very short international transport guide. For both internal and external use. Because we don’t keep any secrets. In fact, you will find some very good consumer advice down here. And can potentially save quite a bit of money in doing so.
International bicycle transport is expensive…
First things first. Let’s talk about the cost. What does it cost to send a bicycle overseas? The most frequent locations requested are typically in Europe. And on average, it costs about the same to send the boxed bicycle solo, as it would cost for an adult return airplane ticket. Which makes little sense. And involves a lot of paperwork. But it is what it is. So don’t shoot the messenger. Once your customer know that it may cost well upwards of R20k to send the bicycle alone, and he accepts this cost, only then can you proceed to do a quote. Otherwise you are wasting your time, and his.
…But did you know?
Some airlines, like Emirates and Qatar, allow you to take on the boxed bicycle at no extra charge. Which is perfect. And most other airlines will allow you to take it on as extra or oversized luggage at a nominal fee. Which is probably only 10% of what it will cost you to send the bicycle alone. Which is hy my #1 first customer question for international bicycle transport quotes requests is always: “are you, or anyone you know, going to fly to that destination yourself?” because then they can save a lot of time and money and just take it themselves.
*At this point you can proceed to get the international bicycle transport quotes for our range of service providers. Which may not be instant, it may take 24hrs to compile and get back the info from everyone, before you decide which one to use. Make sure you and the customer knows that.
The bicycle has to be boxed
They usually all know that the bicycle must be boxed. That part is obvious. And can be done through any local bicycle shop as per normal. Into a standard cardboard bicycle box. Or you can use this as a great opportunity for an upsell. Why not consider our ultimate bikebox? It makes a lot of sense. It is perfect for frequent bike travelers. Because it is durable. And collapsible, and waterproof, and folds flat after use. But most importantly, it weighs much less than the competitors. Which means you can pack more without getting overweight penalties.
What about the weight?
No international bicycle transport guide is complete weight some numbers. Let’s go. When you take the bicycle with you on the flight: The ACSA approved 140*30*80 dims aren’t that important, larger is fine, but the weight is important. Airlines usually allow 20 to 23kgs per item when you book it in. Anything above that may attract overweight charges. Ask me, I’ve been there and paid those. And when you book the bicycle as a standalone item: then the volumetric weight comes into play and you don’ have to worry about the 20kgs so much. Because it will be based on the volumetric weight. Which will be a factor of the L*B*H (example 140*30*80 div factor 5000 = volumetric weight of 67kgs, which will exceed the actual weight).
Top tip for holiday bike travel
To complete this international bicycle transport guide, we leave you with the following. When you go overseas for an event and want to stay on afterwards for a bit of a holiday or travel, then you don’t want to lug around a boxed bicycle with you all the time. so you can book it into the luggage storage areas at the airports. Like I did in Istanbul. Example and more info on here: Flying with your bicycle, eg: to the IRONMAN® in Turkey. And also available in SA right here: A-teck at both JHB or CPT International Airports.
Summary for internal bicycle transport
- It is expensive, accept the cost before quote?
- Do you know it can go for free/cheap with you on the flight?
- Have you considered an ultimate bikebox?
There you have it. International bicycle transport guide complete. Now, to which exotic destination can we send your boxed bicycle today?
