Does anyone have experiences with shipping a bike to an IM using Fed-X? Can you use the actual bike case you would use for flying in the airport with these companies?
I shipped to and from Kona in one of those TriAll3/TriCo? hard shell cases without issue. I used Fedex.
x2 on shipping using a TriAll3 case.
If i remember correctly, I think fed-ex was always cheaper then UPS (this was for ground service to a NA Ironman). Another tip if you don’t have a ship-to address - i would avoid shipping to your hotel even if they offer the service. My one experience shipping to a hotel was a bit nerve-wracking when it took them awhile to figure out where they put my bike. Since that hotel issue, I was contact a local mailing service (UPS Store) in the area and ask them if they offer a ship-to/ pick-up service. Usually not an issue and around ~$10 - i’ve never had any problems there.
Since 9/11/2001 I’ve used FedEx with a Trico case fully loaded with bike, shoes, helmet, wet suit, tires and tools, running shoes, some food, whatever will fit, weighing in at 75 to 80 pounds. Takes my wife’s help to close it. Through a corporate account the cost has been $200 to $225, overnight and back from Ohio to San Francsico, Panama City, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane (in route to Penticton). Never had any problems. Using FedEx this week for IMC.
i’ve used FedEx several times. i just used a cardboard box from the bike shop. They use those from the factory to the shop!
of course i pad the crap out of it with clothes, foam and newspaper. also some bracing so it will not crush if they lay it flat and put stuff on it.
one thing to take note of if you are on a budget. the size/price set up is incremental. so, one inch over and cost doubles. you may want to check the shipping costs and see if the bike will fit in a box with the right dimensions. IIRC you have to play around on the site with sizes to get the costs, they don’t tell you outright. there was a thread about this a while back if you want to search.
I’ve used Fedex with success four times in a Trico container.
I’d suggest that you check for the dimensions needed to avoid the oversize charge. Pack your box accordingly and then write those dimensions down and verify that the agent’s measurements are what you think they should be. On two occasions, I had to ask the agent to check a measurement again after they had casually measured to end up an inch over what I had measured. That inch would have been enough to double the price from $75.
Good luck.
Thanks for the feedback. My boss lives in the Phoenix Area so I can use his personal address for shipping. I am assuming Fed-X is cheaper than using the airlines (first time IM’r) and that is the reason for using Fed -X.
I almost exclusively use FedEx ground for all my travels or bike shipping unless I am going international.
I have a Thule bike case for my road bike and a Tri-All for my tri bike (damned integrated seat mast). I have a bunch of Home Depot pipe insulation that I use to protect the bike and also pack my pump, drink mixes and jugs of gel in the box.
I you have enough time then go Fed-Ex ground. I don’t know why but I swear UPS always plays games. I have a 1000’+ unpaved driveway and UPS likes to drop off packages at the mail box on the street and for big stuff they like to leave the pick up slip. FedEx regular and ground - they drive up to the house and put it on the porch, regardless of the size. Some people might have other opinions but I use FedEx when you care when it gets there and UPS when you don’t.
Avoid going to Kinkos-FedEx or to UPS stores. They will charge a premium or add in fees. UPS stores like to add in a $50 “oversized box” fee - WTF? I go straight to my local FedEx terminal in the next town. They weigh the box, charge my credit card, put it on the next truck out and send me emails when it arrives. Done. If you are tight on time then you can use FedEx “Saver” three-day service. Other times I just check out the ground website in advance and make sure I add a day or two and send out my bike. If I am shipping my tri bike I use my road bike for my last training rides and vice-versa. With airlines charging an average $200 each way and not guaranteeing your bike will be there I always ship. Hope that helps.
Use Fed-Ex Ground, and if you use an Ironcase or a Thule or similar case, make sure the dimensions are correct or else you will get pushed into a more expensive Oversize category. And if you can use a FedEx account number it’s quite a bit cheaper than normal.
Does anyone know the magic dimensions necessary with FedEx?
I’m using a Serfas Case (48" x 30" x 10" and assuming 60 lbs.) and FedEx is quoting $400+ from Portland, Oregon to Louisville…
I’m open to suggestions… But, I gotta decide NLT Tuesday.
Thanks.
Puskas
??
I shipped a bike via fed ex from so cal to texas for $25 including $1k insurance
They really want $400? I can’t believe that!
Does anyone know the magic dimensions necessary with FedEx?
I’m using a Serfas Case (48" x 30" x 10" and assuming 60 lbs.) and FedEx is quoting $400+ from Portland, Oregon to Louisville…
I’m open to suggestions… But, I gotta decide NLT Tuesday.
Thanks.
Puskas
Do you have a corporate account you can get access to? I use my company’s and it’s around $75 to ship FedEx Ground from LA to Hawaii. I just write them a check once the invoice comes due.
Fred
I have used UPS for Kona, and several races within the states with no problems. I have used Trico and Thule bike cases. It has always been cheaper and easier than the airline. I generally, ship to a friend. However, I know others who have shipped to their hotels or had the UPS center hold for pick-up with no problems. If you ship it to Kona the UPS center is at the airport.
Thanks for the feedback. My boss lives in the Phoenix Area so I can use his personal address for shipping. I am assuming Fed-X is cheaper than using the airlines (first time IM’r) and that is the reason for using Fed -X.
Well…PHX is served by Frontier, isn’t it? On Frontier, if you buy the upper or mid-level fare, your bike is free as one of your allowed bags. Or if the lowest fare, the bike is $20.
Or Southwest…$50 each way for the bike.
There are a few threads about airline bike fees that go into more detail.
If I can use one of these for my race travel, I do…
I am coming from ATL which requires a connection in Denver…but maybe this is a good option along with Fed-X. I will contact local Fed-X to understand the cost to ship…thanks.
Does anyone have experiences with shipping a bike to an IM using Fed-X? Can you use the actual bike case you would use for flying in the airport with these companies?
Trico case, shipped last year and this year with FedEx for IMC.
Thanks for the feedback. My boss lives in the Phoenix Area so I can use his personal address for shipping. I am assuming Fed-X is cheaper than using the airlines (first time IM’r) and that is the reason for using Fed -X.
Might be cheaper or not, deepening what airline and how early you send the bike.
Does anyone know the magic dimensions necessary with FedEx?
I’m using a Serfas Case (48" x 30" x 10" and assuming 60 lbs.) and FedEx is quoting $400+ from Portland, Oregon to Louisville…
I’m open to suggestions… But, I gotta decide NLT Tuesday.
Thanks.
Puskas
To check you can use the online calculator at fedex.com. But this should be OK. The maximum box size
you want is 130 inches calculated as (L + 2*(W+H)). The charge will not be on the actual weight, but the
dimensional weight which is proportional to the volume.
carry it through the airport. in a bike box my bike was $186 to ship 1 way.
If this is all continental US, try Greyhound bus lines. They are a lot more liberal on wieght and size. I am sure it would be less than $100.
http://www.shipgreyhound.com/