Do you guys (gals) use FED EX or UPS ???
How much does it cost (approximately)? Is there a “round-trip” discount? Which is more reliable?
Thanks!
RD
here’s the problem with UPS. it uses laser scanners to check the dimensions of the parcels, and tho you start with a bike box that is under 130" by the time UPS throws the box around the side bulges a but, and adds 3" or so to the circumference. then you get a supplemental bill of an extra $50 or $60 per bike.
even the Tri-All-3 box falls prey to the scanner, because at its waist it’s wider.
so i’ve had to go back and fight UPS and get my money back. well, that’s not entirely true. i simply said i wasn’t paying it, and they could cancel my account if they liked. they eventually adjutsed the overage off. just be careful of that.
I always ship my bikes to races FedEx…costs me about $100.00 per way…Insured for $15k. I also stuff in my wetsuit and any other stuff I can fit into that box.
$18 via FedEx ground, no joke. Their dimensions are just a bit looser than UPS’s IIRC. I used their on-line rate calculator to see how much it’d be, and it was dead on (if you go to a FedEx staffed counter). I had to trim down a convential bike box to accomodate their dimensions (around 3" off the top), but I did it and felt there was still plenty of room for filler/packing material. Yes, a complete bike, with wheels, insurance up to $3000–$18. Not sure if this is the best route to take for shipping to/from a race. I sold this bike, so it only went one way. Just an option…good luck
Andy