So, you want to know how much it costs to ship your bike?
Shipping a bike is pretty easy – as long as you know what you’re doing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of bicycle shipping, from packing your bike correctly to choosing the right shipping method.
We’ll also answer some common questions, like “What’s the best way to ship a bike?” and “Where do I get a bicycle shipping box?”
So read on for all the information you need to get your road, gravel or triathlon bike from Point A to Point B without any problems.
First Things First: Do You Need to Ship Your Bike?
Before you spend the money to ship your bike, consider the alternatives. Is there already a service in your area that specializes in transporting bikes? Maybe there’s a local bicycle club where members can help each other out by giving or getting a ride?
So you’ve decided that shipping your bike is the right solution for you. Now it’s time to gather all the info you need to safely pack your bike for shipping. Read on below to learn about the different shipping options available to you.
How much does it cost to ship a bike?
It’s not cheap to ship a bike. It can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on how far you’re shipping it, the level of service you choose, and the shipping providers you go with.
When it comes to shipping a bike, there are a few options to choose from. The most popular shipping methods for bikes are through services like UPS and FedEx. However, these services can be expensive and may not be the best option for everyone.
Several specialized bike shipping companies can provide more affordable rates and better service depending on your needs. Ultimately, the bike shipping cost will be determined by the dimensions of your bike, the distance, and the service you choose.
Specialized bike shipping companies are a great service for shipping your bike. They will help you through the process step-by-step, and they even have online resources to help you disassemble and pack it. But be careful! If you’re not careful, you might end up breaking your bike in the process.
Find out how much it costs to ship a bike in your area with the most popular methods:
Bike shipping companies (BikeFlights and ShipBikes)
Bike shipping companies are an ideal method of transporting bikes for those who want to participate in a race. BikeFlights.com or ShipBikes.com can ship your bike long distance and ensure on-time delivery, often including the correct sized box for your bike.
Additional charges may apply for residential pickup or drop-offs. If you’re arranging for this service to pick up your bike, you may be required to package it yourself. Also, local bike shops can professionally package your bicycle for a fee.
For example, Bike flights offer a service that can help you pack and ship your bike wherever it needs to go. These professionals will take care of packing and shipping so that all you have to do is drop off your bike at one of their affiliated shops.
The average cost for shipping with Bike Flights starts at $60, which includes delivery to any bike shop in North America as well as unpacking and full assembly when they get there. This means that if you’re not sure where your next ride will be, Bike Flights has got you covered!
Here are two bike shipping companies that can provide you with a price quote and meet all of your needs.
| Company | Box size & weight | New York – Chicago | New York – Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Flights | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $141.95 | $160.95 |
| Ship Bikes | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $119.54 | $134.85 |
Parcel shipping (UPS or FedEx)
Parcel shipping (UPS or FedEx) is a popular option for bike shipping. The cost of parcel shipping your bike will depend on the size and weight of the shipment, as well as the speed and distance of travel.
FedEx has a maximum weight for shipping a bicycle and cannot ship bikes weighing over 95 lbs. Parcel shippers like UPS are capable of delivering bicycles with faster delivery timelines than USPS, with multiple delivery options available.
You can calculate your costs in advance using online tools which often provide quotes from different carriers to help you make an informed decision about who to go with for your next shipment!
How much does it cost to ship a bike with FedEx and UPS
| Company | Box size & weight | New York – Chicago | New York – Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $348.13 | $416.23 |
| UPS | 51” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $318.95 | $373.49 |
Airlines
Flying with a bike can be a hassle, but if you’re willing to do your research and plan ahead, it can also be a rewarding experience.
Many airlines allow passengers to bring bikes on board for an additional fee, but the requirements and fees vary depending on the airline and destination.
In order to make sure that you get through security without any problems or delays, make sure you know exactly what each airline’s policy is before arriving at the airport. Keep in mind that some carriers may not offer this service at all.
| Company | Max Dimensions/weight | Bike Fee | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 115″ / 70lbs | $50 | Read more |
| Air France | Not specified / 70lbs | $75- $150 | Read more |
| Alaska Airlines | Not specified / Not specified | $30 | Read more |
| Allegiant Airlines | 80″ / 40lbs | $30-$50 | Read more |
| American Airlines | 126″ / 50lbs | $30 | Read more |
| British Airways | 138″ / 50lbs | part of checked bag allowance | Read more |
| Delta Airlines | 115″ / 50lbs | $30 | Read more |
| Frontier | 109″ / 109lbs | $75 | Read more |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 115″ / 50lbs | $35-$150 | Read more |
| Jet Blue | 80″ / 99lbs | $100 | Read more |
| Lufthansa | 110″ / 70lbs | $146-$287 | Read more |
| Qantas | 99″ / 70lbs | part of checked bag allowance | Read more |
| Southwest | 80″ / 100lbs | $75 | Read more |
| Spirit Airlines | Not specified / Not specified | $75 | Read more |
| United Airlines | 115″ / 100lbs | part of checked bag allowance | Read more |
| Virgin Atlantic | 81″ / 50lbs | part of checked bag allowance | Read more |
| WestJet | 115″ / 100lbs | $50 | Read more |
USPS
The USPS offers a Retail Ground shipping service that is ideal for less urgent deliveries and oversized packages, including bicycles. With delivery in 2-8 business days, this service is perfect for sending bikes across the country. In order to be eligible for shipment, the bike must weigh under 70 lbs and be properly packaged.
How much does it cost to ship a bike with USPS
| Company | Box size & weight | New York – Chicago | New York – Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | 43” x 15” x 32” 65lbs | $152.15 | $220.50 |
USPS domestic bike shipping cost by distance
| Distance in miles | Cost |
|---|---|
| up to 50 | $84 |
| 51-150 | $84 |
| 151-300 | $106.80 |
| 301-600 | $129.60 |
| 601-1000 | $152.15 |
| 1001-1400 | $174.95 |
| 1401-1800 | $197.65 |
| over 1800 | $220.50 |
| freely associated states | $220.50 |
Cost of shipping a bike internationally with USPS
The cost of shipping a bike internationally with USPS varies depending on the distance it needs to travel. For example, the cost to ship a bike to Canada can range from $100 to $130, while European destinations can vary quite a bit more—France and Italy are $170 each, but Spain would only be $120.
As always with shipping services, prices are subject to change at any time so these numbers may vary slightly in some cases at this point in time.
Please note that some areas have restrictions when it comes to importing bicycles into their country, so make sure you do your research before sending anything off.
What are the USPS size and weight limits for bikes?
The USPS Retail Ground service allows for packages up to 70 pounds, which is plenty for a bike or two. However, you do have to be mindful of the combined length and girth of 130 inches. This can be easily accomplished by disassembling the bike before packaging it. For more information on the USPS Retail Ground Service, please visit their website.
Cost of insuring a bike for shipping
USPS offers domestic shipping with insurance starting at $10 for every $100 in insured value up until a maximum of $5,000 in insured value.
How To Pack a Bike For Shipping
The following items will be useful when packing your bike yourself:
- Bike box or bike case
- Zip ties
- Padding
- Brake pad spacer (can be a cardboard scrap)
- Pedal wrench
- Allen wrenches
- Bike repair stand (ideal, but optional)
Do you know how to pack a bike for shipping?
It can be tricky to figure out, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want your bike shipped safely and securely, follow these steps.
- Remove the pedals from the bicycle frame. They are not necessary when shipping the bicycle by air freight, and they could damage other items in transit if they get thrown about inside of the box or bike case.
- Inspect every inch of your bicycle frame for any loose or dangling wire or cable – this includes brake cables, derailleur cables, shift cables and electrical wires – before placing anything else on top of it.
- Remove the front wheel, handlebars and saddle.
- Place the handlebars on the bicycle frame so that they are parallel with the seat tube and pointing downwards.
- Make sure there are no empty spaces within the box when packing up your bike, especially around its tires, gears, etc., in order to keep it from moving around in transport.
- Fasten any loose items or belongings around your bike frame in order for them not to shift during transit.
- Secure your wheels in place using either foam or cardboard to prevent damage.
- Double check everything is secure before closing up the box and relabeling it with its address details.
You can certainly do it yourself, if you have the tools and know your way around a bike. Or you can bring it to a bike shop and ask them to do it.
Do all of this, and your bike will be ready for shipping! When you are sure that you cannot handle how to pack a bike for shipping alone, you can bring it to your local bike shop and ask them to help you.
Bike Shipping Insurance
Bike shipping insurance is a must-have for anyone sending their bike through the shipping company. Neither FedEx nor UPS offer any type of shipping insurance, so if your bike happens to get damaged or lost in transit, you’re out of luck.
Fortunately, there’s Velosurance – a company that specializes in cycling insurance. They offer a stand-alone policy that covers damage, theft or loss during transport. So whether you’re a casual cyclist or a professional bike maker, it’s always a good idea to have some type of bicycle insurance. Just in case!
What are common bike shipping mistakes?
Bike shipping can be a delicate process, and it’s important to avoid common mistakes in order to protect your bike.
Improper packing
One of the most common mistakes is improper packing. Make sure to use plenty of padding to cover your entire bike frame and anything easily damaged. Don’t skimp on protection — both when it comes to foam wrapping and insurance. It’s best to spend a few more dollars up-front for peace of mind. Remember, loose parts inside your bike box are perhaps more likely to cause damage than anything outside the box so pad up, and cinch everything down tight. Also, remove all old labels if you’re reusing a box — nothing from previous shipments should remain on a box that you
Incorrect measurements
Incorrect measurements are a major problem for shippers. They can lead to damaged goods, which is bad enough on their own. But they also make it more difficult for the person who receives them to determine what size of the box their item will fit in.
This means that items may be shipped back and forth unnecessarily, or that the packaging company has to use more boxes than necessary. It’s always best to be as accurate as possible when measuring your package before sending it off – especially if you’re using a shipping service that requires specific dimensions and weight information.
Make sure to use a tape measure and scale to be as accurate as possible. When dealing with fractions, always round up.
Unforeseen delays
Every day, we rely on the postal system to get us what we need. From food and clothes to packages of all sizes, it’s there for us when we need it. But sometimes bad weather or holiday delays can make things difficult-especially if you live in a remote area where deliveries are infrequent at best.
And while some companies will let you know that your package is going to be late before they ship it out, others won’t tell you until after the fact. All this means is that a little bit of planning ahead could save you from being disappointed with your delivery date!
