We are making increasing use of courier services. Sometimes, however, the carriage concerns slightly larger dimensions, which are difficult to fit in a standard parcel. How to send a bike by courier? It is a relatively simple task, for which, however, you need to be well prepared.
According to the report 'E-commerce in Poland 2021', 77% of Poles are already shopping online. This translates into the huge popularity of courier companies, which are able to instantly deliver almost any goods to any location not only in the country, but also abroad. It is also common for consumers to sell selected products directly to each other, which involves packaging and shipping. In this article, you will learn how to send your bike by courier without any problems and how to pack it in such a way as to keep it safe, make the courier's job easier and save money at the same time.
How to send your bike by courier - packing your bike
The first - and most difficult - stage of shipping is, of course, packing the bike. It is best to use a durable cardboard box for this purpose. In particular, use the original packaging in which the bike was sold. This way you can be sure that the equipment will be adequately protected.
Obviously, few people have cardboard boxes of this size. However, it is worth asking for them at your local bicycle shop, for example. Other large boxes, e.g. from household appliances, may also work well.
- Before preparing the consignment, dismantle the bicycle: first of all, remove the pedals, mudguards, wheels (you can leave the rear wheel in place if it fits in the packaging), place the loosened handlebars along the frame. Secure the derailleur and brakes. Lower the saddle as far as possible or pull it out.
- Protect the tyres by deflating them, thus reducing the risk of puncturing the inner tube with protruding parts.
- Remove additional components such as lighting, counter and other accessories.
- Collect small items (such as screws or nuts) in one place - they are easy to lose. Remember or make a note of where they were.
- Wrap the dismantled parts in cardboard or use stretch. This will prevent them from bruising the frame and other painted parts.
- Secure the free space in the cardboard box with bubble wrap, for example, or line the empty spaces with paper or rolled up cardboard.
- Once the carton is sealed, use stretch - this will make the package safer.
Shipping the bike without a cardboard box will not always be possible due to the irregular dimensions of the vehicle. However, as an alternative, you can try to pack it using foil and protecting it with additional rigid elements. How to send a child's bicycle by courier? In the case of smaller vehicles, the same rules must be followed. However, the packing and subsequent transport will be much simpler.
Cost of shipping the bicycle by courier
Of course, the final shipping costs depend primarily on the offer of the specific carrier. The weight and size of the package must be taken into account.
Estimating that the average bike with accessories weighs about 15 kg and assuming that it can be packed in a 1430 × 195 × 830 mm box, prices range from 80 to about 150 PLN. If the cardboard box is replaced by stretch, the cost of shipping the bike will be higher due to the non-standard size.
When analysing how much it costs to send a bike by courier, another important factor should be taken into account, i.e. parcel insurance. It is worth thinking about this especially in the case of more valuable unicycles.
Does a bike sent by courier need to have special markings?
Normal shipping of a bicycle by courier, which uses a standard sized cardboard box, does not require additional marking of the package. However, it is a good idea to put information on the surface of the parcel that there is a bicycle inside to make transportation easier. If you opt out of the cardboard box, you should note that such an order will certainly not be handled by every courier. Shipping the bike may then also be considerably more expensive. Appropriate protection and marking of protruding parts will be necessary.
How long does it take to send a bike by courier?
The transport of a package with a bicycle should not differ from standard courier shipments. The shipping company should easily deliver the vehicle to the recipient within a few working days throughout the country. Of course, the bicycle can also be sent abroad in this way. In that case, the shipment will take a little longer to complete. Which courier should I use to send my bike?
Almost all of the most popular courier companies will take care of an order of this type, especially if you pack the bike in a cardboard box beforehand. If, on the other hand, you are only going to use stretch, then it is worth contacting the carriers personally and asking both about the possibility of carrying out this type of transport and about the final costs and delivery time. Also pay attention to the insurance offer of the chosen forwarder.
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