BikeFlights timing reliable?
TL;DNR: BikeFlights says if it can ship in two days. It would be easier and cheaper if I can trust that number. But I can still take my bike on the plane.
I planned to ship my wife's bike out ahead of us on an upcoming Katy Trail ride. I had checked BikeFlights and had seen that they only required 2 days to get the bike there. But then when I ordered a box from them, that took a week. I was going to ship my bike out with a day or two to spare, but that's no longer an option. BikeFlights doesn't seem to offer Saturday delivery, so the best I can do is ship Wednesday for Friday delivery. We fly in Saturday. Shuttle west and lodging for 5 days on the trail start on Sunday, so if the bike doesn't show up until Monday, then we're going to wish we had just paid the extra money and figured out how to get the boxed bike from the airport to our Saturday lodging. So how reliable are those shipping numbers? Has anyone had a bike not make it on time? If I can count on those numbers, it's still the easiest way to go, but it'll really throw a wrench in the plans if the bike is late. |
Originally Posted by Rob_E
(Post 20582556)
TL;DNR: BikeFlights says if it can ship in two days. It would be easier and cheaper if I can trust that number. But I can still take my bike on the plane.
I planned to ship my wife's bike out ahead of us on an upcoming Katy Trail ride. I had checked BikeFlights and had seen that they only required 2 days to get the bike there. But then when I ordered a box from them, that took a week. I was going to ship my bike out with a day or two to spare, but that's no longer an option. BikeFlights doesn't seem to offer Saturday delivery, so the best I can do is ship Wednesday for Friday delivery. We fly in Saturday. Shuttle west and lodging for 5 days on the trail start on Sunday, so if the bike doesn't show up until Monday, then we're going to wish we had just paid the extra money and figured out how to get the boxed bike from the airport to our Saturday lodging. So how reliable are those shipping numbers? Has anyone had a bike not make it on time? If I can count on those numbers, it's still the easiest way to go, but it'll really throw a wrench in the plans if the bike is late. |
Bikeflights never delivers on any day. FedEx delivers your bike. Bikeflights is basically a discount broker of FedEx (and other company) shipping. When you purchase shipping, you will be emailed a FedEx shipping label. You and FedEx do the rest.
I have used them for four round trips. Paid for four-day shipping. Only once was the bike delayed . That was on a return trip from out west. There was some major flooding somewhere that closed major highways. |
If you've got the box now, is there any reason to wait until Wednesday to ship? Box it up, take it to FedEx today, and ask whomever is receiving it for you to hold it an extra few days. (Or save some $$ and ship it slightly slower...)
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At my LBS they suggest ship ahead, at least week before you plan to arrive,
to give the mechanics time to assemble your bike, if so labeled, &you are willing to pay that cost, for your convenience. receive and store, a 'do not assemble' bike , until you arrive is an option, too.. ... |
Originally Posted by pdlamb
(Post 20582842)
If you've got the box now, is there any reason to wait until Wednesday to ship? Box it up, take it to FedEx today, and ask whomever is receiving it for you to hold it an extra few days. (Or save some $$ and ship it slightly slower...)
And BikeFlights had no slower shipping options. I'm fine with the price they suggest for FedEx 2 day ground. I just wanted to ship it Tuesday, and Tuesday is when the box arrives. And I don't need to account for assembly time. We get there early in the day on Saturday and don't leave until Sunday morning. I should have no problem putting the bike back together. In fact, the time-consuming one will be my own bike, which will be in a S&S case, and which consequently requires more extensive dissassembly. |
My experience with bike flights has always been great. Door to door service, no delays. I always make sure I send my bike well in advance, the folks I am sending it too when I start my six month summer tours out west have plenty of garage space. No baloney at the airport, no having to deal with Homeland Security bedwetters, no "we have to put it on the next flight," hassles.
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I, too, have gotten great results with BikeFlights.
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Originally Posted by Rob_E
(Post 20582992)
And BikeFlights had no slower shipping options. I'm fine with the price they suggest for FedEx 2 day ground. I just wanted to ship it Tuesday, and Tuesday is when the box arrives.
BTW...If you plan to ship relatively frequently, I recommend the plastic box from CrateWorks.com It's large but still "airline legal." It easily holds my 60cm LHT, large racks, stove and empty fuel bottle. |
Originally Posted by indyfabz
(Post 20583061)
Maybe the box will arrive early and you can box the bike and take it to a FedEx drop-off place, which includes FedEx/Kinko's locations.
BTW...If you plan to ship relatively frequently, I recommend the plastic box from CrateWorks.com It's large but still "airline legal." It easily holds my 60cm LHT, large racks, stove and empty fuel bottle. And, yeah, a dedicated box would be nice, long term. That's why my bike has couplers and a dedicated bag. This is the first time we've ever tried to fly with my wife's bike, so we will see if this becomes a habit. |
NB No tape over the bar codes, its harder to scan and shipping errors can be a result.
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Everyone. As already pointed out, Bikeflights has nothing to do with your bike getting there. Fedex ships your bike.
I never wait till the last minute. If it is supposed to take 3 days I pad it with 2 or 3. That way if there is a screw up there is time to fix it. |
Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 20583360)
NB No tape over the bar codes, its harder to scan and shipping errors can be a result.
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What did the box cost you? I have always just gone to the shop for a box where they are free.
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Can you drive your wife to work Tuesday and have use of the car for the day? Then have her bike ready to box when the box gets to you. Throw it in the box and take it to fedex that afternoon. Then pick her up from work and not have to worry about the bike stress. |
Originally Posted by spinnaker
(Post 20583565)
What did the box cost you? I have always just gone to the shop for a box where they are free.
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Originally Posted by spinnaker
(Post 20583562)
I never had a problem. Shipped tons of stuff. But I guess that doesn't mean it can't happen.
I've never heard a complaint from customers about their Bikeflights-brokered shipment being delayed, but I don't recall anyone having quite as tight a schedule as you. Isn't there an option to hold for pickup? I'm sure wherever you are sending the bike would accommodate you, unless they are a whole-in-the-wall. |
No need to tape over anything. The label goes inside a plastic, self-adhering holder that seals so the label cannot fall out. They are available at any FedEx location, including FedEx/Kinko's stores. Bikeflights advises that you put two on the box and one inside the box. Seal up the box and slap two labels on it. One on the front and one on one of the box ends.
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Originally Posted by wschruba
(Post 20584729)
I've never heard a complaint from customers about their Bikeflights-brokered shipment being delayed, but I don't recall anyone having quite as tight a schedule as you. Isn't there an option to hold for pickup? I'm sure wherever you are sending the bike would accommodate you, unless they are a whole-in-the-wall.
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Originally Posted by 3speed
(Post 20583606)
Can you drive your wife to work Tuesday and have use of the car for the day? Then have her bike ready to box when the box gets to you. Throw it in the box and take it to fedex that afternoon. Then pick her up from work and not have to worry about the bike stress. |
Shipped four times with BF, always with the cheapest/longest option. On one leg, the bike arrived one day late..... others were all on time.
That being said, I would want at least a couple days leeway for delays. Three or four would be ideal. - Mark |
Originally Posted by indyfabz
(Post 20585203)
No need to tape over anything. The label goes inside a plastic, self-adhering holder that seals so the label cannot fall out. They are available at any FedEx location, including FedEx/Kinko's stores. Bikeflights advises that you put two on the box and one inside the box. Seal up the box and slap two labels on it. One on the front and one on one of the box ends.
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Originally Posted by spinnaker
(Post 20585393)
Assuming one has a plastic, self-adhering holder. ;)
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I used BF to ship both my bikes when I moved to Hawaii. They offered 2 day, I chose the slower 6 day option. They made it in 5 days. If you take it to FedEx to ship they will have the plastic sleeve for the label, as was stated earlier. I also asked if they (FedEx) could wrap a couple plastic bands around the boxes just for extra assurance that they would stay taped up. You’re allowed up to 70 pounds so fill that extra space with other things you need to pack to avoid extra baggage costs at the airport. |
Originally Posted by TruckerBrad
(Post 20588151)
You’re allowed up to 70 pounds so fill that extra space with other things you need to pack to avoid extra baggage costs at the airport. |
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