Shipping Wheels Questions

[norcalbiker]

I am shipping a set of Zipp 303 wheels from CA to NC.
I have the original individual boxes.
Here are the questions that I have. It's been awhile since I shipped wheelsets.

Should I use USPS or UPS?
Should I ship them in their individual box or tape the boxes together and ship it that way?

Which way is the best way and cheapest way?
What are your experience?

TIA

[echelon_john]

If UPS, 2 separate boxes. If USPS, tape them together. Assuming the boxes are a good fit and you have end caps (meaning you don't need a bunch of extra cardboard/weight) UPS should be ~$20/box (for 25x25x6, ~6lbs); USPS Priority Mail ~$50 for the larger (25x25x12, ~12lbs) box.

[eBAUMANN]

bikeflights.com, cheapest rates around for fedex.

;)

[norcalbiker]

If UPS, 2 separate boxes. If USPS, tape them together. Assuming the boxes are a good fit and you have end caps (meaning you don't need a bunch of extra cardboard/weight) UPS should be ~$20/box (for 25x25x6, ~6lbs); USPS Priority Mail ~$50 for the larger (25x25x12, ~12lbs) box.


Thanks. Yes I do have the end caps.

[norcalbiker]

bikeflights.com, cheapest rates around for fedex.

;)

Never heard of them. Are they affiliated with FedEx? I would rather fedex if I could. I always thought that they charge a lot more. I'll look them up.

Thank you!

[norcalbiker]

Btw, can I go to any FedEx office for this?

[Don49]

Last time I shipped a wheel set it was via Fedex from Kinkos Office Supply. They did make me open the box for inspection because of the insurance amount. You might want to delay taping up the box until you get to Fedex just in case.

[norcalbiker]

Last time I shipped a wheel set it was via Fedex from Kinkos Office Supply. They did make me open the box for inspection because of the insurance amount. You might want to delay taping up the box until you get to Fedex just in case.

Thanks for the heads up.

[fade]

bikeflights.com, cheapest rates around for fedex.

;)

+1 for bikeflights.com as well!

I've shipped multiple wheelsets and bikes at the lowest rates for FedEx.

[fade]

Btw, can I go to any FedEx office for this?

You can buy the label at the website and either drop it off or schedule for pickup with FedEx.

[Idris Icabod]

If you know anyone with a Fed Ex account the savings are significant. I ship through my works account and save about 70% (we have a huge discount because we ship a lot, multinational company), your savings may not be as high but still worth it.

[pdmtong]

bikeflights.com, cheapest rates around for fedex.

;)

+ 1000

I have shipped four high end ($5k) frames and a complete mtb with them the past six months. lowest rates I have found. they use fedex.

[Dale Alan]

Great info,I had never heard of bikeflights .Shipping always scares me,I will give them a try next time.

[ergott]

Register for an online account with USPS. Get Express for the wheels. The wheels get there the next day and touch the fewest hands in between. Online account is about $20 less than in the PO.

FYI, USPS uses FexEx for air delivery.

[zmudshark]

Just a info point. I know that UPS has special handling for high insurance items. They are usually hand carried and signed off every step of the way. Also loaded on the tail of the trailer, so not buried in the load. I would imagine FDX is the same.

[Whitey]

Even though it's for car wheels, this site should help http://howtoshipwheels.com