Wheel Shipping....

[Oregonic]

What's the secret handshake for reasonably priced shipping? I've been trying to estimate shipping costs on a wheelset. Packed em up, brought them to both UPS and FedEx for estimates. Coming from Oregon, I asked for estimates to NY, thinking that would be one of the more expensive destinations. Was quoted $77 and $84, respectively. Holy crap - I've shipped frames for less than that!

Is the shipping just that expensive these days, or am I missing something here? I was thinking roughly half that as a guess, but now I'm not so sure. Does it help to set up a FedEx account or something? Is that another huge headache?

Suggestions?

[stien]

Try usps? Also, box too big?

[Oregonic]

Going to USPS tomorrow. Box is a standard double wheel box I grabbed at the LBS. I assume most shops aren't paying that for shipping a standard double wheel box, but maybe I'm way off base there...

[ergott]

Set up an online account with USPS. It's much cheaper that way. Same with FedEx.

[zzy]

Always do it online. I've been quoted $27 from USPS standard, and $41 for FedEx 3 day. In the store USPS tried to tell me the package can only go Priority and would cost over $50.

[RedRider]

UPS Ground is usually $50+ depending on where it's going.

[Pegoready]

USPS Parcel Post. As long as the Length + girth is less than 130" (which is a big frame box) it should ship for $20 or so.

As others have said, set up an acct. online. Pay and print at home. "Tracking" is included. USPS tracking isn't awesome, but at least it provides a delivery confirmation.

Drop off at an uncrowded PO and get a receipt when they scan it in. I do this all the time.

[scho74]

i used these guys and shipped a wheel set from LA to Chicago for $38 with insurance.

http://www.bikeflights.com

[Bruce K]

USPS to Canada from MA was about $45

Wheel box was 30"X30"X10" (re-used from a set of HEDs)

BK

[Oregonic]

Thanks everyone! I'll set up some online accounts and compare. Even half of what I was quoted would be great!

[eippo1]

If you take it to USPS and they say that it is oversized then perhaps take it to another one and try again. I've had luck sending them in individual smaller boxes like what Handspun does.


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[echelon_john]

25x25x6 @ 5lbs (one wheel) is under $20 anywhere in the US by UPS, so <$40 per pair.

25x25x12 (two wheels) is comparably priced via USPS Priority.

Size matters.

[Steve in SLO]

FYI, Parcel Post is now called Standard Post and is not an online option.

[dave thompson]

What's the secret handshake for reasonably priced shipping? I've been trying to estimate shipping costs on a wheelset. Packed em up, brought them to both UPS and FedEx for estimates. Coming from Oregon, I asked for estimates to NY, thinking that would be one of the more expensive destinations. Was quoted $77 and $84, respectively. Holy crap - I've shipped frames for less than that!

Is the shipping just that expensive these days, or am I missing something here? I was thinking roughly half that as a guess, but now I'm not so sure. Does it help to set up a FedEx account or something? Is that another huge headache?

Suggestions?

I'll bet you went to a "mailbox" store to get quotes that high. Those stores add their charges on top of what FedEx or UPS would charge you directly. You are paying extra for the convenience.

The advice to get an account with FedEx (my personal choice) or UPS is great, it will offer you discounts from the retail rate for anything you ship.

[JAGI410]

I ship via USPS from the grocery store, they don't take any measurements and just ship by weight. I've shipped 2 sets for under $20 each.

[Spoonito]

I've shipped plenty of big stuff that didn't cost that much. I've shipped motorcycle fairings across the country for about $50. I agree that you should look into other alternatives or setup an account if possible.

[Dromen]

Scho74 also shipped each wheel in separate single boxes and taped them together. Most secure wheelset shipping I've taken receipt. Way better than two wheels in one box even with the internal packing separating the wheels. Bravo.

i used these guys and shipped a wheel set from LA to Chicago for $38 with insurance.

http://www.bikeflights.com

[justinrchan]

Just paid $31.00 to ship 2 wheels from Seattle to CA via FedEx ground.

[mjb266]

Damn. Just spent $34/box for two boxes to go parcel post from WA to VA. He said there was a surcharge based on size.

[dave thompson]

Damn. Just spent $34/box for two boxes to go parcel post from WA to VA. He said there was a surcharge based on size.

Not a snarky question; who is 'he', UPS, FedEx, mailbox store?

[LouDeeter]

USPS Standard is the cheapest if you ship a box that is less than 108 inches in length plus girth. A wheelset will fit and small or medium frame with the fork removed will also fit. You do need to measure your box. 30x30x9 is right at the limit, so you can't have any bulges. 29x29x9 is perfect, gets you under with room to spare for the odd bulge. Let the air out of the tires too. USPS Standard Mail is the old Parcel Post and now includes tracking in the price. Should be under $30 shipped anywhere in the US from either coast.

Someone mentioned 130 inches. That is the next size point, but if over 108, you're going to pay a hefty oversized penalty. Someone else mentioned 30x30x10--that is over 108 at 110. Big penalty as well.

[Bruce K]

Just checked a HED box

25"X10"X25"

I think the 30" thing came from maximum sizing

BK