Has anyone done this recently ??? Nothing on the shipping search.

can anyone recommend a good company or method of shipping or flying my bike from Cartegena, Colombia back to the UK in a few months time ??

Prices would be great too.

Thanks in advance as always !!

Ted

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Hello Ted,

I flew out of Bogota back in June 2005. Martinair fly to Stanstead carrying mainly flowers from Colombia plus other bits and pieces.

It cost me around $1000. I was angry with them because the first price was much lower ($600 if I remember correctly). Basically everything was arranged with a shipper (there are many that handle this kind of thing and won't recommend the one I used). A price was agreed based on weight and volume, we then prepared a wooden crate and at the last minute (my penultimate day in Colombia) they told me that the tariff was incorrect - there was a special one for vehicles!!!! What a pack of mongrels.

This led to a large debate that ended with an increase in the price but not the full amount according to the Martinair price guide. It seemed an unusual place to be shipping out of to the UK so there were not too many other cases to recall.

At the UK end, it went reasonably well. The arrival was delayed by 2 days but getting the bike out of customs on a Saturday was painful but ultimately possible - customs were the problem.

I really wouldn't want to advise Cartegena for air freight. It was hard enough from Bogota.

Also watch out for the drug squad checks when leaving - they drill holes all over the wooden crate looking for concealed compartments. They also asked to see teh bike running - tricky when you've emptied the tank.

Good luck! It is possible but not much fun.

Matt

So wheres the best place to ship out of if I intend on Colombia being "end of the road", so to speak.

Bogota ?? , or is it best to go to Caracas in Venezuala ??

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.