Air freight general queries.... 2023

[Jon Newey]

Hi y'all

I'm looking to hear from people who have successfully air-freighted a bike in 2023. From anywhere to anywhere... (personally I'm hoping to go from Heathrow to Toronto but general experience from/to anywhere is useful). How does the process actually work now? What I think I know is this:

1. Pay a shipping agent at the departure point to crate the bike and ship it, including luggage, helmet and jacket all in one crate. They will empty the fuel tank and disconnect the battery. Do not include any aerosols in the luggage. The price will vary depending on the size of the crate. Taking off the handlebars, screen and front wheel can save money, but you have to be able to put thyem back on by yourself at the destination.

2. Maybe include an empty petrol can in the crate - you might need it at the destination airport. Thoughts on this?

3. Agree an arrival date for the crate (departure date is irrelevant, arrival date is crucial).

4. Get some insurance organised for riding the bike legally in the destination country. Usually possible online? Probably not possible at the airport?

5. Fly yourself to the destination. Take your ownership documents with you for the bike.

6. Your shipping agent will give you some documents (a Weigh bill?) for you to show to customs.

7. Go to the customs office at the detination ariport. Typically located in the passenger terminal somewhere? Present all documents. Get customs clearance for the crate and a Temporary Import License for the bike.

8. Pay a fee to customs for the Temp Import License? Any ideas on this?

9. Once approved, take the customs clearance documents to the cargo terminal. Ask the customs office where to go? Taxi? Walk? Bus?

10. Present paperwork at the cargo terminal and wait for them to bring your crate to the carpark/yard.

11. Pay any fees for storage if the crate has been there for a day or more? Any ideas on this?

12. Borrow some tools to get the bike out of the crate? Your own tools will be inside the crate! Will the cargo depot guys generally help with this? What's everyone's experience?

13. Leave the crate behind? Will the cargo depot guys clear it away? Will they charge a fee for disposal?

14. Connect the battery, fit the handlebars/screen etc and start the bike. The tank will have been pumped dry but there may be enough fuel still in the system to get you to the nearest gas station.....?

Does this sum up the process? Have I missed any steps? There's no better way to learn than from someone else's experience!!!