Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Qantas charging on weight rather than volume? Qantas charging on weight rather than volume?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Hill Shipping - Motorcycle and car Shipping Experts!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London
Posts: 5
Qantas charging on weight rather than volume?
Im reading a bunch of different reports of people shipping bikes with Qantas that say:
a) theyre shipping the bike uncrated
b) Qantas are charging on weight rather than volume

However, when I speak to qantas, theyre adamant its charged on volume (if its higher than the weight - which it usually always is with a motorbike - quite often double).

So, whats the inside story here - who in Qantas do you have to speak to?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Posts: 78
I think you might find that they consider each cubic metre to be the equivalent to 167kgs, so if they measure your bike as 3 cubic metres the weight will be calculated as 501kgs.

From memory this is a standard within the airline industry.

If uncrated ask if you can load your bike onto one of their airline pallets. Tie it down and then wrap the whole bike in cling wrap. Then when they measure it, hopefully the measurement will be the minimum possible.

Also when talking to Qantas I've heard it's better to speak directly to the staff at the freight depot rather than someone on the end of a phone.

Good luck.
__________________
Kind regards
Dave Milligan
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Milligan View Post
I think you might find that they consider each cubic metre to be the equivalent to 167kgs, so if they measure your bike as 3 cubic metres the weight will be calculated as 501kgs.

From memory this is a standard within the airline industry.

If uncrated ask if you can load your bike onto one of their airline pallets. Tie it down and then wrap the whole bike in cling wrap. Then when they measure it, hopefully the measurement will be the minimum possible.

Also when talking to Qantas I've heard it's better to speak directly to the staff at the freight depot rather than someone on the end of a phone.

Good luck.
Yeah, the volumetric weight calc is standard, I think its volume (cm2)/6000

BUT, here are a couple of links referring to qantas charging on actual weight rather than volumetric weight.
COSTS + PACKING
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...516#post191723

Id like to speak to them in person - but I am trying to get inbound (as well as outbound) shipping...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
It's always "whatever the greater" dollar cost is. Thats standard across all modes of transport - even the postal services.

It causes no end of confusion for first time users as they often do some calculations based on the cube only - because they cant weigh the item themselves. When it goes across the scales and through the cuber it comes up with a figure much higher than expected by the customer.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
It is not only Qantas.

Read http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...cles-air-21880
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Dec 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
I took the gamble at the start of this year and went with Qantas. It paid off, they only charged me for the weight of the bike and I was allowed to send as a dangerous good, with fuel, oil and a battery.

I asked them how do they choose which way they go - it turns out they just decided when you get there.

They are the easiest company I have ever dealt with when shipping my bike.
I would recommend sending with them.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London
Posts: 5
T
Quote:
Originally Posted by maximondo View Post
I took the gamble at the start of this year and went with Qantas. It paid off, they only charged me for the weight of the bike and I was allowed to send as a dangerous good, with fuel, oil and a battery.

I asked them how do they choose which way they go - it turns out they just decided when you get there.

They are the easiest company I have ever dealt with when shipping my bike.
I would recommend sending with them.
Thanks for the reply Maxi.
I'll see what I can do to firm something up - the cost is a go-no-go factor on whether I bring my bike...

Sadly, it seems, Qantas dont want to deal directly here in the UK :-/.
They punted me off to a webpage with a list of shipping agents.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London
Posts: 5
U
Quote:
Originally Posted by maximondo View Post
I took the gamble at the start of this year and went with Qantas. It paid off, they only charged me for the weight of the bike and I was allowed to send as a dangerous good, with fuel, oil and a battery.

I asked them how do they choose which way they go - it turns out they just decided when you get there.

They are the easiest company I have ever dealt with when shipping my bike.
I would recommend sending with them.
Yup, confirmed - its kinda up to the discretion of the port staff.

What bike did you ship?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277


I shipped an Honda XR250. So it was in there best interest to charge me by volume rather than weight. But I was not going to complain.

It is strange that they are telling you to go to an shipping agent. I would recommend just going down there and asking at the counter. (I have the luxury of living in a small city where I can do that!)

Do not forget - shipping your bike uncreated is awesome! you do not have to worry about how to get it to the airport - you just drive. you do not have to worry about putting your bike back together on the other side (you either end up with un wanted help or things going missing) and lastly what do you do with the packaging.... good luck!
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Dec 2008
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
How much was it and when did you do it? I've got a 250 in Melbourne but I'm in California.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Dec 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Off the top of my head is was around $2.50 per kg (ill confirm this tonight when I get home from work) plus Dangerous Goods Certificate which was about $100 and the Customs Clearance Certificate was free.
Make sure you have this before you want to send your bike - it takes a couple of days to process.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Dec 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by mooky View Post
Sadly, it seems, Qantas dont want to deal directly here in the UK
Try BA .. go to the freight part of the airport and talk to them over the counter .. take the print out of regs from teh linked post I put up .. that will let them know you have some idea of what you are talking about .. while you are in that section of teh airport talk to teh Qantas guys too ..

---------------------
If the bike is 'uncreated' - they charge by weight. (too hard to measure the volume and they simply pack stuff around the bike if they want too. I'd remove the mirrors and any ohter sticking out bits (indicators) that could get broken off - put them in the pannires)

If the bike is created then they charge by weight or volume - whatever is the greater.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Qantas Brissy BA charges tmotten Trip Transport 0 19 Jun 2008 07:37
Maths volume question help req..please! palace15 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 17 10 May 2008 11:58
pegaso weight? kiwiron Other Bikes Tech 7 23 Oct 2007 04:08
XT600e fork oil grade and volume jimmy46 Yamaha Tech 1 8 Oct 2007 00:38
more weight itchywheels Yamaha Tech 4 12 Nov 2002 01:03

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top