I am planning on shipping my bike to south america next jan for 4 months. What is the most inexpensive way (sea or air). I would like either to ship from houston to caracas or from la to lima. (or to quito if there is not a carnet requirement)

Hi Scarbro

First, the pros and cons of shipping by air vs. sea has been thoroughly discussed on the HUBB, and summarized in the following page:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...ers.php#AirSea

In general, we suggest air shipment unless you are: 1) not in a hurry for the bike to arrive, 2) shipping TO a first world destination (Europe, North America, Australia or NZ) OR you are fluent in the local language and don't mind spending days to get your vehicle out at the destination. Keep in mind when comparing costs, that port fees in many destinations can be almost as much as the shipping cost itself! Many travellers have reported after a sea shipment that they saved almost nothing compared to an air shipment, but had a lot more grey hair at the end.

Second, you can read about the experience actual travellers have had with shipping from different ports and with different shipping companies and agents, at the Shipping page:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...t/shipping.php

Even though the particular route you are interested in may not be covered, if you look at shipments out of Los Angeles, you can find companies who will likely ship to your destination as well.

Two companies who have been recommended from Los Angeles:

Sea Shipment -
Direct Express, 17823 Evelyn Ave. Gardena CA 90248 USA (specialists in car-shipment)
tel(310)324-2100 fax(310)324-7500

Air Shipment -
Moses Posada,Operations Director
ETC International Freight Systems
2450 S. Sequoia Drive
Compton, CA 90220
Tel: (310)632 2555
Fax: (310)632 3044
email: etcintl@earthlink.net

Finally, we do recommend if you are going to sea ship that you deal with a major company such as Panalpina or P&O Nedlloyd, which has their own offices at both ends, so you don't experience a runaround with an agent.

Good luck, and let us know how you go! Don't forget to fill in the Shipping Form with your own experiences, to benefit future travellers.

------------------
Susan Johnson

"It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses."
Edgar Guest

'One world, two wheels'
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


[This message has been edited by Susan (edited 09 May 2002).]

__________________
Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks a lot susan. i will take your advise and air freight. I have heard form other traverlers that sea freighting can be a hassle. Thanks again.