Shipping Los Angeles to Aukland N.Z.
 

I'm trying to get a BMW 1100GS to New Zealand around the beginning of January,2002.
I've been quoted USD $2000.00 one way from Motorcycle Express. I also have run into the "unknown shipper" problem. It seems that a lot of cargo is transported on passenger flights. This is the problem, if you can find a cargo only flight I think you avoid the problem.

Jay

Hi Jay

Unfortunately, even cargo airlines are getting a bit difficult about flying motorcycles if you've not done business with them before.

A few thoughts:

If you can send the bike in advance by sea, you might be interested in these:

1. A company mentioned by Erin & Chris Ratay for shipping from LA to Dunedin. Cost quoted was US$270 per bike, which sounds a lot better than $2,000. We usually don't recommend sea shipments, but NZ isn't in the same category as Africa.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...gelesToDunedin

2. Another possibility is Direct Express, a company in Gardena, California which specialises in car-shipment, per Peter Theuwissen. He shipped his bike to Australia for US$450 in March 2000, but they don't have a website so cannot tell whether they ship to NZ. You'll have to call them directly. Contact details are on the Shipping page:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...achToAustralia

3. Finally, we have recently learned of California Shipping, a company "specializing in the export/containerizing of autos, trailerized boats, motorcycles, auto-parts and accompanying cargo to the major ports of Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand". http://www.calship.com/

With sea shipments, you need to allow at least 8-10 weeks for the bike to get to NZ, though.

Depending on how long you plan to stay in NZ, you might consider buying a bike there and selling at the end of your trip, rather than pay for shipment in both directions.

Let us know how you make out.

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Good luck and safe travels!

Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


</A>

Hi Susan.

Thanks for the shipping info. I live on my bike and 8-10 weeks en route plus crating and delays is something I'm trying to avoid. The price however is something I really like. Time to explore some more. Oh what to do?

Jay

I've given up on trying to fly the bike. The new security rules and fees are just too much. The last quote I received was from Chicago to Aukland USD$3,000.00 one way and the bike still needed to be crated. Also I was told "good luck getting it back into the US"

I also called Calship and they do full containers only. I now have a call in to Marina Shipping and will see what they say.

I'll keep everyone posted on my findings.

Jay

I shipped my bike from San Francisco by sea
to Singapore. Transit time was in total about
26 days and cost roughly 650 USD. I used a
company called "NovoExpress" ( http://www.novoexpress.com/ ). My contact there was a guy called Mike.

In order to avoid costs for a crate, try asking a motorbike dealer if they can give you a crate in which they receive new bike, they usually just through them away anyway.

Mark

Motorbikes in NZ are cheap. I have just helped an Israeli couple buy a Kawasaki 650 1996 47,000 kms for NZ $4000 (US about $2000). Should be able to get NZ$3000 for it when they sell.