Looking to ship my DL650 across the Atlantic to be picked up in the east coast of US mid-September 2009. Already got some quotes by ship to New York, or somewhere in Maryland (probably Annapolis) or Jacksonville, Florida, and I would think that they add up to somewhere around 550-750 USD, including everything at the departure end (Finland).


If you´ve transported your bike by sea between anywhere in Europe and the States, does that sound reasonable to you? There also seems to be a ro-ro option from somewhere in Central Europe or UK, but the prices seem to be somewhat higher.


And what about the receiving end, can anyone give any estimated figures, about how much it is likely to cost me to get it from the port in the US (I know it can vary from one port to another)? I´m planning to handle the unpacking and customs myself, if possible.


Also planning to return after just 6 weeks (goddamn work wont allow to stay longer!!) so then I´ll have to ship the thing back. Not sure, but this might take place from the west coast.


This same bike was shipped from Sydney to Helsinki by ship for under 700 USD, which I think was a good price, but picking it up at the port, even though it didnt overstay there at all, was almost 300 USD!


Also if you´ve had some positive experiences with certain freight companies or agents, and still have their contact info, that would be greatly appreciated! I already searched the shipping pages, and got a couple of possibly useful addresses from there.

I just got back from 4 weeks in Canada on my Varadero. Shipped via Liverpool UK to Newark New Jersey return. Used 2w Global (Wallenius Willhemsen). Have used them twice now with no problems and the bike has never been damaged in any way. There's no crating invloved either the bike is ready waiting for you.

Cost out from Liverpool was I think £650 and back was $830. Port fees in Newark $96 and fees in Liverpool on return (with customs clearance) £116. Always found the 2W staff extremely helpful on both sides of the pond.

If you're heading East Coast sounds like you'll head into either Galveston or L.A. Please remember if you go to L.A. Port Hueneme is a good hour away from the city so think about how you'll get there. I chose Newark New Jersey this time as the airport. port and customs office are in a 5 mile radius of each other so it makes life a lot easier and easy to find by taxi.

Make sure you fill in all the temporary importation forms that you will need otherwise life will get difficult at customs. If you need to know what's required let me know and I'll send you copies.

Finally if you ship back from the west coast it will be from Long Beach and its a 4 week journey for the bike.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Andy