Shipping a bike by courier

Shipping a bike by courier in the age of online sales is a fascinating topic. When you trade in a new bike and list your old one on an auction site, it doesn't always sell in your city. Then you wonder how to ship a bike by courier correctly. By correctly, we mean ensuring the bike doesn't get damaged during transport, which could result in a loss of money. Packing a bike is time-consuming and requires precision, but it's not an impossible task.

Shipping a bike by courier – where to start?

First, wash the bike thoroughly. You probably wouldn't want to receive a muddy bike yourself, so it's worth taking the time to ensure the buyer receives a well-maintained item. This will help avoid potential complaints, returns, or squabbles in the auction site's comments. After the bike is dry, disassemble the entire structure. This will prevent damage or punctures during courier shipping. If you don't have a bicycle box, this procedure will be necessary. Remember that each removed part must be secured. However, avoid using duct tape, which will leave difficult-to-remove marks. Before taping the entire unit, it's a good idea to wrap the individual components in newspaper, special foam, or something else that will protect them from being glued.

What's next?

Bike lights, pedals, and additional pannier mounts should be packed separately. This will make packing easier for you and the courier. It's a good idea to place all small screws, fasteners, and spare parts in a separate box or bag when shipping your bike by courier. This will prevent them from getting lost, and the recipient will quickly understand what's for what. However, remember not to throw everything into "one bag." Shipping your bike by courier is most efficient when everything is organized and unpacking is intuitive. Remove the wheels for transport. This will make the entire package smaller, which will impact its price. It's best to wrap the wheels in a spacer foam layer to prevent scratching the frame. Shipping your bike by courier doesn't require removing the saddle or handlebars. These items can be lowered as much as possible, which will reduce the overall package capacity. If you remove the rear wheel, be sure to also remove the rear derailleur. It's best to position the handlebars perpendicular to the frame, as their protruding sides could puncture the box. Shipping your bike by courier could result in damage and a financial loss. After completing all these steps, start wrapping your bike in bubble wrap. It's very inexpensive in stores, and using this solution turns out to be the best idea. To ensure your bike is safe when shipped by courier, don't skimp on the wrap. Wrap every section carefully and secure everything with tape. Now you can safely place your bike in the box. Also, remember to stuff crumpled newspapers into any empty spaces. This type of shipping will provide adequate cushioning, absorbing any shocks during transport.

How to send a bike by courier?

Ideally, you should have a bicycle box in your basement, which makes shipping your bike much easier. However, if you've gotten rid of the one it came in or never had it, visiting a bike shop and asking for one is the best idea. This will make shipping your bike by courier simpler and faster. Simply secure the bike itself, seal the whole thing with tape, and ship it. Shipping your bike by courier is a compromise. After disassembling all the parts and positioning the bike, simply wrap it in cardboard. The package constructed this way won't be particularly neat, but try to ensure its shape doesn't deviate too much from the courier company's specifications. Finally, secure the bike box or cardboard "armor" carefully. Shipping a bike by courier this way requires a lot of tape. This is to prevent the whole thing from opening during transport, which could result in the loss of several important parts.

How to send a bike by courier, i.e. post office or private company?

Both Poczta Polska (Polish Post) and private courier companies (DHL, Fedex, GLS, and many others) transport parcels of virtually any size. However, to avoid sending a bicycle by courier eating up the entire price, familiarize yourself with the carrier's guidelines. You'll find them on every carrier's website, allowing you to confidently prepare to ensure your bicycle is safe for your bike. Poczta Polska (Polish Post) clearly defines the requirements for transported parcels. Assuming the total weight is up to 20 kilograms, the rules are as follows: the circumference of the parcel cannot exceed 300 cm, and its longest side cannot exceed 150 cm. In this case, you'll pay around 40 PLN. If you're sending a bicycle by courier with a larger bicycle, the price will increase by another 49 PLN. Shipping insurance is also a practical option. For a parcel worth 1,000 PLN, it costs around 30 PLN, so depending on the size of the parcel, you'll pay between 40 and 120 PLN for the entire package. Using any of the private companies is easier. Often, these powerful operators, unlike the state postal service, value their customers and accept even the most poorly packed parcels. However, shipping a bicycle by courier requires precise adherence to the dimensions specified by the courier company. For example, a set up to 20 kg with a circumference no greater than 330 cm will cost you around 60 PLN. Each company approaches the matter differently and has different requirements regarding package dimensions. It's worth familiarizing yourself with these guidelines on the courier's website to avoid being surprised when the operator refuses to accept the shipment. Sending a bicycle by courier is more convenient than by post, as it allows for home pickup. This means you don't have to struggle with the entire package and rely on the mercy of the lady at the counter. It's also a good idea to use a shipping operator, a middleman, as this can lower the price per package. Text: Marcin Denisiuk