Triumphrat

BrianM · 05-23-2008, 02:01 PM

Shipping my bike to NZ in a few months. Not sure who to trust with it so wondered if any of you have ever used an international shipper you'd be happy to recommend?

propforward · 05-23-2008, 05:24 PM

Well, it won't be much help to you, but I used a company called "Digby" removals, but they are based in Brentwood, essex. Everything went well, everything showed up, nothing was damaged - all my stuff was moved from Essex to Minnesota. I have no idea if they have connections or a branch in your area.

What I did when I moved, was got quotes and estimates from about 15 removal companies, and weeded them out based on an interview basis. If they wouldn't send anyone out to look at my stuff - they were off the list. After that, lots of conversations with them about types of jobs they do, how they work and so on.

The digby guys showed me a bunch of the actual hand written thankyou letters they got from people, which in the end was the thing that swung it - so you might want to consider asking for references. Ask specifics about what they know about customs the other end - get a feel for how knowledgeable they are on that, and also on issues specifically related to shipping vehicles.

Moving internationally is stressful, and I wish you the best of luck. PM me if you have any questions - I'll help you all I can, though it was 10 years ago now.

Cheers

Gob-ny-geay · 05-23-2008, 06:13 PM

Whatever you do - unless it is a company specifically focused on bikes - make sure the shipping crate is very well crafted. The bike will most likely be added to a partial load on a Shipping Container, unless you care to spend big $$$.
The crate will most likely contain heat-treated wood to prevent plant and bacteria transfer.
Some extra time and $ spent here will save you tons on the other end. Insure it thoroughly for full replacement value as well.
I've shipped international machinery and equipment everywhere in the world for the past 25-30 years, but sorry never a bike. Every time we have a problem it is because of a cheap crate that got busted up. Also take a bunch of date printed photos beforehand, just in case.
When we moved from Sydney to Columbia, SC in 2002, it took about 4.5 weeks on the ocean. Then 1.5 more days overland from Charleston, SC to Columbia. Everything worked out fine.

propforward · 05-23-2008, 10:38 PM

As usual, my attempts at help, well intended though they are, are far outshone by the practical, useful and well thought out advice that Gob-Ny-Geay provides.

You need to listen to him, he knows his stuff, and thinks through everything he says.

Good post again Bob - I am never disappointed in your writings!

StreetT675 · 05-24-2008, 11:48 AM

Brian,

I could be wrong but wouldn't it be easier to sell your UK bike and buy another in NZ, never tried to export a bike but you may have problems registering it as it will not be a NZ spec bike.

BrianM · 05-24-2008, 07:53 PM

Thanks chaps.

Shipped a bike once before and the registration process was easy enough. The only problem was a crushed and tipped crate that was trans-shipped numerous times (bike was quite badly damaged). I'll find someone more trustworthy this time.

Thanks again.

Brian.