Power Kite Forum

Shipping?

Blitzhound - 3-5-2017 at 09:44 AM

I'm sure someone on here has shipped a buggy at one time or another. Just curious as to what it cost. I'm trying to get a buggy shipped from Austin TX. To Reedsport Oregon. The person I'm buying the buggy from just had it weighed this morning. UPS quoted him $250 to ship it. HOLY SHNIKIES!

Maybe I can findsomeone on here that's headed my way some time and can bring it north with them? Maybe someone headed to SOBB or Alvord?

oldben - 3-5-2017 at 09:49 AM

Check with Sean

He shipped me the buggy and the kites for a bit over $100 via USPS. Was three boxes as I remember. Might not have been as far though.

bigkid - 3-5-2017 at 09:53 AM

Shipping my hardcore from Seattle to Wildwood without wheels and tires was 75.00.
I box for the rear axle and the rest went into the second box.
Big foots on 4 inch wide sysmic wheels would have added another 60.00. Be sure to let out the air of the tires so they don't blow up during shipping. I sent the bug by way of FedEx.
I also sent 2 complete blokarts to Houston Texas from Seattle, with insurance it only cost 135.00

sand flea - 3-5-2017 at 03:36 PM

Are you getting a new buggy for every event you go to
Blitz?
Kiddin....

3shot - 3-5-2017 at 03:44 PM

Yes. Fed Ex has been the cheapest in my experience.

Windstruck - 3-5-2017 at 03:56 PM

That does seem very high. I've been under $100 twice with buggies. First was a PL Folding with Midis and the second was a small flexi with even smaller tires. Is the bug you are trying to ship huge in some way? Absolutely agree with Jeff - deflate the tires! I'm curious if your seller is an, err, unmotivated packer. Weight is weight but size is all a matter of creativity. I really worked hard both times to custom cut and tape my boxes to the least possible linear dimensions. I could have easily added feet to the total linear measurement if I had just gotten big boxes and thrown large awkwardly shaped parts in along with tons of bubble wrap. Thing is, most things on a buggy are pretty bullet proof by design, so assuming you tape cardboard over parts that end up being sort of thin or sharp (box piercers) your packer should be fine with minimal bubble wrap and other similar padding/bulking materials. Get him motivated! :thumbup:

I wouldn't rule out USPS either, but it may not be cheaper than UPS or FedEx. Good luck!

Oh, and per your Mood: I need more buggying, baby!

acampbell - 3-5-2017 at 05:41 PM

FedEx ground def cheaper that Brown by 15-20% last I shopped.

It's all about "volumetrics" - weight AND volume. Frame, axles and rails will fit in a surprisingly compact box- pretty narrow if not a bit long depending on axle.

Then as Jeff and other said, deflate the tires completely and volume of that box is cut in half or almost.

Now the remaining puzzle is about the seat and where to squish it in without blowing the volume of one of the boxes.

Now you have two two or maybe three boxes optimized for weight and volume and it is more affordable.

Last tip is to cap the ends of the frame, axle and rail pieces with folded over cardboard, rags or bubble wrap and tape - same with the bag of hardware - or those parts will cut their way out of even a sturdy box and likely be lost.

acampbell - 3-5-2017 at 05:46 PM

FedEx ground def cheaper that Brown by 15-20% last I shopped.

It's all about "volumetrics" - weight AND volume. Frame, axles and rails will fit in a surprisingly compact box- pretty narrow if not a bit long depending on axle.

Then as Jeff and other said, deflate the tires completely and volume of that box is cut in half or almost.

Now the remaining puzzle is about the seat and where to squish it in without blowing the volume of one of the boxes.

Now you have two two or maybe three boxes optimized for weight and volume and it is more affordable.

Last tip is to cap the ends of the frame, axle and rail pieces with folded over cardboard, rags or bubble wrap and tape - same with the bag of hardware - or those parts will cut their way out of even a sturdy box and likely be lost.

Blitzhound - 3-5-2017 at 09:48 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll definitely talk to the seller and suggest what you guys have mentioned. Sand flea! To answer your question. Yes. Some people collect spoons or mugs. I collect buggies. Haha. No...seriously I'm picking up a second buggy for my son and for tandem rides.
Bladerunner. The buggy is a Libre Hardcore with Bigfoot front suspension setup and a barrow front setup. No Bigfoots tires though just barrows.

BeamerBob - 4-5-2017 at 09:05 AM

For bare bar ends, I use a tennis ball with a hole cut in it to avoid it penetrating the box. Most buggies should ship for $75-$100.

acampbell - 4-5-2017 at 04:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
For bare bar ends, I use a tennis ball with a hole cut in it to avoid it penetrating the box.


Great idea (if your neighbor plays tennis).

Quote:
Most buggies should ship for $75-$100.


That's about right.

Extra points for concision, Bobby.

Blitzhound - 12-5-2017 at 12:25 PM

A little update. Without making any changes to packing FedEx wanted $200 as apposed to the $250 UPS wanted. I suggested everything you guys did to the seller/shipper. He was not interested in repacking the buggy and instead chose to eat half of the shipping costs. But...my new Hardcore is on its way!! Wooh!

sand flea - 12-5-2017 at 06:16 PM

Yup
You are getting a new buggy for every event you attend.

BeamerBob - 13-5-2017 at 08:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by acampbell  
Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
For bare bar ends, I use a tennis ball with a hole cut in it to avoid it penetrating the box.


Great idea (if your neighbor plays tennis).

Quote:
Most buggies should ship for $75-$100.


That's about right.

Extra points for concision, Bobby.


Off to look up concision!

Congrats on the new buggy!