Can you send a bike by courier?

Yes. You can ship a bike by courier, and it’s a common service for moves, events, or online sales. Most carriers will move bikes when they’re securely boxed and properly prepared, though costs, timelines, and packaging requirements vary by country and provider. Some routes may require disassembly or specialized packaging, so it’s important to confirm details with your chosen courier before booking.

What to know before you ship

Understanding the basics of bike shipping helps you choose the right service and avoid surprises. The core considerations are how the bike is packed, which courier options are available in your country, and what coverage you’ll need in case of loss or damage.

Disassembly and packaging considerations

Many couriers require the bike to be boxed. The most common approach is to remove the front wheel, secure the handlebars to the frame, and place the wheel in a separate bag or box. Pedals are usually removed, and seat posts or racks may need detaching. You should also deflate tires slightly and pad the frame with bubble wrap or foam before boxing.

Before you ship, here is a checklist of steps to prepare your bike for courier delivery:

• Clean and inspect the bicycle for any pre-existing damage and take photos for records.


• Remove or secure loose components such as water bottle cages, racks, and lights.


• Remove pedals and, if possible, detach the front wheel and place it in a wheel bag or separate box.


• Position the handlebars so they lie flat along the frame, or align them with the frame and secure with tape.


• Lower the seat post clamp and, if needed, remove or cushion the seat and post.


• Lightly deflate tires to about 20-30 psi to reduce the risk of puncture or tire bursting in transit, then re-check upon arrival.


• Box the bike in a purpose-built bike box or use a sturdy alternative, and pad with foam or bubble wrap around fragile areas and around the wheels.


• Label the package clearly with both sender and recipient addresses and contact numbers; include a packing list and your contact information inside the box.


• Document the bike’s serial number, model, and any unique features for claims purposes.

With proper packing and preparation, most bikes can be shipped safely by courier, but it’s essential to confirm packaging guidelines with your chosen carrier and to meet any specific dimensional and weight limits.

Choosing a courier and understanding pricing

Shippers vary widely in how they handle bicycles. Some offer specialized bike shipping services; others treat bikes as oversized packages within standard parcel or freight categories. Here are factors to consider to estimate cost and service quality.

Domestic vs international and service options

For domestic shipments, many carriers offer “oversize” or freight options with door-to-door service. For international shipments, expect longer transit times, stricter packaging requirements, customs clearance steps, and higher insurance options. Some countries have dedicated bike shippers that can simplify cross-border logistics.

To evaluate options, consider these points:

• Whether the carrier accepts bikes as standard packages or requires freight/bulk shipping, and any size/weight limits.


• Cost variations by distance, service speed (standard, expedited, economy), packing requirements, and insurance.


• Insurance coverage limits and the process for claims; whether declared value coverage is included or paid separately.


• Pickup and delivery flexibility, including curbside vs. doorstep service and whether you need to schedule time windows.


• Tracking capabilities and whether the service provides loss/damage claims handling and support channels.

Costs can range widely. Expect higher rates for international shipments, fragile items, or bikes with premium components. Always request a formal quote and confirm the packaging and insurance options before booking.

Packaging, insurance, and paperwork

Proper packaging and insurance are essential to protect your bike and simplify any potential claims process. This section outlines best practices and common coverage options.

Protective packaging and documentation

Use a purpose-built bike box or a sturdy alternative and add ample padding around the frame and wheels. Keep a spare set of packaging materials if possible, and seal all openings to prevent shifting. Keep documentation handy: purchase receipts, serial numbers, photos of the bike before packing, and a packing list inside the packaging as well as on the outside.

Key considerations to review with your courier include:

• Insurance coverage amount relative to the bike’s value; understand what’s covered for loss vs. damage in transit and whether high-value items require additional insurance.


• Whether the packaging materials themselves are insured or if coverage only applies to the contents.


• Requirements for international shipments, including customs declarations and HS codes where needed.

By partnering with a reputable courier and ensuring adequate protection and documentation, you reduce the likelihood of disputes over damage or loss.

What to expect on pickup and delivery

Preparation at hand, you’ll typically experience a streamlined pickup and delivery process, but it’s wise to be present for both ends to verify condition and handle any issues promptly.

On pickup and on arrival

At pickup, inspect the packaging with the driver, note any pre-existing damage, and obtain a receipt that references the bike’s value and condition. On delivery, carefully inspect the box for new damage before signing; if you notice issues, document them immediately and contact the carrier’s claims department. Preserve all packaging until any potential claim is resolved.

A quick caution: delays can occur due to weather, customs, or volumetric weight assessments, so plan accordingly if you have a tight timeline for the bike’s use or a move-in date.

Summary

Shipping a bike by courier is feasible and commonly done, but success hinges on careful packing, choosing the right service, and understanding insurance and timelines. By preparing properly, selecting a suitable carrier, and documenting the bike’s condition, you can transport a bicycle safely across town or across borders. Always verify current carrier policies and packaging requirements before you book.

Are bicycle couriers still a thing?

Yes, bike messengers are still a thing, though the profession has changed significantly and faced declines in certain areas. The rise of app-based services has shifted opportunities, particularly toward food and grocery delivery, while the demand for traditional document delivery has decreased due to digitalization. However, the core service of using bikes for fast, local transport persists, especially in dense urban areas where it can be more efficient than cars.
 
How the profession has changed

• Shift to delivery apps: Many bike couriers now work for large food and grocery delivery platforms, which have expanded the field. 
• Declining traditional work: The need for traditional courier services, like delivering legal documents or architectural plans, has declined due to electronic filing and digital data transfer. 
• Dwindling workforce: In some cities, the number of traditional bike messengers has shrunk considerably over the past few decades. 

What keeps the profession alive

• Urban efficiency: In congested cities, a bike can be the fastest way to get a package or food from point A to point B, bypassing traffic. 
• Job flexibility: For many, being a bike messenger, especially through delivery apps, offers a high degree of schedule flexibility. 
• Persistent need for physical delivery: Despite technological advancements, there remains a demand for transporting physical items, such as large documents or hard drives containing large data files. 
• Growing food and local delivery market: The boom in on-demand delivery has created new opportunities for couriers who can navigate local streets quickly. 

Can you courier a bicycle?

Bicycles and Larger Items
Most commercial courier companies can transport bicycles, but pricing varies—it's worth getting multiple quotes. You'll likely need to provide the package dimensions (length, width, height) and estimated weight.

How much is it to send a bike by courier?

Bike Collection and Delivery Service

Push Bike	£42.99 inc. vat
Push Bike — Includes Packaging With Box, Bubble Wrap and Tape	£69.99 inc. vat
Bike Box	£19.99 inc. vat
Bike Box	£29.99 inc. vat

What is the cheapest way to ship a bike?

The cheapest way to ship a bike is generally by using a specialized bike shipping service like Bikeflights.com or ShipBikes.com, which offer discounted rates through partnerships with carriers like UPS and FedEx. If you have access to a corporate or club discount, using UPS or FedEx directly can also be inexpensive, but if not, their standard rates are often more expensive.
 
Specialized bike shipping services

• Pros: Designed specifically for bikes, they offer discounted rates, pre-paid labels, bike-specific boxes, and support. They are often the cheapest overall option for individuals. 
• Cons: May not be the cheapest option if you have access to significant carrier discounts. 
• Examples: Bikeflights.com, ShipBikes.com 
• Cost: Typically in the range of $60 to $120 for ground shipping on a typical adult bike. 

You can watch this video to learn how to pack your bike for shipping: 1mPure CyclesYouTube · Nov 17, 2015
Direct shipping with major carriers (without discounts)

• Pros: Convenient drop-off at local branches, professional packing assistance is available (for an extra fee). 
• Cons: Standard rates can be much more expensive due to dimensional weight fees, especially for larger boxes. 
• Examples: UPS, FedEx 
• Cost: Can range from around $50 to over $250 depending on speed and distance if you don't use discounts. 

USPS

• Pros: Can be an option if the bike is small enough to fit USPS size and weight requirements. 
• Cons: Often more expensive than ground shipping for larger packages, and bikes are not eligible for flat rate shipping. 
• Cost: Can be around $200-$250 depending on distance. 

Tips to save money

• Pack it yourself: Disassemble and pack the bike yourself to save on professional packing fees. 
• Shrink the box: To avoid dimensional weight fees from carriers like UPS and FedEx, make your box as compact as possible by removing pedals, seatpost, and wheels. 
• Use a bike shop box: Ask a local bike shop if they have a spare box they're getting rid of; this can be a cheap or free option. 
• Use ground shipping: Ground transport is significantly cheaper than expedited services.