Shipping a Bike

Question
Dunno if this is within your topic...

Whats the most economical way to ship a bike (ahead of time) to a location that you are going to spend a few days at?

If you just have 'carry on' as luggage, can you declare (your bike) as your luggage? (I have one of those hardcases that supposedly meets UPS standards)

UPS? other carrier?  

Answer
I don't know rates for different transportation services.  The one I know best is Amtrak.  Don't know much about flying.  On Amtrack, last I knew, you can ship a bike.  Most stations provide the box for $15.  Some stations don't have boxes.  All this info should be known by an Amtrak represenative by phone as to what stations have boxes available.  Most major ones do.  Then the bike can be shipped free as one item of luggage.  One is allowed two items on the ticket, but more can be shipped if one pays by weight above the two items that are free on the ticket.

Amtrak train named the Amtrak Cascades goes from Bellingham, WA. to Eugene, Oregon.  It doesn't take the bike box, but does have bike racks to ship the full bike.  Take off panniers and bring them into passenger car separatly.  Ask about limits as to how much carry on one is allowed.  That train doesn't have baggage check as far as I know.

I have also shipped a bike by Greyhound Bus.  It must be in a box and they do not provide boxes.  Sometimes one can get an old box from a bike shop.  

Actually, you say you have a box.  

I have also, one time, shipped by UPS to a bike shop.  I arrainged the bike shop to store it for me at my destination.  I got there before the bike, but picked it up a few days later.  

People do ship bikes by airline also.  You can check with your airline, train or bus company for details depending on where you are headed.

Not sure what the best prices are.  Depends on distances and circumstances.  

Happy cycling.
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