Qantas Frequent Flyer - Motorcycle Airfreight




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Aspen
Jun 3, 12, 6:26 pm
Just to keep things interesting and as varied as possible.......

I am asking if anyone has ever shipped a motorbike by airfreight.

There is a old motorcycle in Frankfurt that I would like to get shipped to me in Sydney. Of course this is a logistical nightmare but not necessarily completely impossible.

Firstly I have to get permission from the Australian government to import such a vehicle. It has to steam cleaned and free of any dirt or other quarantine issues. It would to be secured inside a crate and this the crate must comply with a 'treatment' standard. (Quarantine Regulations)

There seems to be a lot of other fees and charges associated with using a Forwarding Agent and the traditional sea freight method.

The bike, although old, still goes under it's own power and I have now read it possible for one to arrive at a QF Freight depot (FRA) hand it over and have QF (or their handlers in FRA - in this case) wheel the bike onto a pallet - they strap it down and then they put the pallet in a container and onto an aeroplane. I have no idea of what is required to pick up air freight in Sydney but with the Federal Government import approval as long as the shipment complied with the quarantine requirements and appropriate duties are paid (~10%) it would be available for pick up.

Summary of what I do know:
1. Must have permission to import from Australian Federal Government
2. Must be be spotless and free of any quarantine issues - mud, dirt, insects etc.
3. Quarter (or less) of a tank of petrol.

What I am uncertain of if I were to air freight it here:
a) whether it has to be crated or simply just wheeled on
b) whether or not battery has to be disconnected and terminals taped
c) simplicity of dispatch in FRA (I have a helpful German friend in FRA)
d) simplicity of pick up in SYD
e) expense compared to sea freight (quoted <$2000AUD)

Does anyone care to comment or add anything I am forgetting?


Mwenenzi
Jun 3, 12, 6:38 pm
Have you phoned QF freight or other air freight operator ?
There are numerous add 's by importers in collectable car mags:- Aust Class Car, etc. Some companies specialize in importing cars, bikes etc as an agent.
My guess is the battery will need to be removed. A lead acid battery leaking 747 is not good, especially as the bike may be on its side, not vertical.

Have a look here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/immigration-and-customs/personal-goods-customs-clearance-via-39526.html#post612698

Aspen
Jun 3, 12, 10:55 pm
Have you phoned QF freight or other air freight operator ?
There are numerous add 's by importers in collectable car mags:- Aust Class Car, etc. Some companies specialize in importing cars, bikes etc as an agent.
My guess is the battery will need to be removed. A lead acid battery leaking 747 is not good, especially as the bike may be on its side, not vertical.

Have a look here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/immigration-and-customs/personal-goods-customs-clearance-via-39526.html#post612698

Thank you Mwenenzi,

One item I read was not to call QFreight because unless you get an sympathetic ear - staff are not all that interested in such an odd request.
I had not thought of looking at car magazines for advertisements - great suggestion.
I hope bike does not end up on its side but turbulence on an aeroplane could be more rough than a big swell in the ocean.
The forwarding agent path looks so antiquated and cumbersome in this modern age with a myriad of charges for all sorts of unimaginable things.
The links were helpful as well - many thanks.

If anyone has ever successfully air freighted a motorbike - please chime in.


Mwenenzi
Jun 4, 12, 1:20 am
If anyone has ever successfully air freighted a motorbike - please chime in.Many years ago shared a house in Sydney: house mate air freighted, with QF, his Guzzi to NZ for 2 weeks holiday. No issue. Think there 4 bikes in total. Guzzi & BMW's

Air freight for bikes I expect not that unusual. $2000 is a lot sea freight:- you can do a complete 20ft container for $3000 - $4000 + GST/wharf/quarantine charges. Due to rate of exchange / cashed up bogans a lot of cars are coming in, mainly from USA.

The forwarding agent path looks so antiquated and cumbersome in this modern age with a myriad of charges for all sorts of unimaginable things.That's where an agent is worth the money IMHO

Edit from a google search
http://www.netrider.net.au/linksdir/view.php?cid=59
http://raidermotorsport.com.au/how-much-does-it-cost-to-import-a-bike/
http://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=1578.0 (good)
http://www.aussiebikeshipping.com.au/

This thread is a little off topic even for QF, but QF may get an airfreight job

Aspen
Jun 4, 12, 4:34 pm
This thread is a little off topic even for QF, but QF may get an airfreight job

I thought about the relevance and believe it is appropriate because allegedly QF are the only airline who allow one to ride (or wheel) a motorcycle into the freight depot for shipping.

I also prefer fun stories rather than griping about perceived shortcomings.

Thanks for the further links - I am reading them now



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