I wish I could ship a frame and fork for what some folks say they can...$20-$30...but I can't. How do you all do it?
I used to be able to ship bikes via UPS Ground Service without them measuring the bike box...only was billed actual weight. Now, they go by dimensional weight instead of actual weight and the cost is significantly higher, especially for what they consider "oversize" packages like bike boxes. Last frame and fork I shipped was $56+ to California, and that is by taking it directly to the UPS facilities and using the Customer Counter, not taking it to an "authorized shipper" where the cost is even greater.
Pipe insulation is $7 per pack and takes two packs to cover a frame and fork with every tube wrapped in closed cell pipe insulation, plus the cost of electrical tape, zip ties, dropout protectors, etc. That doesn't even take into account the time (an hour or so) to pack it and the drive to the UPS office.
I am very methodical and thorough with my packing. I first put a plastic dropout protector in the rear drop out and the front fork. I then wrap each tube of the frame, including the fork legs, in closed-cell pipe insulation and fasten them with zipties. I then wrap bubble wrap or pipe insulation around the seat tube and headtube opening, as well as around the bottom of the bottom bracket shell and front and rear dropouts. I also take the fork off and wrap it in some additional bubble wrap or packing to keep it from damaging either the fork or frame during transit.
It may seem like overkill, but I have yet to have a frame damaged and have received many comments on "best packing job ever". I also make sure I list the shipping charges in the auction so a buyer knows what they will be paying rather than listing the item and after the auction coming up with a figure higher than what they expected.
Again, I wish my costs on the shipping side were less, but they only continue to increase.
Frank Phillips
McAlester, OK