In case anybody is wondering what Greg meant by packing with a "rhombus" or "wrap," below is a link which shows a rhombus/wrap I made to ship a frameset to Greggo downunder:
http://www.raydobbins.com/
First I packed it in a regular box, but the USPS fee was way too high. Greg suggested trying this method of packing, and sure enough, this time it "only" cost about $140 to ship. The package you see there contains a frame and fork, as well many other components, including a handlebar, but no wheels of course.
First I wrapped the tubes with foam pipe insulation, and then I "wrapped" the whole thing in cardboard cut to shape. I finished with a layer of plastic (from a heavy duty trash bag), and finally I wrapped it tight with medium duty clear packing tape.
Maybe luck was involved, in terms of getting a better/worse USPS employee, the second time around. I don't know, but I do know that Greg has had success more than once with this type of package.
Ray Dobbins Miami FL USA
Greg S <gtsoftley@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
In my experience, shipping to Australia two complete bikes is almost the
same cost as a cheap economy airfare to the US (return) and bringing
said items back as luggage. If you add sales tax, customs charges and
handling fees by UPS or DHL, then a week's holiday is also paid for.
Sending bikes from Oz to the US costs about 1/3 of the price of US to
Oz.
Careful packing with size of the box (or rhombus) at an absolute minimum
can see a frame get to OZ for about $120....but the sender must find a
friendly post office. The risk you run is that a close fitting box (or
wrap) potentially means damage which in the long run could work out more
expensive.
At the other end of the scale, $450US for freight, $60 customs, $50
agents fees, anywhere up to $500 Goods and Serrvices Tax (VAT /Sales
tax) is not unusual.
If you have the time, or can afford the time - go on the holiday and
return with a new addition or two for the family and of course get an
appropriate receipt for your documentation.
Greg Softley
Coffs Harbour
Australia (with two desirable bikes today being loaded into a shipping
container and about to float accross the Pacific)