If you want to know all there is to know about sending a bike by courier, you’ve come to the right place. We are never two-tired to talk about bicycle delivery.
Bicycles are renowned for being large and awkward-shaped items, which is why they were previously restricted from shipment. However, bikes are now acceptable to send- providing they are sufficiently packaged.
Read our guide below to find out more about sending a bike by courier and how Interparcel can help. Hold on to your handlebars!
Is it worth it to ship a bike?
There are many reasons why you might need to send a bike via courier. Perhaps you are having a declutter, you are selling your old bike on eBay, or you want to take it on a trip but don’t have the facility to bring it with you.
Whatever the reason why you need to send a bike in the post, it’s essential the bike is properly packaged to ensure it arrives at its destination as you left it.
How to send a bike by courier?
Most new bikes will likely already be in packaging. However, if you’re selling an old or used bike, you will have to pack your bike yourself. We recommend spending time packaging your bike carefully to protect it against damage.
1. Select a strong cardboard box (preferably a bike shipping box)
To post a bike by courier, you need a suitably strong cardboard box. Any unboxed items are prohibited and must not be sent through our services.
The best thing to use is a specially designed bike shipping box made from heavy-duty, double-wall cardboard. They are specifically designed to fit a bike and offer extra protection against any scratches in transit.
2. Remove the bike pedals, saddle, handlebars and front wheel from the frame
A bicycle will not typically fit in a cardboard box as a whole and, even if it did, it makes it much more susceptible to damage. Therefore, we recommend you detach the pedals, saddle section, handlebars and remove the front wheel from the frame.
Wrap each of these sections with bubble wrap or extra cardboard to protect them from knocking into the rest of the bike.
3. Protect the frame and rear wheel
Wrap bubble wrap, or similar, around the rear wheel axle and the bike frame to protect from knocks and scratches. You can secure the bubble wrap with tape or cable ties.
4. Place the main frame of the bike and front wheel in the box
Ensure there is sufficient padding between the metal of the bike and the metal of the wheels. Or, if you can, attach the loose wheel and handlebars to the frame using cable ties.
5. Arrange the pedals, handlebars and saddle in the box
Again, ensure that all bare metal is securely padded to protect against any scratching.
6. Prevent movement with extra cushioning material
Fill any voids in the box with bubble wrap, packing peanuts or scrunched-up newspaper to help prevent the bike from moving around and objects from hitting one another in transit.
7. Seal the box and attach your shipping labels
Securely seal the box shut with strong parcel tape, paying close attention to the centre of the box and all edges. Affix any relevant shipping labels to the outside of the box and visible to the courier.
Which courier is best for bike delivery?
We regularly send parcels of all shapes and sizes through our courier network. Bikes, in particular, are considered large and heavy items. Depending on the parcel size, you will most likely be presented with courier services from Evri, Parcelforce and Tuffnells.
For Same Day parcel delivery, we also have CitySprint Transit Van and LWB services, suitable for sending larger items on a tight timescale.
Please note: Service blocks above display the cheapest price available for the service, not specifically for sending a bike.
What is the cheapest way to ship a bike?
Our online courier comparison tool can generate an instant and accurate list of parcel delivery services available to book in just a few clicks.
For example, if you were planning to send a bicycle in a bike box (147.3cm x 22.6cm x 96.5cm) weighing 12kg, you could ship from as little as £24.90 + VAT with Evri Light & Large.* The Evri Light & Large collection service has an expected UK delivery time of 5-7 working days with £20 transit cover included for free.
Equally, you could ship with Tuffnells Economy for £48.65 + VAT*. This collection service has £25 transit cover included and an expected UK transit time of 1-2 working days. No printer is required either. Tuffnells also offer Express and Timed services for even faster delivery.
What about transit cover?
We know bicycles can be valuable. That is why we recommend you purchase enhanced transit cover for extra peace of mind.
Enhanced cover can be added at the time of booking for an additional cost. It’s a no-brainer if you’re sending a bike worth a few hundred pounds!
For example, if you’re sending a bike worth £250, enhanced transit cover costs an extra £18.40 + VAT.
You can find out more about transit cover in this blog.
Book a wheelie great service with Interparcel
Whether you are planning to ship a bike domestically or internationally, sending a bicycle by courier is simple with Interparcel. Our price comparison service will help you discover several courier services available to book at a discounted price.
We understand it can be daunting sending a bike by courier, so if you have any questions about the booking process, don’t hesitate to speak to our friendly parcel experts via telephone, live chat, or email.
*Quote obtained 10/01/2023. Adult bikes typically weigh between 10-15 kg.
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