Need freight company to ship bike from DE to USA?

[nukezero]

So, call me a lunatic but I really like the style of the 2014 BMW Cruise Bike. The problem is, BMW DE (AG) does not want to ship this bike to the US. I found a dealership/seller on eBay who says if I can find a freight courier to come and pick this up, then they can deliver it to the US for me. But it sounds like they just don't want to be caught with exporting something that BMW doesn't want exported.

So does anyone know what kind of company I could use in the EU or Germany specifically, to go and pick up the package, haul it on a boat, and ship me my bike to the good ole' US of A ? It can't be Fedex, UPS right? It's gotta be some kind of logistics company?

 

[fellow]

You can always start with DHL, as it's German owned (Deutsche Post) and the most logical choice here in EU. They are fastest/biggest in EU, and they do ship Li-Po batteries cheap for example. Not sure it they pick up the things at home adress, but I'm almost sure they will fly it all the way to the USA - with tracking number and everything. Second choice would be UPS, they do pick up the things at home - at last they do in Sweden. Third choice would be Schenker, fourth Fedex. Here are the web pages in Germany - in english language:

http://www.dhl.de/en.html
http://www.ups.com/content/de/en/index.jsx
https://www.logistics.dbschenker.de/log-de-en/start.html
http://www.fedex.com/de_english/

 

[nukezero]

You can always start with DHL, as it's German owned (Deutsche Post) and the most logical choice here in EU. They are fastest/biggest in EU, and they do ship Li-Po batteries cheap for example. Not sure it they pick up the things at home adress. Second choice would be UPS, they do pick up the things at home - at last they do in Sweden. Third choice would be Schenker, fourth Fedex. Here are the web pages in Germany - in english language:

http://www.dhl.de/en.html
http://www.ups.com/content/de/en/index.jsx
https://www.logistics.dbschenker.de/log-de-en/start.html
http://www.fedex.com/de_english/

I'll start with DHL. I'm not sure what is the difference between me initiating the package parcel pick-up from the pick-up location versus the seller(dealer) in germany initiating it himself? Perhaps, I"m thinking he just doesn't want to be traced that he's exporting the bike to the US?

Initial quote of the package service from DHL is $700!!! But that's 2-day express. I don't think I need that kind of speed/service.

 

[fellow]

Oh 700 USD is almost shocking, but the Euro(€) is very strong at the moment. SEK is even stronger, I'm internet-shopping like a maniac affraid that the party may end soon! I guess your best option is to call or mail around and hopefully found option cheaper than that. It's possible that BMW got policy about warranties outside EU, so dealership follows that. Legally in EU: you own the bike and you can do whatever you want with it - even ship it to the north pole if you want to.

 

[spisska]

Initial quote of the package service from DHL is $700!!! But that's 2-day express. I don't think I need that kind of speed/service.

Well, you're talking about buying an airplane ticket for a huge, heavy, oversize box. Of course it's going to cost a lot.

Have you contacted BMW US? Send some emails and see if you can get one delivered to your local dealership.

Otherwise, send it surface mail -- it'll take a few weeks, but cost *a lot* less. Of course if you can't wait, then pony up. It's a BMW after all.

I'd also make sure you know who's packing it and that it's being packed correctly. I can appreciate your seller's reluctance to take responsibility for this himself.

 

[nukezero]

Initial quote of the package service from DHL is $700!!! But that's 2-day express. I don't think I need that kind of speed/service.

Well, you're talking about buying an airplane ticket for a huge, heavy, oversize box. Of course it's going to cost a lot.

Have you contacted BMW US? Send some emails and see if you can get one delivered to your local dealership.

Otherwise, send it surface mail -- it'll take a few weeks, but cost *a lot* less. Of course if you can't wait, then pony up. It's a BMW after all.

I'd also make sure you know who's packing it and that it's being packed correctly. I can appreciate your seller's reluctance to take responsibility for this himself.

BMW USA has told me they cannot order it. BMW AG will not ship this to them. They told me Germany has 4000 units in stock. US has 0 stock. I told them, WTF are they doing with that much stock? US has been selling 2012 and 203 models. But I want 2014 model because it's got more gear speed, upgraded disc brake, and a slightly changed frame design. Definitely worth the increased price tag.

However, I cannot source it. My guess is that perhaps BMW US is trying to clear out the inventory? But not sure.. They may not want to bring it here.

BTW, they also sell the e-bike version with the bosch motor. Looks good, but only 250w and they want $3700 USD for it!!