Standard Cardboard Box Damage Prevention.
STOP! Prevent Bike Damage.
Since we started our service, Shipbikes.com has shipped over 100,000 bicycles all over the world. Unfortunately damages can occur in certain situations, most of which can be prevented. When shipping your bicycle, please take the necessary measures to protect it during transit. Doing these simple steps can make the difference between a successful safe shipment and a damaged shipment.
Step one: Choose a good recycled container.
Our research has shown that the number one damaged bicycle container is a standard cardboard box from a local bike shop or sporting goods store. These boxes on their own do not have the sturdiness and thickness of cardboard that prevents damages from happening when shipped by UPS or FedEx.
Step two: Pack your box correctly.
The number one reason that insurance companies did not pay a claim in 2016 was from insufficient packing materials ( over 55%.) When shipping bicycles by Fedex or UPS, the bicycle boxes are not always shipped in an upright position as designed. When shipping your bicycle, please allow for sufficient packing materials around frame tubes, derailleurs, and wheels, and all open cavities should be filled to ensure a safe shipment.
Step three: Use the right materials
The best packing material is 3 sheets of crumpled up newspaper or similar paper compressed into balls, this material is inexpensive and effective against impacts and pressure on the box. You will need approximately 6-8 pounds of newspaper for all areas around the bike. You can use other packing materials such as foam tubing or cardboard around the frame tubes however the majority of your packing material should be newspaper. Our eBikeshipper box has been using this system for over four years and the damage rate is 3 damage claims per 4,000 shippings.
