what frame box dimensions are best for USPS

[Faghetaboutit]

im looking to get yet another frame and fork package from across the water (usa) but the seller is clueless and keeps quoteing me silly $360 shipping prices. in the past ive paid $69-$79 with usps for such items but im unsure of which dimensions the box should be. does anyone know off the top of their heads?

many thanks in advance

 

[Carlin]

The restrictions to the UK via USPS from the US are that the box can't be more than 108" Length + Girth combined and the max. length can't be over 60". If the box can be kept under those dimensions then it is just a matter of weight and how you want it shipped. USPS has several options from Global Express (2-3 day) to Priority Mail International (5-10 days) to First Class (don't bother).

Here is a link that shows the size restrictions for each mail type and prices for specific weights:
http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/fh_014.htm

And here is how the parcel size is calculated:
http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_011.htm#ep2367472

An example: A 40"x30"x8" box (108" total and would easily hold a frame and fork) that weighs 10lbs would cost $56.45 via Priority Mail International. You can calculate different size/weight/types here:
http://ircalc.usps.gov/?country=10150

It sounds to me like the gentleman you are dealing with is estimating shipping using UPS, which is a private carrier, and is using a regular bike box size. UPS is waaaaay more expensive shipping larger items overseas and to Alaska and Hawaii. If he was using USPS and getting a $360 estimate he'd have to be shipping a 50lb parcel via Global Express mail!

 

[Faghetaboutit]

awesome reply thankyou very much

 

[shogun700]

Typically boxes for frames need to be +/- 8" wide, 22+" tall, and around 40-45" long, depending on the size of the frame. In order to calculate the size, you double the two shortest dimensions, and add the longest. Using a 8" wide box (typical bike box), 41" in length, 24" tall gives a total of 107" and allows room for padding and such.

I live in fear every time I buy a bike from a seller with no clue about packing and shipping bikes/frames, even though I try to tell them (nicely) it needs to be secured inside the box and protected from crush and impact. I've received more than a couple just tossed in a box-the last one I bought arrived with a beautiful M900 rear derailleur sticking outside the box, a bent derailleur hanger, and nasty scratches.

It really matters where they put the label (needs to be on top) and they should write 'Please do not lay flat' in large letters on all sides of the box. If it gets laid down, the frame is not going to be happy no matter how far the journey.