Shipping wheels interstate via AU Post

[kimmie]

Guys,

I need to send a set of wheels (700c) from VIC to SA. Went to several Bunnings today, looking for box to box them, but they dont have something that size. I understand I may be able to get some from my LBS, but wondering if anyone has experience sending wheels before via Australia Post? Someone told me they *may* fit into two 5kg satchels (one wheel each) - but according to the dimensions of those satchels (quoted from Australia Post's website), they will not fit.

Any idea?

Cheers

[Derny Driver]

You cant send wheels via Australia Post. They wont take them as the dimensions are too big. Get a box from your LBS and then google your nearest E-go courier. They are fantastic and really cheap. If you can drop the wheels to a depot and pick up from a nearby depot at the other end they will be even cheaper to send.

[Slow6]

I have sent wheel sets and frames through Aus post numerous times without issue. As long as your parcel is oddly shaped they can't cube it so they charge for actual weight makes for cheap post too.
For wheelsets I bubble wrap each wheel like crazy and then wrap the two together using an industrial roll of super strong glad wrap (cheap from a packaging supplier) even sent a couple OS this year without a problem.

[kimmie]

I have sent wheel sets and frames through Aus post numerous times without issue. As long as your parcel is oddly shaped they can't cube it so they charge for actual weight makes for cheap post too.
For wheelsets I bubble wrap each wheel like crazy and then wrap the two together using an industrial roll of super strong glad wrap (cheap from a packaging supplier) even sent a couple OS this year without a problem.

Sounds like a plan. So after you bubble wrapped and glad wrapped them, you just take them 'as-is' to AusPost? Thanks again.

[kimmie]

You cant send wheels via Australia Post. They wont take them as the dimensions are too big. Get a box from your LBS and then google your nearest E-go courier. They are fantastic and really cheap. If you can drop the wheels to a depot and pick up from a nearby depot at the other end they will be even cheaper to send.

The e-go courier sounds promising too. Will investigate more. Many thanks!

[wardie]

I recntly sent a set of wheels from Sydney to Hobart ia Aust Post. $55. I got a box from a bike shop near where I worked. I just walked in and ask for an empty box and they were obliging.

[lump_a_charcoal]

E-go have a less than stellar reputation - I have not personally had a problem with them, but several friends and other 4wd forum members I know have lost packages.

Not saying don't use them, just saying get insurance.

[QuangVuong]

Another option is Interparcel. They're a middle man for a lot of courier companies. Get a quote from their site, and choose whichever service you want. They'll come pickup from your chosen place and deliver to the receiver's place.

I don't know where you read about the 5kg satchels, but wheels are way bigger than those satchels.

[Baalzamon]

I have sent wheel sets and frames through Aus post numerous times without issue. As long as your parcel is oddly shaped they can't cube it so they charge for actual weight makes for cheap post too.
For wheelsets I bubble wrap each wheel like crazy and then wrap the two together using an industrial roll of super strong glad wrap (cheap from a packaging supplier) even sent a couple OS this year without a problem.

I've done similar on the advice of Greg Ryan of TWE. Just wrap them and send thru aus post as long as it's not a cubed shape they have to take the raw weight

[kimmie]

I recntly sent a set of wheels from Sydney to Hobart ia Aust Post. $55. I got a box from a bike shop near where I worked. I just walked in and ask for an empty box and they were obliging.

Ended up doing exactly like what wardie said. All done and dusted... Thanks everyone!

[QuangVuong]

So if we send something that can't be measured with cubic dimensions, Aus post will measure by raw weight, no matter how larger the item is?

[LG]

They do have maximum dimensions the item needs to fit into, if you're within these then yes (instructions how to measure an item are on their web site). If it's an odd shaped item not in a box, the closest you can get to estimating the postage costs from their web site is by using the 'satchel' option on the postage calculator and just entering the weight. Frames I've sent just have the tubes etc bubble wrapped, a block put between the rear dropout to stop them getting squashed inwards and the fork bubble wrapped and strapped to the side (ie big open air gap between the main triangle). No problem so far. I haven't been able to get a wheel set inside the max size requirements (single wheel ok), so would be interested to hear what size packages previous posters have ended up with when sending these?

[icicic]

E-go have a less than stellar reputation - I have not personally had a problem with them, but several friends and other 4wd forum members I know have lost packages.

Not saying don't use them, just saying get insurance.

I've had nothing but good experiences with e-Go and always very well priced. Having said that though, I recently shipped a trike from Melbourne to Sydney via www.justfreight.com.au and that price saved me hundreds, so I'd def get a quote from them in future too.

[Kronos]

I have sent wheel sets and frames through Aus post numerous times without issue. As long as your parcel is oddly shaped they can't cube it so they charge for actual weight makes for cheap post too.
For wheelsets I bubble wrap each wheel like crazy and then wrap the two together using an industrial roll of super strong glad wrap (cheap from a packaging supplier) even sent a couple OS this year without a problem.

Sounds like a plan. So after you bubble wrapped and glad wrapped them, you just take them 'as-is' to AusPost? Thanks again.

Wrap them in plain brown recycled paper so it at least looks like you've attempted to package them.