FAQ's

Bike Customer Welcome Letter

Dear HCS Client,

You are receiving this welcome letter along with your shipping tags to get your items to their final destination.

If you received a welcome packet from us via us mail or a Fedex envelope

Enclosed you will find everything you need to ship your luggage with High Country Shipping.

Checklist:

1. Luggage tags (Handle Wraps)
2. Shipping labels
3. Zip ties

If you received an email label

Since our time window was short you will be printing your own labels and "self-laminating" them with clear packing tape.  This is to insure they do not fall off during transit.

This is important.  Once you have "self-laminated" the labels securely with tape, wrap an extra layer of tape across the top of the label and then punch a hole thru it no less then 1/2 inch from the top.  In the hole insert a zip-tie and then wrap it around a luggage handle.  If you are using a cardboard box simply tape the label to the box securely.

About the pickup

HCS will be scheduling a pickup on the agreed upon date. If you are shipping via Ground we cannot specify an exact time. It will just be sometime during the day on the date of pickup. If you are shipping air we can schedule within a 3 hour window. Generally we schedule in the morning between 9am and 12pm. You can contact us if you need to change the time.

If you will not be home that day or need to leave. Please leave your item in a secure location where the driver can find it. If the location is not obvious please leave a note so the driver will be able to locate the items.

If the pickup does not occur as you expected please feel free to contact us. We will be watching to make sure the pickup occurs as well.

Here are some simple instructions to follow

Disclaimer: Failure to secure your shipping label properly will void your insurance! If items are lost because the label fell off we will do everything possible to locate the item. Ultimately we are not responsible for loss due to improper label attachment.

If you are shipping without a cardboard box

• Wrap luggage tag (Handle wrap) around the handle of the case or luggage and fasten.

• Place a zip tie through the hole in the luggage tag (Handle wrap) and around the handle.

• Place bar coded label on luggage tag (handle wrap).

• Use additional zip ties to secure zippers on case or luggage (if not locked).

• We suggest having your name and address in the case or luggage as well as on the outside.

If you are shipping using a box

• Remove shipping label from backing and place on box. If you have a paper label (email) simply tape to the box using clear packing tape.

• We suggest having your name and address inside the case or luggage as well as on the outside of the box or attached to a handle of the bag.

Where do you pick up your bike once you arrive?

Your bike will be waiting for you at the address we shipped it to.

Where do you drop off your bike once your done?

We will be scheduling a pickup from the address you supplied to us on the pre-determined date. You should already have your return label. If you don’t please contact us.

Where does the bike case or box get stored?

Your bike case or box will be stored at the address we shipped it to.

Thanks for choosing High Country Shipping for your luggage shipping and excess baggage delivery service. We will deliver your luggage on the pre-arranged date. If you have any questions please contact us. You can always refer to your login to our system to view details of your shipment.

Please read the attached pages carefully in preparation for your shipment.

Packing your bike

We strongly recommend taking your bike to your local bike shop and having it professionally packed. If it’s packed at a bike shop there will be less risk of damage or additional assembly charges related to improper disassembly.

When packing your bike remember tape lines! Mark your seatpost height, handle bar and aero bar position with tape. This will insure proper positioning and fit.

Bikes can be shipped in plastic cases or in the same cardboard shipping boxes they come from the factory in. This requires some disassembly meaning you'll want to travel with tools to reassemble your bike, or have it done by a shop when you arrive.

Frequent fliers should consider purchasing a bike case, a special container designed to protect it during shipping.  Bike cases can be hard and soft and make packing and unpacking easier because they require less bike disassembly. Plus, they feature handy details, such as handles, straps and wheels.

They're also an investment, costing several hundred dollars, yet this expense pays for itself many times over if you travel frequently because it saves time and protects your machine. 

General packing tips

• Remove the pedals, seat/seatpost.
• Remove road bike's front brake.
• Release mountain-bike front brake cable.
• Remove handlebars (or bars/stem).
• Remove the front wheel and quick release.
• Bag or box all removed small items.
• Ensure parts & frame can't hit each other.
• When packing a cardboard box, tie the parts to the bike.
• If you're using a cardboard box, pack tape to seal the box on the return leg.
• Carry cycling shoes, shorts and jersey in case/box.
• Let some air out of your tires.
• Bring a quality frame pump for tire repairs if your mini-pump won't reach optimum pressure.
• Sleeping bags or soft clothing makes great padding and frees up room in other baggage.

Restrictions on what you can ship

Please verify that your shipment(s) will not contain any dangerous or regulated items listed on Fedex’s list of dangerous goods. List includes the following: Aerosol Sprays / Air bags / Alcohol / Ammunition / Butane / Car Batteries / Cologne / Dry Ice / Fireworks / Gasoline / Nail polish / Nail polish remover / Nitrogen-refrigerated liquid / Paint / Perfume / Matches / Lighters / Jet Fuel.

How does bike insurance work?

We offer $1000 insurance automatically per bike shipped. Additional insurance is available at the rate of $1.25 per $100 of insurance. For example, if you wanted $2000 of insurance on your bike the cost would be an additional $12.50.

It is very important to insure each item for the replacement value.
Keep in mind that this works like car insurance. If you bike was purchased new for $3000 3 years ago it is probably not worth that today.

Packaging your bike properly is  very important. If the bike is damaged in transit due to improper packaging the claim can be denied. If you are unfamiliar with how to package your bike please visit your local bike shop for assistance. If an item is damaged en route to us we will handle all of the claims paperwork on this end. Your responsibility will be to make sure it was packaged properly.

You can use a bike box and package your bike safely. There are a number of bike cases on the market designed for shipping bikes. These are usually hard plastic and contain foam on the interior to safely secure your bike for transportation. These cases will make your bike safer but can also be more expensive. It may be worth the investment if you do multiple trips with your bike.

When a box or case is shipped  you risk some scuffing and possible damage to the box or case itself. Insurance does not cover exterior packaging. Normal wear and tear is to be expected just like when your luggage is moved through the airlines baggage system.

Special guidelines for bike shipping:

1. Carbon frames. We insure carbon frames but not for full replacement unless they are completely lost. If there is damage to your carbon frame we work with a company which specializes in carbon frame repair. Contrary to popular belief a carbon frame can be repaired.
   
   
2. Pedals. Remove your pedals prior to shipping and take them with you. We are not responsible for lost pedals.
   
   
3. Helmets. Take your helmet with you. It is not safe to ship your helmet. If the box were to take a hit where the helmet is at and compromise the helmet you may not know this. If you were to take a serious fall on your bike your helmet may not protect you as you might expect.
   
   
4. Loose items. There should be no loose bike parts, screws, skewers,etc in the box. These items can potentially fall out while in transit.
   
   
5. Computers. Remove them and take them with you.

If your item is damaged on it’s way back from your destination the carrier will need to inspect the package and examine the contents to determine if it was packaged properly. So don’t throw away the box or any packaging materials. Call us immediately if damaged had occured when you receive the bike back at your home. A repair estimate will need to be supplied by you from a reputable repair shop.

If the amount of insurance is under $100 we will file a claim with the carrier. If the amount is over $100 we file a claim with the carrier and also file a claim with our alternate insurance company. Additional pictures and receipts may be required.

Once the claim is complete. We issue you a check for the amount of the claim not the insurance company.

You are our customer and we do all the work to resolve the claim. But there are some responsibilities on your part. Hopefully we never have to make a claim on your behalf but being informed is a good first step to avoiding problems later.

Enjoy your ride!

Sincerely,

High Country Shipping
“Facilitator of luggage-free travel”