I'm looking for some guidance from those of you who have imported from Japan (or shipped) to USA (West Coast). I'm also looking at importing from Australia.

I'm purchasing a road bike from Japan or Australia for the strict use on a race track. I have no intention of trying to register it and/or convert it to street legal. This is acceptable to EPA and DOT.

I've received one estimate from a freight forward company in Australia and would like your help in reviewing the estimate. I would like to know how accurate you believe the estimate is, and I would like to know if any fees or costs are missing from the quote. The reason I'm asking for confirmation of the accuracy of this estimate, I called a shipper that was recommended by this site and they told me it would be 2500 to 3500 US. This has me concerned I'm missing something here.

Freight AUS to Los Angeles (100AU per CBM) approx 325US total
BAF included
Doc and handling 86US
Customs Authority Number 37US
Cargo Management Re-engineering 21US
Shipping line Fee 21US
Crating 350US
Pickup Melbourne Metro Area 100US
Cartage Fule Surcharge 10US

Total 950US

Customs Clearance FEES:
Broker FEE 150US
DOT and EPA I will handle myself
Customs bond 50US
Harbor Maint 10US
Harbor Passing 10US
No duty on 250cc motorcycle.
Forklift and docing: 100US

Total customs Fees: 320US

Grand Total: 1270US

Thank you for your assistance.

We shipped our bikes with DHX (Dependable Hawaiian Express). The route we took was from Maui, Long Beach, and Tokyo. Cost for each bike was about $1,200. I felt is pretty reasonable considering the difficulty of getting out of Hawaii. Costs from Japan to Calf would probably be half what you would spend.

The people at DHX were helpful, epically the Japanese. Do your self a favor, and read Chris from Tokyo posts. They do things differently there. It helps to understand Japanese business customs.

Additionally there are a couple of companies that offer Roll/roll service. Just have to work the Internet. If memory serves me right, I was getting a quote of $700, plus fees