From Brisbane, Australia to Los Angeles, USA - February, 2014

Contacted Rob after another post here from 2011. Very professional, he undercut another quote by $1000. Allowed me to crate the bike in the warehouse, offered use of tools etc. Everything happened as promised. Flew with Qantas Freight and the bike was waiting in their warehouse in LA.

They were a bit unsure of the process in the US. This is how it worked.

If the value of the bike is below $25,000, a broker is not required.

Take a taxi from LAX with your EPA Exemption email (approved before export), EPA Declaration and Road Transport Form (links were in the email from EPA); to Customs and Border Protection (1109 Sth La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles). They were initially confused by a Temporary Import, but be patient and let them figure it out. Clearance process took about 20mins and was free of charge.

Take paperwork to Qantas Freight (6555 West Imperial Highway LA). Clearance is straightforward with a fee of $35. After some negotiation they allowed me to uncrate and assemble the bike in their warehouse and they disposed of the crate (Wooden base, cardboard sides acquired from BMW dealer in Brisbane).

Special mention to Andy at Qantas Freight (LAX). He went over and above to assist me, including driving me to Customs and filling out the paperwork, because I lobbed at their door first, after being misdirected to a bus and walking 2 miles up Imperial Hwy! He argued for me to use the warehouse because the manager wanted me to get a truck to pick up the crate. He made it happen. Thanks Andy!!