Shipping from Colombia to USA seems next to imposable
 

I posted this in the Trip Transport Section however I thought there might be some SA experts that can help me out. I hope I am not breaking the rules.

I wanted to ship my Vstrom to Asia, do Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia and then get over to the Philippines. The cost, $1,500 for shipping from my present location, import expenses in Thailand, unknown additional expenses, risk of damage or loss and potential complications make it prohibitively expensive. It looks imposable to get into Vietnam, Burma or the Philippines. That only leaves Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and perhaps Malaysia. Not what I really want to do. There is nothing like riding your own bike. It is an extension of me and my ass fits perfectly in the seat. I looked into renting or buying and it is a no brainer. Get a bike there.

I am in Colombia and the time they allow for the bike to be in the country is up. I have little chance of getting an extension, but I am going to try. Even if I go out of country and return later it is problematic. It has to do with the type of visa I have, a long story but it is what it is. The second alternative is to ship it back to the USA where it came from. This is my story so far…

I have spoken with many shipping agents in Cartagena and Barranquilla and even an agent in Medellin. No one wants to ship a motorcycle from Colombia, by air or sea to the States. I spoke to directly one of three air freight companies that service Florida/Barranquilla. They bring bikes in but make it very expensive and complicated to send out. They will not work directly with the bike owner; they will only work through an agent and none of the agents they work with are willing to send a bike.

The owner of a mid size company explained it to me like this. High risk, low reward. Apparently any thing shipped from Colombia to the U.S.A must be certified drug free. There has been a high rate of drug smuggling in motorcycles so the powers in charge are telling the shippers, if a motorcycle you ship has drugs, you will loose your exporting licensee. Even if you have nothing to do with it. This company does Motor homes and cars, no problem, but will not touch a motorcycle. I think this is the case with a many single item and one time exports. No one wants to take the risk.

I did receive a quote from one agent/broker willing to ship by air, it was $3,000 US. I do not have faith that they can make it happen. I have had offers to ship it to Asia and Europe, no problem. Perhaps there are different politics at work for the USA. I can drive it out, no problem. It is just the wrong direction. As long as I am with the bike, I can leave with it, no problem. I want to go north and all roads head south. I already drove through Mexico and Central America and do not really want to boat it with me to Panama and return the way I came.

Claude from Venezuela has been very helpful. I think he is a stand up guy. He knows a guy from Medellin that has the BMW dealership. He says this guy shipped his bike to Miami and rode to Alaska. I am going to contact him this week and see what is up. If any one reading this has personally shipped a bike from Colombia to the USA in the last year or two, please contact me. Perhaps I am missing something. Any body have experience with Venezuela to the States? Maracaibo is only a days ride and I hear it is a big port.

I shipped in by air from Panama. It was one of the least complicated things I have done here in Colombia. A little expensive, but simple. I just assumed that getting out would be the same process and perhaps even a less expensive. There is so much freight going back and forth the between Colombia and the States. I assumed wrong. I know I have other options, however I really would like to send this bike back to the States before winter sets in.

If I make it, I will be sure to post it in the shipping database.

Thanks for any ideas or help.

Martin

Hey Martin

Mike from Cali here!

Well, coming in from Panama is no problem and you can arrange the shipment directly with a couple of airlines at the Panama City Cargo terminal.

But shipping out of Colombia, you're right the airlines are not allowed to handle the airway bill according to the law. So you need an agent to handle the filling out the airway bill and customs.

The Copa cargo boss for Colombia is just around the corner from here and I have spoken many time with him as, I my self flew my bike to Panama last year and later back from Miami. I have also helped several people fly their bikes out of Cali both to the states directly and to Panama.

I have contact to an agent here that has no problem shipping bike to the states from Cali. I think the last GS1200 to Miami cost 1500$ including crate, flight and agent fee.

It took me 10 hours in the airport though the day I flew to Panama. Mainly waiting on the drug dogs to arrive and sniff all my stuff. But the last couple of bikers I have helped we're back before lunch from the airport.

PM me and I'll send you my phone number if you want to talk!

Martin

I could not find anyone to ship from Cartagena directly to the US. There are options to ship to Panama, but that is not what you are asking.

After much research, I shipped out of Bogota to Miami.

I used the services of Veronica Mosquera Oviedo at Lyncargo in Bogota. She was excellent and I recommend her without any reservations. She speaks English and has had many adventure riders come through her office, which is near the airport.
Email: veronicam@lyncargo.com
Phone: +57-1-413 1622

Unfortunately, they shipped the bike with Centurion Cargo.

After the bike got to Miami, they went through all the bags and everything was a mess and, not surprisingly, there were a few items missing. Furthermore, the waybill was changed and there were surcharges added upon its arrival in Miami. About $200 if I remember correctly, but I felt dirty paying it, if you get my drift. I'd avoid Centurion if I could.

Shipping the bike and all the charges included was about $1500.

Hope this helps.

All the best,
Robert

I used Arrow Airlines coming back from the US and the last BMW I help to go out from here also used Arrow Airlines. No problems concerning theft. Best to be in the airport when the customs go through your stuff with the sniffer dogs for sure.

On another note, just got two quotes today from an agent Cali-Panama or Bogota- Panama.
Copa $950US, Girag $1600US. Will call and ask why the price is as high as when the fuel price was at its worst tomorrow. And Copa do not have any planes leaving until November 19th.

I'd be interested in their reply - I hoping to ship my bike (in the other direction) in the next 10 days or so.

David

The other direction is cheaper and easier, as you do not need a shipping agent to help you out. All you need to do is go to the cargo terminal in Panama city and ask around for the best price and then make arrangements directly with the airline.

Though I think you'll only have the option of Girag until the middle of November when Copa starts flying cargo again.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Great, thanks for the info.

David

Claude is indeed of excellent advice. He s been living in the area for a long time and knows the caribean psychology fairly well. You can trust him.:thumbup1:

Any further info on these prices?
My plan includes flying out of Cali to Panama early to mid March, but these prices, (Girag), are just CRAZY!:helpsmilie:
When Copa resumes cargo flights between the two cities, what day or days of the week do they fly?

No, the guy who I was trying to help choose to go to the coast and take a boat. I'll try and find time to get some answers after the weekend, ok?!

That would be very much appreciated!

Thanks Mike :thumbup1: