Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB

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-   -   Air Canada Cargo Killer Deal (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/trip-transport/air-canada-cargo-killer-deal-80707)

stubdetoe 23 Feb 2015 13:16

Air Canada Cargo Killer Deal
 
:DAir Canada Motorcycle Shipment Insane deal!

Just got quoted shipment of my bike from Toronto to Heathrow for $1000 Cdn, all in on a pallet in the belly of a wide body Air Canada. If I was to book my flight the cost would drop to $700!! Two weeks ago I was quoted $3250 for the same flight plus about $400 in fees at either end. You can only book 30 days prior to departure, so get your guaranteed quote for the next year sooner than later. Apparently these prices will be in effect for the rest of 2015, and they will soon be adding more destinations world wide.

The outgoing flights must originate from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver and go to many European and South America destinations, basically wherever AC flys wide body jets for similar rock bottom prices.

These prices can be booked direct with Air Canada Cargo in Toronto, or through one of their forwarding companies that they deal with regularly. I use Roddy Warriner​ at Motofreight in the UK--a fellow GS rider himself--he will treat you fairly and well. If you are shipping into Canada, see him first as he can get you the same deal and handle all the Dangerous Good papers at that end. He can also help with paperwork from North America destinations. He knows his stuff.:Beach:

kito 23 Feb 2015 19:08

Is it a one way deal ? I had though about buying a bike in America but if I could fly from London to Canada for that price I'd fly my bike over with me

MT350 23 Feb 2015 19:35

Sounds a brilliant deal I must say

Thanks for finding it!

stubdetoe 23 Feb 2015 19:48

Yes, inbound to Canada as well, same price in Canadian dollars, but it can only arrive in Canadian hubs. So London to Toronto will again be $1000 for the bike, but even cheaper to $700 if you buy a flight with AC at the same time. They said that this program is going to be running until the end of 2015.

Hickery 24 Feb 2015 03:04

Bill, you say you can only book 30 days prior to departure but you mention getting your guarantee quote for the next year......????????

stubdetoe 24 Feb 2015 03:18

Correct, got the guaranteed price in an emailed quote good for anytime in 2015, but can only book it within 30 days of departure. No deposit required, but it is a guarantee of pricing.

Walkabout 24 Feb 2015 08:53

Others have noticed this offer also:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...shipping-80713

I surmise that there will be a lot of Canadian reg plates in Europe this year.

John933 24 Feb 2015 09:06

I've just looked at the conversion rate. A CD is worth just over 50 pence in the UK. Give's an idea of the cost.
John933

kito 24 Feb 2015 12:04

Does anyone have the email address ? Is the size or weight restriction ?
I'm thinking I might take my bmw x challenge over

Walkabout 24 Feb 2015 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by kito (Post 496494)
Does anyone have the email address ? Is the size or weight restriction ?

Take a look at the other thread on the same subject - the one I linked above.

stubdetoe 24 Feb 2015 18:21

Just so all are aware. This program will be a trail for the whole of 2015, to virtually all their wide-body jet locations world wide, any direction. I even got them to guarantee my return price over a year later in 2016 from any of their destinations in Europe (London, Paris, Venice, Rome). They also offer insurance for shipping at $3/$1000 value and this includes all accessories and contents in the panniers as long as they are left open and manifested for customers both ways.

Yes you can also fly out from any of their destinations as long as you arrive in Canada for the same discounted amounts. Prices do vary depending of location obviously.

If you want to speak with their rep in person, they will have a booth at the HU meeting in Ontario in June where you can book as well within 30 day window.

:scooter:

Jodave 16 Mar 2015 10:21

From Oz to Calgary
 
Wowsa! Who do I call to get this deal? Thinking of shipping a bike home from Australia!!! 2010 Goldwing.....thanks Joanne

stubdetoe 16 Mar 2015 16:36

The programme manager is Pat Mele, but you need to contact her at the Toronto Cargo office, none of the Air Canada cargo offices know much about this, so drop her an email for details:

patricia [[DDOTT]] mele <AATT> aircanada [[DDOTT]] ca

Arno66 17 Mar 2015 23:16

Flying Air Canada
 
Hy folks,
have just got the response from Patricia, that they dont offer any transports to or from Canada to Australia at this time. :(:scooter:
Regards Arno

Warin 19 Mar 2015 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandpa Jim (Post 499115)
My wife and I are new members to HU.
Thanks Stubdetoe for the tip on Air Canada. My wife and I have been planing a trip to New Zealand for the past year and I have dropped a line to Patricia this morning to see if they offer this from Vancouver to New Zealand.I'll post her response.

Depends on where Air Canada fly their wide bodied jets too...

Web interface Where we fly at Air Canada Cargo - aircanadacargo.com

Nothing to New Zealand. Hire/buy a bike there?

PanEuropean 21 Mar 2015 10:27

Here are some tips (from the voice of experience) for those who plan to air freight a motorcycle into Canada:

1) Make sure that the motorcycle is immaculately clean! That means no bugs on the windshield, forks, etc., and no dirt of any kind on the tires or under the fenders.

The Canadian customs folks are not well experienced in clearing air cargo shipments of motorcycles into the country... it is an uncommon event for them. This means that they will try and think of all the possible problems that need to be considered, and one of those problems will be the potential impact on Canadian agriculture of any 'foreign soil' or 'insects' that might be travelling along with the bike. The customs officials themselves don't have the training necessary to evaluate dirt or bug guts, which means that they will call for an Agricultural Inspector if there is any doubt. That will delay clearance by a day (thus costing you another full day of warehouse charges), and there is a fee of over $100 for an agricultural inspection.

If the bike is immaculately clean, you can always say to the customs inspector "Sure, I appreciate that you don't have the training to evaluate dirt or bug guts, but you are able to evaluate whether or not there is in fact any dirt or bug guts on the bike... so, have a look, if you find anything, by all means call the agricultural inspector, but if you don't find anything and the bike is so clean that you could eat off it, perhaps you could let it through without calling an agricultural inspector?" I've gone through that routine 3 time now bringing my Canadian bike back to Canada, and every time, the customs inspector has looked at it, said "Damn, it's clean... you could eat off the tires, I guess there's no need to call the Ag guys."

2) Make at least 3 sets of photocopies of your passport, your driver licence, your motorcycle ownership documents, your licence plate documents, etc. and bring those sets with you when you go to customs to clear the bike. You will have to have the originals of everything with you, but the Customs folks really appreciate it when you can give them a nice set of photocopies of everything (stapled together, even) so they don't have to worry about losing one of your original documents as they move around the office, etc.

3) If at all possible, have your insurance documentation showing that you have proper insurance for riding in North America with you at the time you go to customs to clear the bike. Strictly speaking, the customs folks should not be concerned about whether or not the bike is roadworthy or correctly insured, but if you do have the insurance documents, and those documents are included in the copy-sets referred to in point 2) above, it greatly reassures the Customs officials that you know what you are doing.

4) Don't put anything in the panniers that could cause Customs headaches. This means no cigarettes, no booze (even if it is within your duty-free allowance), and for sure, no dangerous goods such as camping stove fuel, chemicals, etc. It's perfectly OK to stuff the panniers with clothing, helmets, that kind of stuff. The goal here is that you want the Customs officer to be able to make the decision to clear the bike out of Customs for you without having to go and visually inspect the thing. So don't complicate the process.

5) Be aware that the freight warehouses charge enormous, outrageous fees for storing incoming freight. The fees are based on a combination of the cubic size of the object and the weight of the object. For a large touring moto (BMW GS or similar), it's about $100 a day, and you don't get the first day (the day of arrival) free. So, as soon as you get your body through immigration and pick up your luggage, get your ass over to the customs hall at the freight terminal and try and get that moto cleared the same day you arrive.

6) Also be aware that the freight warehouses typically don't have road-level access on the public (meaning, non-airside) side of the building. They are all built with truck loading docks that are elevated about 1 meter off the ground, so that big trucks can back up to the dock and roll goods on and off. In the old days (pre-2001), the freight guys would let you ride the moto out the airside of the building and then around the building to exit through the gate that fenced off the secure part of the airfield. Those days are gone now. So, be prepared to go searching for a friendly truck-driver who has a liftgate on the back of his/her truck. You roll the bike out of the warehouse into the (empty) truck, the truck pulls forward 10 feet, you then put the bike on the liftgate and the driver lowers it to the ground. A $20 tip for that courtesy is appropriate.

7) Be sure you have a correct country identification sticker (white oval) on the back of your moto, indicating what country you are from (GB, F, CH, etc.). In Europe, it is acceptable to just have the country code on the left side of the (newer style) licence plates, but that is a relatively recent, Europe-only agreement. Here in North America, the 1949 road traffic convention still applies, and that convention mandates a white oval sticker to identify the country in which the bike is plated.

8) Be aware that the police in major cities (Toronto, Montreal, etc.) are not used to seeing overseas plates on vehicles, and you will likely get stopped a few times in the big cities. Once, I went out to the Toronto airport to help a UK rider (from here on the HUBB) clear his bike from customs, and on the way to my house, he was stopped by the police less than 5 miles into his North American tour. The police officer was adamant that it was illegal to operate a UK plated vehicle in Canada, and I was equally adamant that it was legal. I 'just happened' to have a copy of the 1949 Geneva Convention on International Road Traffic with me (what a coincidence...), and after 30 minutes of discussion, the cop phoning his head office, etc., we proceeded on our way.

Once you are out of the big cities, the cops will pay you much less attention, especially if you are on routes that overseas visitors frequent, such as the Trans Canada Highway, etc.

9) Whatever you do, don't use the electronically monitored toll road (Highway 407) that traverses the north of the city when you have European plates on the bike. The road is actually owned by a Spanish company that will have no trouble at all getting the toll money from you at your European address, but for any cop that sees you on that road, the foreign licence plate will be like waving a red flag in front of a bull... the cop will pull you over "for sure" because they will think you are trying to evade the toll.

Hope this info helps.

Michael

PS: So far as actually shipping the bike goes, a motorcycle is considered to be a "vehicle, flammable liquid powered" and is classified as UN number 3166. There is a packing instruction (I believe it is instruction 900) that explains that as long as it is not possible for the battery to tip over within the vehicle, it does not have to be removed or disconnected. Nor is it necessary to drain the fuel or the oil... just show up with 1/4 of a tank of fuel or less. It would be a very good idea for those who plan to ship their bike by air to visit the air freight facility a few days ahead of time, ask to have a look at the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations book (every office has a copy), and review the rules for UN 3166 (vehicles) and the packing instructions applicable to vehicles. Do not assume that the person receiving the moto on the day you show up to ship it will be familiar with the rules governing motorcycle shipments!

PanEuropean 21 Mar 2015 10:37

Oh yeah, something I forgot to mention above:

It is considered to be a really serious offence - on par with impaired driving - to operate a motor vehicle in Ontario without liability insurance. The minimum fine is $5,000, and the vehicle will be impounded immediately, which means it will be towed away from wherever it is on the side of the road at the moment you get stopped.

Vehicle insurance in Ontario is not cheap, this because in addition to the mandatory third party liability insurance, drivers are obliged (by provincial legislation) to carry a certain amount of insurance to look after their medical care, etc. if they are injured in an accident. This rule applies to all vehicles, not just motorcycles.

So, be sure you have your North American insurance in order before you get here. There are only a few companies that write insurance cover for out of country vehicles (tourist vehicles). It is not a common product, and it is certainly not as easy to get coverage for a European bike in Canada as it is to get coverage for a Canadian bike in Europe.

The good news is that once you obtain coverage in any one of the 10 provinces or 50 US states, that coverage is valid in all 10 provinces and all 50 states. Hence you don't have to buy the insurance in Ontario (and therefore you can avoid the obligatory medical coverage).

The insurance company will issue you with what we refer to as a 'pink slip', which is a form that is recognized in all 50 states and all 10 provinces. Insist on getting that pink slip, it is the only thing that the police accept.

Michael

PanEuropean 21 Mar 2015 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warin (Post 499162)
...Where we fly at Air Canada Cargo - Nothing to New Zealand.

Air Canada does have direct wide-body service between Vancouver and Sydney, Australia. I'm sure that by now, you must have a bridge somewhere between Australia and New Zealand... heck, it's been over 200 years since those two countries got colonized. :smile2:

GS Tone 24 Mar 2015 00:16

This is part of the reply i got from motofreight

The special that Air Canada is currently running is based on you dealing directly with them and we would not be involved. It does**include:

*

Dangerous goods preparationDangerous goods certificationCratingCustoms paperwork at originCustoms paperwork at destination

*

It is also worth noting that the prices being advertised by Air Canada from their head offices in Canada are not the rates being offered from London to Canadian airports. Please feel free to get in touch with Air Canada directly to obtain a rate from them. Please be careful to make sure you obtain all of the costs involved, as there may be some unexpected additional charges that you should establish in advance of shipping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubdetoe (Post 496369)
:DAir Canada Motorcycle Shipment Insane deal!

Just got quoted shipment of my bike from Toronto to Heathrow for $1000 Cdn, all in on a pallet in the belly of a wide body Air Canada. If I was to book my flight the cost would drop to $700!! Two weeks ago I was quoted $3250 for the same flight plus about $400 in fees at either end. You can only book 30 days prior to departure, so get your guaranteed quote for the next year sooner than later. Apparently these prices will be in effect for the rest of 2015, and they will soon be adding more destinations world wide.

The outgoing flights must originate from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver and go to many European and South America destinations, basically wherever AC flys wide body jets for similar rock bottom prices.

These prices can be booked direct with Air Canada Cargo in Toronto, or through one of their forwarding companies that they deal with regularly. I use Roddy Warriner​ at Motofreight in the UK--a fellow GS rider himself--he will treat you fairly and well. If you are shipping into Canada, see him first as he can get you the same deal and handle all the Dangerous Good papers at that end. He can also help with paperwork from North America destinations. He knows his stuff.:Beach:

This is part of the reply I got from motofreight

GS Tone 24 Mar 2015 00:21

That last post is supposed to read "does NOT include" also does not include crating
So the price might not be as good as it looks?

PanEuropean 24 Mar 2015 08:18

For starters, if you are shipping the bike on a wide-body aircraft, you normally don't need to crate it or palletize it - you just show up at the airport freight terminal with the bike, and the freight handler will tie the bike down inside a ULD (Uniform Load Device), which is like a large aluminum can. Or they will put it on what looks like a gigantic flat aluminum cookie sheet that has the same dimensions as the base of the ULD in the photo below.

The Dangerous Goods paperwork is relatively easy to fill out. What makes the process tricky (for someone who has never filled out DG paperwork before) is that by law, the person receiving the freight and the carrier who is transporting the freight are both prohibited from filling out the DG paperwork for you - you have to complete the forms yourself. But, they can certainly give you the blank forms, and will most likely loan you their office copy of the DG Regulations handbook to enable you to fill out the form yourself.

Best thing to do to put your mind at ease about the crating / palletizing process and the DG paperwork process is to go visit the freight shed (the folks who will accept the shipment) well in advance, and suss things out with them over a coffee.

For what it's worth, I've shipped my motorcycle back and forth from Canada to Europe numerous times, it is generally a pretty simple and trouble-free process. The paperwork is not that difficult to do. But, if you have never done it before, don't expect to simply show up at the airport on the day of departure and toss the keys at the freight agent. Instead, go see the freight agent many weeks ahead of time to find out what the process is, what your responsibilities are, etc.

Michael

Motorcycle in a ULD for shipment from Canada to Europe
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psazpqfzvk.jpg

Same motorcycle, on a pallet for shipment from Europe to Canada
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdnxc9jki.jpg

The pallet (shown above) simply got forked into a ULD
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psgtvg2znu.jpg

GS Tone 24 Mar 2015 16:43

Thanks for that I will email air canada and see what they say

Groovinmover 24 Mar 2015 18:05

Damn, that is an incredible deal. May have to include London on this year's itinerary.

Warin 25 Mar 2015 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanEuropean (Post 499253)
I'm sure that by now, you must have a bridge somewhere between Australia and New Zealand... heck, it's been over 200 years since those two countries got colonized. :smile2:

Where is the bridge from Scotland to Europe?
Or Italy to Africa .. etc?

:mchappy:

samyonboard 11 Apr 2015 01:38

There's a tunnel to Britain... Unless you own a bloody train it's ****ing useless!!! :stormy:

Globetrotter 20 Apr 2015 16:17

Not applicable for Europe to North America....
 
This is the answer I got from Air Canada Cargo today on the inquiry for an offer from Europe to North America:
-----------------------------
Good day Claudio,

Thank you for your interest in our Bike promotion.

Unfortunately, The Fly your Bike promotion only applies for reservations originating from North America at the present time. I'm including our Promotion package anyway for your information in case you may want to use our services in North America.

Best Regards,

Serge
---------------------------------------

That's very unfortunate... will have to look around for other options.


Greets

Claudio

Rfothy 22 Apr 2015 19:57

Funny that as last week they sent me an email showing capital cities they ship to and from europe to canada.....?

Or am I reading what your saying wrong?

ninothedude 7 May 2015 19:36

hi everyone!

email AC back and forth and get to the point where price is whit all their charges for the bike approximately 250 kg, (will be weight in prior loading) around 900 cad.

but that DANGEROUS GOODS DECLARATION , which i have been advised to contact james cargo for it, will cost 400 pounds. that was quick quote from the James Cargo guy via phone, 3 hours ago..

and they advise me to fly day later to give them enough time to clear the bike, which is additional cost as bike will stay for a day at the depo, so all together doesn't relay look as a good deal.

flights whit Air Canada are couple hundreds pounds different than skyscanner cheapest, so no much of wining there either...

i know that we can't go free over the pond, but those deals are always kinda more expensive and more hustle than strait to shipping companies...

:(:(:(

PanEuropean 7 May 2015 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninothedude (Post 504311)
...but that DANGEROUS GOODS DECLARATION , which i have been advised to contact james cargo for it, will cost 400 pounds. that was quick quote from the James Cargo guy via phone, 3 hours ago..

Look around for another organization to help you fill out the DGR paperwork. Jeepers, it's nothing more than a one-page form on which you declare that the item being shipped is a "vehicle, flammable liquid powered", and you fill in the correct classification for it, and then sign the bottom declaring that you have packaged it in accordance with the packing instructions provided in the DGR book.

That an organization would charge you £400 to do this is outrageous. The DGR explicitly forbids the air carriers from filling out the form on behalf of the shipper (there are good safety reasons behind this rule), but, heck, all that one needs to do is read the appropriate sections of the IATA DGR book, make sure you comply, then fill out the form.

Michael

yokesman 8 May 2015 13:50

Im currently unable to give the company name but if you r willing to go to the iom tt they have great rate to nz , a few more than from oz

mtncrawler 13 May 2015 19:08

I'm in the States and have been corresponding with Patricia Mele at AC (contact info was given earlier in thread). She was able to send me specific requirements, then turned me over to the folks in Calgary (since that's my nearest point of departure). Patricia was quite helpful. I was looking at Calgary to Frankfurt.

I got an email from them (really just a forwarded message from other like minded inquiries) and told to "see below" for info. I did call the Calgary agent and he confirmed the quote below.

I was given a quote of $950 for the bike ONLY- ONLY IF I have an AC passenger ticket booked when I called to get the cargo ticket. Without an accompanying AC passenger ticket the cost was $1200. And these were both prices without DG paperwork. I have not looked into passenger ticket cost yet. So $250 difference. I still do not know if 950 or 1200 is a good deal compared with other routes/options.

I was given a contact in Calgary that may be able to help with the DG paperwork.

I'm not sure its really worth it, as I'd have a few days travel involved on either end to fly out of Calgary. If I lived closer to one of the hubs (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto...etc) it would probably be a nice incentive.

I was hoping this might turn into the year of Iceland/FI and beyond, and it still could be, but this really hadn't panned out. Still looking for other options. Waiting on quote from EIMSKIP (sea and air quotes) from Denver and also contacted MotoFreight in UK, but have not heard back.

We'll see what happens!

Smyril has there "bike goes for free" program going on selected sailings with conditions BTW....was hoping to combine some of these specials!

zigyphoto 30 May 2015 18:04

Any experience / knowledge about shipping Denver CO to Toronto or Montreal? I intend to ride the Canadian Maritimes but sure do not want to ride across the US of Flatonia from here to there first.

I've been talking to trucking companies but coordinating their schedule and getting my air ticket is a huge hassle...

z

VicMitch 12 Jun 2015 02:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigyphoto (Post 506689)
Any experience / knowledge about shipping Denver CO to Toronto or Montreal? I intend to ride the Canadian Maritimes but sure do not want to ride across the US of Flatonia from here to there first.

I've been talking to trucking companies but coordinating their schedule and getting my air ticket is a huge hassle...

z


I am in the auto shipping business in the USA. i could probably get a carrier to bring your bike to my place in NY for reasonable (no commission to me for HU members) I'd hold it till you flew to NYC and you could ride to the Maritimes from NYC. I rode to the HU meet in Nova Scotia last year and all the roads were curvy and interesting.

Mitch

wallyging 25 Jun 2015 15:10

Air Canada discounted shipping to South America has been discontinued!

I just had an email from Russ at Air Canada saying that "due to unforeseen customs and logistics demands the ship your bike program has been discontinued to South American destinations." They will ship at their non-discounted rate which was quoted at about $2,200 plus the cost of a dangerous goods certificate.

I guess the good news is they will still ship to SA...

Wally
Cleveland, OH

Angusyoung 7 Jul 2015 20:25

Hi
 
Hi guys is this offer still available? London to Canada ? Would love to go to Canada

Globetrotter 7 Jul 2015 23:09

Hey

The offer is only valid from North America to Europe... Not from Europe to Canada.

Misleading advertisement.

Greets

Claudio


Summer 15: Trans Canada Adventure Trailer; Autumn and Winter 15/16: Kenya to South Africa; Spring 16: Kashmir

Road Hog 31 Aug 2015 23:14

Had to change my destination from Spain to Frankfurt Germany to make this offer work, but is well worth it. Processing DG paperwork now and will book flight as soon as I get copy of that. Then it is Morocco here I come. One beer for the guy that posted this info. Had planned on storing bike somewhere in Europe but at this price if I could book round trip it is worth considering.
We all need to make sure to let Air Canada know we appreciate the good rates so they might continue and expand offerings.
Just wanted to let all know the good rates are continuing, you just can not be too picky about where you fly in to.
Bob:scooter:

manray 1 Sep 2015 04:34

The pdf brochure I got from Air Canada Cargo 2 weeks ago says the promotional prices will end Sept 30, 2015.

Waynetogo 2 Sep 2015 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubdetoe (Post 496369)
:DAir Canada Motorcycle Shipment Insane deal!

Just got quoted shipment of my bike from Toronto to Heathrow for $1000 Cdn, all in on a pallet in the belly of a wide body Air Canada. If I was to book my flight the cost would drop to $700!! Two weeks ago I was quoted $3250 for the same flight plus about $400 in fees at either end. You can only book 30 days prior to departure, so get your guaranteed quote for the next year sooner than later. Apparently these prices will be in effect for the rest of 2015, and they will soon be adding more destinations world wide.

The outgoing flights must originate from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver and go to many European and South America destinations, basically wherever AC flys wide body jets for similar rock bottom prices.

These prices can be booked direct with Air Canada Cargo in Toronto, or through one of their forwarding companies that they deal with regularly. I use Roddy Warriner​ at Motofreight in the UK--a fellow GS rider himself--he will treat you fairly and well. If you are shipping into Canada, see him first as he can get you the same deal and handle all the Dangerous Good papers at that end. He can also help with paperwork from North America destinations. He knows his stuff.:Beach:

This deal does not apply to any South American destinations, only Europe.

wheatwhacker 6 Sep 2015 23:04

If any of you guys ever make it to Ireland on this killer deal, be sure to call in to my spot in Ireland and make yourselves at home.
You are welcome to camp here and use my workshop to make any repairs or adjustments to your bike.
We are at the southern tip of the "wild Atlantic way" in Ireland.
Home | Wild Atlantic Way

WW

Road Hog 10 Sep 2015 14:54

Moto is Booked 2 Oct to Frankfurt from Vancouver. Will post final costs when I get it together. The Dangerous Goods Cert was $99 Can. still more than it should be for one page that you provide all the info for.

Info here- Air Canada's new motorcycle cargo options - Canada Moto Guide

Wheatwhacker if the weather is ok maybe I will head that way before I go south to Africa. No planned route this time, just going to bumble around.

20 days and I am out of here:scooter:bier:clap::clap::clap::clap:
Bob





mococaman 15 Sep 2015 18:54

I called up Air Canada Cargo a few times this week because I was looking to fly my bike from Toronto to Buenos Aires. They informed me that even though the promotion just started in March, that they are no longer transporting motorcycles to any destination in South America. They stated that there have been many difficulties for their customers clearing customs and for reason stopped this service.
However they did nention that you can still fly the bike within Canada as well as to Europe at the discounted rates.

javkap 15 Sep 2015 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mococaman (Post 515817)
I called up Air Canada Cargo a few times this week because I was looking to fly my bike from Toronto to Buenos Aires. They informed me that even though the promotion just started in March, that they are no longer transporting motorcycles to any destination in South America. They stated that there have been many difficulties for their customers clearing customs and for reason stopped this service.
However they did nention that you can still fly the bike within Canada as well as to Europe at the discounted rates.


This is completely (at least) wrong.
In what to Argentina correspond here there isn’t any problem for clear customs, travelers are coming with their bikes constantly here and didn’t find any difficulty for release a bike and clear customs after pay the local charges for the airport cargo logistics.
The situation is exactly the same than before here with Air Canada or any other airline, and customs doesn’t change anything apart of a few stupid details requires.


As far we could find out by now Air Canada could have some space problems coming to South America, probably as they could be giving priorities to perishable good that pay extremely more expensive than a motorbike.

Or maybe all is because they are afraid that someone reclaims for the promotional price that they were offering and they realize they can’t give.
That was the problem in the beginning; I think I explain it on a previous post. They were offering a price without notice that there (here) exist local charges that someone has to pay…

(Note for a Moderator: I think we have 2 threads talking about same subject, can be unified?)

We are receiving few bikes this week, one coming with AC, will keep you informed…

javkap 21 Sep 2015 19:58

Hola
As promised here is the update:

Last Friday without any issue we have received a bike trough Air Canada coming from UK via Toronto.

Wasn’t any problem at Buenos Aires customs as well as with all other bikes coming in from other countries and with many other Airlines.

Any question or doubt than anybody could have we can try to answer…

There is other thread on same AirCanada thing going around here:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...3-2#post500511

(maybe Markharf or other Mod see the sense for joint both in one)

Cheers

mococaman 21 Sep 2015 20:11

See from what I understood while speaking to them on three or four different occasions was that the problem was once you got to the deatination in South America.
They said that they are still flying motorcycles to Europe, just not SA. I called them up on their 1-800 number in Toronto.

javkap 21 Sep 2015 21:50

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by mococaman (Post 516216)
See from what I understood while speaking to them on three or four different occasions was that the problem was once you got to the deatination in South America.
They said that they are still flying motorcycles to Europe, just not SA. I called them up on their 1-800 number in Toronto.

Regardless what they told you, THEY ARE FLYING BIKES TO BUENOS AIRES, we are here at destination and help a guy last week with his clearance. Sorry if I’m repetitive, but here isn’t any problem at arrival with customs.

Ask them which specific problems they refer or at the end tell them that they can send your bike and let you to deal with that at arrival…

Based on our experience usually cargo division of Airlines don’t like to deal directly with the public, worst if they are bikers, look for a Forwarder Agent usually they buy a lot of space to the airlines so they don’t says No to an specific kind of sending…

Here the photo of the bike arrived with Air Canada last week at Ezeiza BA Airport just cleared (maybe the owner will see it and will confirm what I’m saying)

mococaman 21 Sep 2015 23:52

What you said about the freight forwarder could be correct but I called them today again after the first post and they said the same thing.
They said they will not fly the bike to any location in south america and will only be flying to Europe until September 30 and then won't be flying bikes there anymore this year.
You might be right but if so point me in the right direction because I would like to fly my bike down to Buenos Aires for $950 Canadian when buying my ticket.

javkap 22 Sep 2015 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mococaman (Post 516230)
What you said about the freight forwarder could be correct but I called them today again after the first post and they said the same thing.
They said they will not fly the bike to any location in south america and will only be flying to Europe until September 30 and then won't be flying bikes there anymore this year.
You might be right but if so point me in the right direction because I would like to fly my bike down to Buenos Aires for $950 Canadian when buying my ticket.


So, for what I understood (sorry but English isn’t my mother language)

They only are saying that they don’t will do it for the $950CND???

They aren’t saying that they are no longer transporting motorcycles to any destination in South America because there have been many difficulties for their customers clearing customs and for reason stopped this service????

Here is where it comes that that difficulties never was existed.
And this is what concerns me to make it very clear. This is a lie from AC office there to hide why they can not provide what they promote.
The difficulties never happens and I think I explained about this on the other thread

Customers clearing customs at Buenos Aires didn’t have any difficulties, they only have to pay the local charges for documentation and airport logistics at this end as any other customer from any other airline, and customs nothing have to do with this.

But they will still made it at the usually prices they use to manage for this kind of cargos??? (without the promotion)
I know is a rhetoric question as we just received a bike from them…

So please say it right, they only will stop the promotion, not to fly bikes…
Please, others trying to send their bikes with AC or with other Air Lines will worry if this isn’t clear.

Sorry but I can not point you in to the right direction if what you pretend is to fly your bike to BA for $950CND (U$D 720.-), that price doesn’t exist in the real world. Usually people paid in around 4 times that or more for air freight down to SA and around 2 or 3 times for return from BA.
Here was a Canadian fellow who sent recently (few months ago) his girlfriend’s KLR from Calgary if I remember, with AC but without the promotion; anyway they paid a very cheap and reasonable price. I don’t know sure but I think they deal directly with the Vancouver AC office. For sure he will read this maybe in a few days and perhaps he will enlighten us a bit more.

If you would like to know what I wold do on your shoes (or tires): I would ride all the way down and then send the bike back on a much affordable price, even is the option to send it back from BA to Mia (the cheapest form South to North) and then ride back the rest… :scooter:

mococaman 22 Sep 2015 01:20

From what I understood they had a promotion from Toronto to Buenos Aires for $950 Canadian.

I don't know exactly why they stopped flying motorcycles to South America but they did. ( The people I spoke with didn't speak great English)

From what I understood they will only be flying bikes to Europe until September 30. I do not know if you will be able to fly the bike with them but if so it's probably 2-3 times more expensive than it currently is. But from what I understood NO they are not flying motorcycles to those locations anymore.

If I fly the bike down to South America I would probably try to sell it down there. It would not come back with me because the value of my vstrom 650 worth less than the overall shipping price.

markharf 22 Sep 2015 04:58

Executive summary:

You both agree that Air Canada does not air freight bikes cheaply to South America.

Mococaman has been told that Air Canada does not air freight bikes to South America for any price. On the other hand, Javier offers convincing evidence that Air Canada does indeed air freight bikes to Buenos Aires.

Far as I can tell, Javier wins this argument by virtue of being on the ground in B.A., observing bikes flown in by Air Canada. Javier does have certain inherent advantages in the debate--for example, Javier's altogether-charming wife supports his wastrel, indolent, otherwise-valueless lifestyle by importing bikes from around the world. By comparison, Mococaman has apparently not yet set foot in South America.

See how I leap to your defense, Javier? I'm on your side. Really.

abrazos,

Mark

mococaman 22 Sep 2015 05:12

This is the dumbest thread I've ever seen. I hope that Air Canada Cargo does fly motorcycles to Buenos Aires. I would like for them to ship mine down there. I spoke with them on September 21 around 2 pm EST as well as about five other times this past week and the answer is always the same. The people I talk to from Air Canada Cargo barely speak enough english as it is.
To reiterate if Air Canada cargo does ship to BA and ships for a reasonable price please let me know because I would like to take advantage of it.

tingavert 7 Oct 2015 23:30

I will add my recent experience.

It smells bad...

Hi Fred,

Sorry I should have clarified. South America was not included in the promo anyways.

The cost to send you motorcycle from Vancouver to Santiago would be $7200.00 cad. This would be a one way price.

Thanks
Raj

Customer Sales Support Manager, Cargo
Chef du Soutien – Ventes clientele - Fret



Subject: Re: Quote for shipping a motorcycle so Santiago del Chile from Calgary

Damn! I did not know that there was an offer for South America. I was aware of the discount flying and riding to Europe.
Yes please quote me anyway.
Thank you.

Fred


On Wed, Oct 7, 2015 at 12:53 PM, Raj wrote:

Hello Fred,

Our Fly Your Bike promotion ended on September 30 2015. Would you still like the normal rates?

Thanks
Raj


Customer Sales Support Manager, Cargo
Chef du Soutien – Ventes clientele - Fret

javkap 8 Oct 2015 02:54

1 Attachment(s)
Just to probe that they are completely nuts lately, on last March 7 from Calgary to Buenos Aires. Without the promotional price as that was only possible from Toronto or Montreal (see the old flyer) 1643.- CAD (what is very cheap for North to South) this was for a KLR650, …. Don’t know what to say but that doesn’t mean that they have problems with customs in SA, only that they don’t want to deal directly with bikers and give you a “go away” price.
Will try to personally contact the guys from this shipment to ask to post here with whom he was talking.

backroader 28 Oct 2015 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubdetoe (Post 496369)
:DAir Canada Motorcycle Shipment Insane deal!

Just got quoted shipment of my bike from Toronto to Heathrow for $1000 Cdn, all in on a pallet in the belly of a wide body Air Canada. If I was to book my flight the cost would drop to $700!! Two weeks ago I was quoted $3250 for the same flight plus about $400 in fees at either end. You can only book 30 days prior to departure, so get your guaranteed quote for the next year sooner than later. Apparently these prices will be in effect for the rest of 2015, and they will soon be adding more destinations world wide.

The outgoing flights must originate from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver and go to many European and South America destinations, basically wherever AC flys wide body jets for similar rock bottom prices.

These prices can be booked direct with Air Canada Cargo in Toronto, or through one of their forwarding companies that they deal with regularly. I use Roddy Warriner​ at Motofreight in the UK--a fellow GS rider himself--he will treat you fairly and well. If you are shipping into Canada, see him first as he can get you the same deal and handle all the Dangerous Good papers at that end. He can also help with paperwork from North America destinations. He knows his stuff.:Beach:

I have a quote myself from Motorcycleexpress for Ams-Chicago and return LA-Ams at 2790$. And as you mentioned; guaranteed price, but only able to book 30 days in advance. As I am planning a 2 months trip to US 2016 I am very keen on how your planning is going on. I am not sure which airfreight they use as Chicago and LA is yet not on the Air Canada destinations?

Wauschi 29 Oct 2015 07:11

Update:
This is what I just (2015/10/30) received from AC:

Quote:

Unfortunately, our Fly Your Bike program ended 1OCT. We may start again in the spring. Please email back in January if your still interested.

Thanks,

yyzcargo
see also: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...3-3#post519421

myarek55 1 Nov 2015 01:57

AIR CANADA. Argentina to Toronto Canada
 
Hey everyone,

Im looking to ship my bike home near Christmas and I was quoted $2,080.00USD from Buenos Aires to Toronto?

Where did you find this amazinf deal fro $1000.00?

Am I getting ripped off?

Cheers.

mococaman 1 Nov 2015 01:37

That deal supposedly went through September 30. I called them a month before that date and they said they didn't have any kind of promotion like that.

srileo 5 Jan 2016 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wauschi (Post 519422)
Update:
This is what I just (2015/10/30) received from AC:
see also: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...3-3#post519421


I am hoping that Air Canada resumes their shipping program this year as promised. Any news lately?

Shridhar

Panama Red 27 Feb 2016 00:05

update from Frankfurt Air Canada Air Cargo-no decision on 2016 yet
 
I emailed AC's air cargo staff in Toronto asking about the program for 2016. That was a couple weeks ago. No response from them.

2 days ago I sent a similar request for information to Air Canada's air cargo department in Frankfurt. I received a reply from them the next day.

My inquiry:

I am looking for information about the resumption this year of the motorcycle shipping option you offered last year to and from selected points in Canada and Europe. Will this program be resumed in 2016? Any specific information you can provide will be appreciated. If that information is limited to a statement that the program will not be offered this year, while unfortunate, that will allow me to look to other options. If there is an upcoming date that information will be available, that also will be useful. My desire would be to ship from either Toronto, Calgary, Montreal or Vancouver, to Frankfurt, and then to return ship my motorcycle from Frankfurt to one of the mentioned destinations in Canada.

*

Thank you in advance for your reply

Their response:

thank you very much for your Email, but unfortunately till now we did not received any information from headquarter.

We kindly request you to keep on checking our website to see for any update.

*
Thank you and best regards

Gabriela Vaclavik

Cargo Sales Agent

Pretty sure I'm not the only one anxiously awaiting news on this. Looks like we're still waiting.
cheers

Panama Red 6 Mar 2016 13:59

New info on AC cargo web site
 
Now showing 2016 program will resume May 1:
AC DGR for the shipment of dangerous goods - Air Canada Cargo

Says 'check back for updated information.'

bier

VicMitch 9 Mar 2016 23:52

I would be happy to ship from Buenos Aires to Montreal if that is a route.

Road Hog 26 Mar 2016 02:12

Just checked, still "Our Motorcycle program for 2016 starts May 1. Check back for updated information." I am planning to ship May 10th and am getting a bit antsy, would really like to nail this down.

Shipped my bike from Van cover to Frankfurt last year, $100 for Dangerous Goods paper, and $1030 total for the bike. No charges in Frankfurt. This year I am shipping one over for the wife to Rome. Air Canada people have my vote for best airline in the world, this is a great deal and they were great to deal with. Just hope this years rates are similar.

Bob:scooter:

Stevethelocal 27 Mar 2016 16:20

Air Canada 2016 moto fly info available April 4th
 
I was told that the special rates would be available that day for shipping May 1st and that anyone who wanted to ship in April could possibly be accommodated.
Just FYI

Road Hog 4 Apr 2016 15:44

All is good, Air Canada gave me a quote this morning of 900 Euro (US$1025, CA$1345) for flying wife's bike May 9th, Vancouver to Rome. Will not be able to book until April 11th, (28 days prior to departure). This included discount for us flying on Air Canada. Will need to pay third party for "Dangerous Goods Certificate", one sheet of paper for $100 which is a ripoff but you got to have it.
I flew one over last year to Frankfurt for $1030 US so it looks like the numbers are going to be about the same as last year. Was the easiest shipping I have ever done.
Couple of notes if you are flying bike over:
1. write out an inventory of what is going with bike, makes it easier for them.
2. No butane soldering irons, lighters, spare fuel and fuel in bike should be on reserve.
3. I shipped helmet strapped on to bike last year, and with tank bag.
4. best to not arrive on a weekend, harder to clear bike with second string skeleton staff.

Air Canada also has a special on airline tickets to Europe if you book by April 8th.
:scooter::scooter:(two putt putts across Eastern Europe coming soon)

mtncrawler 5 Apr 2016 01:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Hog (Post 534733)
All is good, Air Canada gave me a quote this morning of 900 Euro (US$1025, CA$1345) for flying wife's bike May 9th, Vancouver to Rome. Will not be able to book until April 11th, (28 days prior to departure). This included discount for us flying on Air Canada. Will need to pay third party for "Dangerous Goods Certificate", one sheet of paper for $100 which is a ripoff but you got to have it.
I flew one over last year to Frankfurt for $1030 US so it looks like the numbers are going to be about the same as last year. Was the easiest shipping I have ever done.
Couple of notes if you are flying bike over:
1. write out an inventory of what is going with bike, makes it easier for them.
2. No butane soldering irons, lighters, spare fuel and fuel in bike should be on reserve.
3. I shipped helmet strapped on to bike last year, and with tank bag.
4. best to not arrive on a weekend, harder to clear bike with second string skeleton staff.

Air Canada also has a special on airline tickets to Europe if you book by April 8th.
:scooter::scooter:(two putt putts across Eastern Europe coming soon)

Is their a link to that AC passenger ticket special?

To tag on - I was just quoted very similar shipping rates from Calgary to London. I have not quoted passenger ticket yet. The AC website doesn't seem to offer the same "one-way" options, only a pricier one (I was hoping to leave the return open a bit) but when I quoted the exact same departure with a round trip - it was significantly cheaper than the cheapest one-way. doh Guess I'll give them a call.

I was quoted $125 by a local Calgary outfit for all the EX and DG paperwork, they seemed easy to deal with.

Road Hog 5 Apr 2016 06:06

The Europe flight special (for us people) was on their web site last Friday, with note it would end April 8.
One way flights tend to be higher than round trip, no idea why. I have bought round trip tickets in the past and tossed the return ticket. I may have figured it out by doing a multiple city ticket you get the round trip price then if the place or time of return changes you just pay a fee, (100 to 300$) to change the ticket but still cheaper than two one way tickets. Have also been told that you can cancel the return trip and get a credit to apply to your next flight.
Maybe someone with airline experience can shed some light on this.
:scooter:

mtncrawler 7 Apr 2016 04:28

Good suggestions! I actually called AC and after being on hold for 30 minutes, they pretty much said one ways are just that way....no great explanation. A round/multi leg trip is the way to go!

Road Hog 16 Apr 2016 05:50

Well the details are coming in at Air Canada, special rate motorcycle transport will only be to three cities London, Paris and Dublin. So you will need to plan for that.
I need to get to northern Italy so it looks like it will have to fly wife's bike to Paris and ride two up to Italy. Not so bad and great rates but I wish they would put the information out quicker.
:scooter:doh:scooter:

BlueCucumber 24 Apr 2016 22:49

Just called them up to inquire, and looks it's only Canadian and European cities that they are working with this year. Last year I was eyeing South America - but only ended up going to Vancouver from YYZ. This time the list of available cities is:
  • Frankfurt
  • Paris
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Dublin
  • Brussels
And of course, Vancouver and Calgary.

Prices for them vary from $850 to $1K, and some destinations also have additional fees, but that's the ballpark. This all is assuming you have a passenger ticket with AC. There isn't any HST on international shipments. Dangerous goods paperwork is always extra (I paid $100 tax inclusive for it last year).

They also can arrange return shipping from those same cities, although the prices will differ. For example, I was quoted YYZ to Manchester as $850 (CAD) + £60 in fees, and £690 for going back to YYZ, which is close to $1300 at current exchange rates.

Overall it's disappointing. Prices have gone up, destination coverage has gone down. Sure, they added more destinations in the UK and Ireland, but realistically, Edinburgh and Glasgow are an hour ride apart, and none of it is more than a day away from London, so it's not like we're breaking new ground here.

It's too bad about South America, but I guess it's not AC's fault, it's the backwards customs making life difficult for people and AC is not wanting to get the bad rep for that.

Looks like this year my bike is sticking with wheels firmly on the ground (or at least, not 10,000 m in the air), and I'm flying with carry-on only. Oh well...

PanEuropean 25 Apr 2016 04:40

Thank you for posting the update on summer 2016 offers. The following explanation might help you understand which city pairs are offered by the airline.

When you look at the cities that Air Canada offers this sale-priced motorcycle shipping to and from, and wonder why certain cities are not included, you have to keep in mind that what Air Canada is doing is selling off excess cubic capacity in the belly of their wide-body fleet.

Relative to other cargo carried in a wide body aircraft (for example, passenger baggage or air freight), a motorcycle weighs "nothing" in relation to the amount of cubic space it occupies. It might as well be popcorn or inflated birthday balloons.

Loading an aircraft is always a trade-off between a variety of items: passengers, fuel, cargo, and distance that needs to be covered.

It's not uncommon on some routes (for example, from certain Chinese manufacturing centers to the west coast of the USA) for the passenger cabin to be "sold out" when only half the seats in the cabin are occupied. This situation exists because the carrier has filled the lower deck with much more profitable cargo, and after adding up the weight of the cargo and the weight of the fuel needed to do the flight, there just isn't much weight capacity left over to allocate to passengers and their baggage.

Conversely, on other routes (notably Canada to Europe in the summertime), there is not much commercial cargo to carry, but there are a heck of a lot of passengers going back and forth, all paying a high-season price for their seats. The distances are relatively long for the type of aircraft used on the route, hence quite a bit of fuel has to be loaded.

The result of the loading equation for the summertime transAtlantic routes described in the above paragraph can be described thus:

1) All the passenger seats are full.
2) Passengers have a lot of baggage, which is a dense and heavy form of cargo.
3) A lot of fuel is being carried due to the distance that has to be covered.

The combination of those three points results in a lower deck (cargo hold) that may be only half-full by volume, but cannot be filled any further because the aircraft is at its weight limit.

Think about an aircraft that has a maximum takeoff weight of 400,000 pounds - typical for an Air Canada 767. All the seats in the cabin are sold out, the baggage is loaded, you've put the required fuel in the plane, but your cargo hold is only half full by volume. On top of that, you have an imbalance of empty cargo containers (Uniform Load Devices, or ULDs) at your originating city that you have to move to your destination city. The ULDs, empty, weigh very little. At this moment, your aircraft is 5,000 pounds under maximum take-off weight (in other words, it's at 99% of weight capacity, even though the cargo deck is only half full by volume).

How do you monetize a half-empty cargo deck when your aircraft can only accept another 5,000 pounds, and at the same time, move all those empty ULDs to your destination?

Easy, just put one motorcycle (average weight about 700 pounds) into each of those empty ULDs that are designed to hold about 7,000 pounds. Money for nothing, and chicks for free.

Michael
(retired factory test pilot, and longtime shipper of my motorcycle by air)

Windfall money, because the airline has to ship that empty container to the destination city even if it is empty
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psetqrfhmp.jpg

PanEuropean 29 Apr 2016 10:51

Here is a link to the most recent post on Air Canada's website about shipping motorcycles by air. It is a very comprehensive explanation of everything that is involved, for example, fuel tank 1/4 full or less, no need to disconnect the battery, you have to fill in the DGR form yourself, etc. Much to my surprise, Air Canada is now permitting some materials to be shipped in the saddlebags along with the bike... historically, airlines have insisted that saddlebags be empty.

This article contains prices and information valid for the period May 1 to September 30, 2016.

Click here: Air Canada Cargo’s Fly Your Bike Program - 2016

Michael

wipe-out 29 Apr 2016 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanEuropean (Post 537103)
Here is a link to the most recent post on Air Canada's website about shipping motorcycles by air. It is a very comprehensive explanation of everything that is involved, for example, fuel tank 1/4 full or less, no need to disconnect the battery, you have to fill in the DGR form yourself, etc. Much to my surprise, Air Canada is now permitting some materials to be shipped in the saddlebags along with the bike... historically, airlines have insisted that saddlebags be empty.

This article contains prices and information valid for the period May 1 to September 30, 2016.

Click here: Air Canada Cargo’s Fly Your Bike Program - 2016

Michael

Fantastic! This could be a perfect alternative for us. Will call them next week to get a quote.

Ride4Adventure 6 May 2016 01:48

Fly Your Bike Montreal to Dublin
 
I have been dealing with AC Cargo over this past week.

My bike is booked to be flown out next week from Montreal to Dublin.
Start of RTW trip.

I will be paying $950.00 (total) for shipping my BMW R1150 GS from Montreal to Dublin Ireland.

To get this deal I had to book my passenger ticket with Air Canada.
Otherwise the shipping costs would have been $1450.00 for the bike.

I live in Ottawa but need to tender the motorcycle with Air Canada Cargo at the airport in Montreal.

For the dangerous goods document I contact DGC Consultant in Montreal.
The company is right near the airport. They are charging me $150.00 for the form and say they need to accompany me and the bike to Air Canada and have AC Cargo weigh the vehicle so that they can have an exact weight before they can sign off on the DG form.

As mentioned on the AC site, make sure that the fuel tank is 1/4 or less. The DGR rep said if you present your bike with more than 1/4 tank of fuel, you could be liable for a financial penalty if AC need to drain your fuel tank.

Air Canada site says that you need to remove battery terminals and wrap them up, DGR rep seem to think otherwise, that the battery could be left connected ??

I will find out next week when I drop off the bike.

AC advised me not to fly on same day with the bike, but rather fly out the following day, so that the bike will have been off loaded and stored in their cargo facility in Dublin. They need at least 6 hours lead time before a flight departure to load it on the plane. No disassembly of bike required, they just
tie it down on a skid.

I asked what items I could leave stored on the bike, i.e. in the panniers, top box, they said only motorcycle related items could be stored on the bike, tools, spare parts, no personal items, clothing, camping equipment etc.

You can have your bike insured for transport, as I remember AC quoted me $3.00 for each $1000 that you declare as value of your bike.

This Fly Your Bike program is only valid for flights between Canada and Europe.

To fly my bike back from Dublin to Montreal, costs would be ~ $1800.00



Brian

mtncrawler 6 May 2016 02:24

Awesome update - and congrats/GL on your RTW venture!

I received much the same news from AC on flights from Calgary to London. The only things that differed were - the logistics company I contacted said they would unhook battery (with my guidance) and I could basically strap anything to the bike (like a duffel full of camp/riding gear) - at least that's been there experience with AC on the Fly My Bike program in the past in Calgary. Cost are right in line with your quote.

I originally planned a May departure as well (not RTW), but I think it'll be pushed back to early-mid June.

I just checked passenger tickets - and they actually went down from a quote I got a month ago...so maybe it's time :thumbup1:

PanEuropean 6 May 2016 04:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ride4Adventure (Post 537774)
For the dangerous goods document I contact DGC Consultant in Montreal. They are charging me $150.00 for the form and say they need to accompany me and the bike to Air Canada and have AC Cargo weigh the vehicle so that they can have an exact weight before they can sign off on the DG form.

Brian:

Please see this post: Rules for shipping motorcycles by air freight. It's an old post, but the procedures have not changed. You don't need an 'exact' weight (to the kilogram) for the DG form. Look up what your manufacturer says your moto weighs - that info will probably be in your owner manual - and adjust as appropriate for presence/absence of liquids, and any significant accessories you have added, and that will be close enough. The airline will weigh the moto with precision before they load it, this because the precise weight is needed for weight and balance purposes (as opposed to DG form purposes).

It is unfortunate that you paid $150 for someone to fill in your DG declaration for you. Next time, you can do it yourself. See this post: How to complete the DG declaration.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ride4Adventure (Post 537774)
Air Canada site says that you need to remove battery terminals and wrap them up, DGR rep seem to think otherwise, that the battery could be left connected ??

The Air Canada site DOES NOT say that you need to remove battery terminals and wrap them up. It says (and I quote) "All batteries must be installed and securely fastened in the battery holder of the vehicle and be protected in such a manner as to prevent damage and short circuits". Here's a link to Air Canada's PDF on the subject: Air Canada - Fly Your Bike 2016

If you don't get damage and short circuits when riding the bike down a bumpy road, for sure you aren't going to get damage or short circuits when the whole bike flies as air freight. If your moto is of recent manufacture and the battery compartment has not been modified from original construction, then you don't need to do anything special concerning the battery or the wires.

Air Canada's statement about batteries, quoted in italics above, is more or less word-for-word what Packing Instruction 900 says - in paragraph (d) - about batteries in vehicles. You can read Packing Instruction 900 in the first link I provided above, I posted a scanned image of it here on the HUBB about 10 years ago.

Michael

Ride4Adventure 6 May 2016 18:44

DG requiremnets for shipping motorcycle with Air Canada
 
PanEuropean, yes you are 100% correct, the DG Section on AC site does say battery just needs to be safely and securely tied down in battery tray, I think where I got this misinformation was from talking to AC rep who told me that battery needed to be disconnected. When I mentioned this fact to the DGR dangerous goods rep he told me what you stated, battery just needed to be secure in tray without any possibility of a electrical short.

I glade you corrected me, this one less problem to deal with when picking up the bike over in Dublin. And for those who owned or have owned a BMW 1150 GS you know what an irritant it is to access the battery on the bike.

From reading this thread I see others have claimed that they were able to store their personal gear on the bike for shipment.

AC seemed pretty emphatic that I could not store any personal gear on the bike.

Brian

PanEuropean 7 May 2016 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ride4Adventure (Post 537828)
AC seemed pretty emphatic that I could not store any personal gear on the bike.

Hi Brian:

My experience - shipping my motorcycle by air many times during the past 15 years - is that no air carrier will officially permit personal effects to be shipped with the bike (for example, in the saddlebags, or attached to the bike). That's the airline's official position on the matter.

I suspect that all airlines take this position because they want to minimize the risk of unacceptable goods (camp stoves, etc.) being shipped with the bike. It may also be a result of a conservative interpretation of the DGRs, which state that when a DG is shipped, it must be packed in accordance with the applicable packing instruction and not combined with any other materials (DG or not) which fall into a different UN classification.

However....

The reality is much more accommodating than the official position. Every single time I have shipped my motorcycle by air, I have showed up at the freight shed (where I drop the bike off) and asked the cargo acceptance agent if it is OK for me to put my helmet, riding leathers, boots, tankbag, maps, GPS, rainsuit, sunglasses, granola bars, etc. in the saddlebags, and every single time, the cargo acceptance agent has said "sure, no problem". Air Canada even alludes to this level of tolerance in their PDF (link provided two posts above) when they state that you can't ship personal effects with the bike, but you can ship "equipment and parts" as long as you provide an itemized list.

So, my suggestion to you is that you carefully inventory and document everything that you have that could reasonably be considered "equipment & parts", put all that stuff in the saddlebags, and after you drop the bike at the freight shed, stuff your riding gear and helmet in the saddlebags as well. I'm pretty sure that the cargo acceptance agent will permit you to do that, as long as he or she has a chance to visually inspect what is in the saddlebags.

Some air carriers are more relaxed than others, as you can see from the massively overstuffed rear cargo bag on the back of my motorcycle in the picture below, which was taken after the cargo acceptance agent and myself loaded the moto into the ULD for the flight to Europe. But, I don't think you could get away with that quantity of additional stuff these days.

Michael

Note the luggage on the back of the moto, and the tankbag...
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psazpqfzvk.jpg

Ride4Adventure 7 May 2016 22:21

DG requirements for shipping motorcycle with Air Canada
 
PanEuropean

Well it can't hurt to see if AC Cargo will allow me to leave my riding gear
packed on the bike.

What is more innocuous than motorcycle riding gear.

Hopefully, AC personnel in Montreal will be accommodating when I drop off the bike.

Brian

PanEuropean 8 May 2016 06:19

Hi Brian:

I will be extremely surprised if you encounter any difficulties at all shipping your protective clothing in the saddlebags of the motorcycle.

Michael

BMurr 9 May 2016 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanEuropean (Post 537103)
Here is a link to the most recent post on Air Canada's website about shipping motorcycles by air. It is a very comprehensive explanation of everything that is involved, for example, fuel tank 1/4 full or less, no need to disconnect the battery, you have to fill in the DGR form yourself, etc. Much to my surprise, Air Canada is now permitting some materials to be shipped in the saddlebags along with the bike... historically, airlines have insisted that saddlebags be empty.

This article contains prices and information valid for the period May 1 to September 30, 2016.

Click here: Air Canada Cargo’s Fly Your Bike Program - 2016



Michael

I'm amazed that they permit the bike with so much fuel on board since it can potentially leak and fill hold with flammable fumes. Some airlines will not even permit a used camping stove if it uses liquid fuel, even if fuel canister is empty.

slowriding 9 May 2016 17:36

Michael, thanks for all the information you have provided here. My question, since all my riding gear will not fit in the panniers, is it possible to strap a bag of riding gear onto the rear seat?

PanEuropean 9 May 2016 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMurr (Post 538136)
I'm amazed that they permit the bike with so much fuel on board since it can potentially leak and fill hold with flammable fumes. Some airlines will not even permit a used camping stove if it uses liquid fuel, even if fuel canister is empty.

Vehicles & camping stoves are two entirely different things. Vehicles are designed so that the fuel will not leak and fumes will not leak, and it is not possible for a vehicle to be loaded in any way other than right side up. It's also not possible for a properly secured vehicle to overturn in flight.

Camping stoves are not designed with particular attention paid to leak prevention or fume release, and they could be loaded upside down or sideways, and could overturn in flight. Plus, the nature of the fuel is different - camping fuel is generally more volatile than auto fuel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowriding (Post 538137)
Michael, thanks for all the information you have provided here. My question, since all my riding gear will not fit in the panniers, is it possible to strap a bag of riding gear onto the rear seat?

Personally, I would not bet on it. Once you start securing cargo to the outside of the moto, you begin to get into a grey area. I doubt that any cargo acceptance agent would refuse a helmet hanging off of a helmet hook on the side of the bike, but a bag full of stuff strapped to the rear seat becomes a judgement call on the part of the cargo acceptance agent that would be difficult to protest against.

Give it a try. If your bag gets refused, you can just check the same bag in as checked luggage when you board the aircraft with your passenger ticket. Personally, I think you would enhance your chances of success if the bag only contained one or two bulky items (for example, your riding suit and your helmet). But, it's 'iffy' - it all depends on how the agent interprets policy.

Michael

Fly-your-bike- YVR 12 May 2016 22:58

Air Canada
 
Hi, I'm New to the site and wanted to add my two cents. It is true that Air Canada have or HAD great rates on "naked" uncrated bikes. As a freight forwarder who is just next door to AC and who recommends their clients to use...
1) what they may not tell you at the time of your call to the 1-800 line is that all motor cycles that have contained gas at one point are considered DG for Air transport. You will need to employ a company to create the DG declaration and labeling for the bike.
2) The Air Canada routes that you can send the Naked bikes are routes in which they fly directly and with the larger size aircrafts.
3) To make sure the bikes are safe while in the aircraft the batteries will have to be disconnected and the fuel drained to less than 25% of the tank allowance.

Hope that will help anyone who may be thinking shipping directly with AC.

If shipping from Vancouver you are welcome to contact me. We can also can crate bikes for transport.

Sorry if this repeats any of the other 6 pages of messages.

Bob


Quote:

Originally Posted by stubdetoe (Post 496369)
:DAir Canada Motorcycle Shipment Insane deal!

Just got quoted shipment of my bike from Toronto to Heathrow for $1000 Cdn, all in on a pallet in the belly of a wide body Air Canada. If I was to book my flight the cost would drop to $700!! Two weeks ago I was quoted $3250 for the same flight plus about $400 in fees at either end. You can only book 30 days prior to departure, so get your guaranteed quote for the next year sooner than later. Apparently these prices will be in effect for the rest of 2015, and they will soon be adding more destinations world wide.

The outgoing flights must originate from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver and go to many European and South America destinations, basically wherever AC flys wide body jets for similar rock bottom prices.

These prices can be booked direct with Air Canada Cargo in Toronto, or through one of their forwarding companies that they deal with regularly. I use Roddy Warriner​ at Motofreight in the UK--a fellow GS rider himself--he will treat you fairly and well. If you are shipping into Canada, see him first as he can get you the same deal and handle all the Dangerous Good papers at that end. He can also help with paperwork from North America destinations. He knows his stuff.:Beach:


wipe-out 13 May 2016 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly-your-bike- YVR (Post 538507)
Hi, I'm New to the site and wanted to add my two cents. It is true that Air Canada have or HAD great rates on "naked" uncrated bikes. As a freight forwarder who is just next door to AC and who recommends their clients to use...
1) what they may not tell you at the time of your call to the 1-800 line is that all motor cycles that have contained gas at one point are considered DG for Air transport. You will need to employ a company to create the DG declaration and labeling for the bike.
2) The Air Canada routes that you can send the Naked bikes are routes in which they fly directly and with the larger size aircrafts.
3) To make sure the bikes are safe while in the aircraft the batteries will have to be disconnected and the fuel drained to less than 25% of the tank allowance.

Hope that will help anyone who may be thinking shipping directly with AC.

If shipping from Vancouver you are welcome to contact me. We can also can crate bikes for transport.

Sorry if this repeats any of the other 6 pages of messages.

Bob

Hey Bob,

I am in the process of booking my flight with AC and have had a pretty good experience so far. They were very clear around the DG part and even told me were to get it and all kinds of information. Very quick replies by both mail and over the phone.

Regarding the battery, agreeing with Bob and maybe confusing some of the above statements, I was also explicitly told that the battery needs to be disconnected. This was repeated on multiple occasions. Fuel tank needs to be near empty as per your statement.

Thomas

wipe-out 13 May 2016 17:56

Oh and regarding personal items - anything that is allowed to go on a plane and is within your panniers will be fine. I was really happy to find out about that. But it is panniers and/or top boxes only. I was informed that a duffel on the back of your bike will not be accepted.

Hope that helps.

PanEuropean 14 May 2016 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly-your-bike- YVR (Post 538507)

Hi, I'm New to the site ... As a freight forwarder...

1) ....You will need to employ a company to create the DG declaration and labeling for the bike.
Nonsense!

3) To make sure the bikes are safe while in the aircraft the batteries will have to be disconnected and the fuel drained to less than 25% of the tank allowance.
More Nonsense! (the bit about disconnecting the battery - note that most motorcycles only have one battery)


Hello Bob:

I'm sorry to have to call you out on your ignorance and self-promotion, but:

1) Motorcycle shippers absolutely, positively DO NOT have to pay anyone to fill out a DG declaration. It is a simple form that the shipper can fill out themselves. See post #78 a bit earlier in this same discussion, it contains detailed instructions for filling out the (very simple to fill out) DG declaration.

2) It is not necessary to disconnect the battery on a motorcycle. Go read packing instruction 900, and pay attention this time when you read it.

The incorrect information you have published in your post does a disservice to the freight forwarding industry.

Michael

PanEuropean 14 May 2016 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by wipe-out (Post 538586)
Oh and regarding personal items - anything that is allowed to go on a plane and is within your panniers will be fine.

Uh, not necessarily. Strictly speaking (meaning, if the cargo acceptance agent interprets the DG regulations very literally), you can't have a 'mixed shipment' that contains both DGs and non DGs in the same 'packaging' (the 'packaging', in this context, being the motorcycle itself). This is why the airlines typically say that you can ship associated equipment with the motorcycle (tools, etc.), but not personal effects.

In reality, most cargo acceptance agents will cut the shipper a bit of slack when it comes to what they put in the panniers. But, to be on the safe side, and to avoid disappointment when dropping off the motorcycle, it's best to only load the panniers with personal effects that could reasonably be interpreted as being 'associated equipment' for the motorcycle, for example, riding suits, helmets, rainsuits, boots, stuff like that.

I'm going to guess - based on personal experience - that the majority of cargo acceptance agents will be pretty tolerant of stuff shipped in the panniers - but give both yourself and the cargo acceptance agent every possible reason to deem the contents of the panniers to be 'associated equipment'. And, finally, be aware that if the cargo acceptance agent does refuse to allow personal effects to be shipped in the panniers, they are within their rights to do so - because a very strict, literal interpretation of the DGRs does not permit personal effects to be shipped with the 'DG' (the motorcycle).

Michael

wipe-out 14 May 2016 19:21

Good hints, thanks.

Battery is confusing, I was told explicitly it needs to be disconnected. Guess I will see when I get there, just a couple of boltes on the F800GS so not too worried...

PanEuropean 16 May 2016 03:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by wipe-out (Post 538666)
Battery is confusing, I was told explicitly it needs to be disconnected.

Rather than relying on hearsay, or someone else's incorrect and uneducated opinion - or, worse still, passing on hearsay or someone else's incorrect and uneducated opinion - go to the Dangerous Goods Regulations book and see what the actual rules are.

The packing instruction applicable to vehicles (packing instruction 900) states that if the vehicle has a spillable liquid battery, it has to be securely fastened and protected in a way that prevents damage and short circuits. If the battery is properly installed in the motorcycle (in other words, it is installed the same way the manufacturer put it there in the first place), then it is securely fastened and protected against damage and short circuits.

Michael

Ride4Adventure 17 May 2016 02:46

This morning I dropped off my motorcycle at the Air Canada Cargo facility in Montreal. My BMW is being shipped over to Dublin Ireland.

It was a pretty simple and painless ordeal

I received my dangerous goods form for the bike

Presented that to Air Canada personnel.

I drove my bike into their warehouse facility

The bike was weighed

I was instructed to ensure that the fuel tank was less that 1/4 full, which it was.

I was not questioned about my the state of my battery. The DG rep I was dealing with who has been in the business for decades said that so long as the battery is secured in its tray, everything is fine. No need to disconnect anything.

Once the bike was weighed, someone came by and performed a security inspection on the motorcycle, checking items in the panniers and top case. They took some swaps of my gear in the panniers and had a sniffer device, looks like they were checking for explosives. They asked if I had anything flammable on the bike or had any sort of pressurized containers, which I did not. Aside from that, they didn't seem to care what other items I choose to pack in my panniers. I left my motorcycle helmet attached to the side of the bike. The keys had to be left in the ignition.

They did express concern about a MSR fuel bottle that I had attached to the outside of one of my panniers. I told them that the bottle was new and had not yet been used. They recommended that the bottle be stored in one of the side cases, out of sight, fuel bottles tend to freak out the safety people.

The DG rep warned me that once I used the MSR fuel bottle I would not be about to ship the bike back with it. He said if you have any items, i.e. fuel bottle, camp stove that even has scent of gasoline on it, they will block the shipment.

Hopefully my bike will arrive on the other side of the pond in one piece.

wipe-out 22 May 2016 20:58

Regarding the battery. AC now told me that as long as you don't have an alarm the battery does not need to be disconnected.

motomon 23 Jun 2016 08:05

The AC deal is not so great to South America, but I was told today that they may start going to Bogota, but it hasn't happened yet. I am giving up and will buy a motobike in Colombia.

hgwilliam 23 Jun 2016 18:58

Hi Ride4Adventure,

Very curious to hear how you turned out on the other side?

I am thinking of doing the same trip but from Toronto to Dublin.

Thanks

Nutter 30 Jun 2016 01:39

I thought I'd share my experience at the moment of trying to air freight from YVR to LHR. I live in the UK and used Moto Freight to fly the bikes from LHR to YVR, and all went very smoothly. Moto Frieght handled all the paperwork.

I'm currently in correspondence with Air Canada about getting the bikes back from YVR to LHR. They have told me that I am not permitted to do the paperwork myself, including the Dangerous Goods Declaration, and that I must use a specialist agent to do it. They have said they will reject the shipment otherwise.

So regardless of what the DG regulations might be, Air Canada are putting additional requirements in place, at least from YVR and at least for me.

wander4days 18 Aug 2016 18:51

Article I wrote on AC shipping
 
Hey All-

I shipped my bike from Montreal to Frankfurt and stored it with Knopf. Whole process was very easy. I had a lot of friends asking for details so ended up writing an article with step-by-step instructions that some of yo may find useful. So here it is. Hope it helps!

https://www.bikeminds.com/thethrottl...e-us-to-europe

If you end up using the info drop a comment on the article and let me know how it went.

Cheers
Malcolm

dooby 29 Oct 2016 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by wander4days (Post 545666)
Hey All-

I shipped my bike from Montreal to Frankfurt and stored it with Knopf. Whole process was very easy. I had a lot of friends asking for details so ended up writing an article with step-by-step instructions that some of yo may find useful. So here it is. Hope it helps!

https://www.bikeminds.com/thethrottl...e-us-to-europe

If you end up using the info drop a comment on the article and let me know how it went.

Cheers
Malcolm

Hi Malcolm,

Many thanks for your write up, I'm sure inmates would find this a very useful for their decision how to ship/fly and ride their bike in Europe.

Cheers
Dooby

Bossit 5 Dec 2016 01:39

Hi guys,

I didn't read al the previous pages but can anyone tell me where to get info about on which routes they can take a bike and estimate costs?
If you use AC for your bike, do you really need to fly with them yourself or can you go with a different company?

Thanks!

Bossit. :-)

nordicbiker 5 Dec 2016 21:13

Hej everyone!

I had been looking into this option to get my bike over to Canada last year and at that time AirCanada only shipped FROM Canada and back. If I get it right, this year 2016 the starting destination could also be in Europe, so the trip would be Europe > Canada > Europe, right?

Has anybody done this who can quote a price?

nordicbiker 6 Dec 2016 09:33

I got the confirmation now from Air Canada in Frankfurt, that the "Fly your Bike" offer will be available again in summer 2017, probably both directions!

Great news! :clap:

JoeHilo 7 Jan 2017 02:50

update: Keep waiting.....
 
Just a head up. Call Air-Canada about the Motorcycle shipping to Europe. Stated they have not heard anything yet. Hopefully they might know more in February.


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