I've been looking into getting my bike shipped from Vladivostok to Anchorage in September and after numerous emails and phone calls to Korean shipping companies (my sister-in-law speaks Korean ) this is the best that I've been able to come up with so far.

Hanjin (a large world-wide shipping company) will pick the bike up at the ferry dock in Sokcho and transport it by bonded truck to Seoul (Inchon) for about $700 US including custom fees, airport fees, etc. They insist that it be wood crated, however. From there it can go either Korean Air or Northwest Air to Anchorage. I have not investigated other US destinations. Also, I have not investigated whether this will work in reverse, but don't see why it wouldn't.

Korean Air rates are $2.80/kg, 1,600 kg minimum. Northwest's rates are $2.80/kg, 600 kg minimum, so a significant savings. Not sure why there is any premium and I am not just paying the cubed weight, but that seems to be the case. But in any event, according to Hanjin, (and the best I can figure out) the difference between the two airlines is due to the fact that Korean Air has a regular daily shipping schedule to Anchorage and Northwest's is on a "confirmed" basis. My impression is that in a practical sense, it just means that you have to book a specific schedule with NW and cannot merely show up at Incheon and expect it to go out on the next flight. For a $2,800 savings, I can be flexible. My last email from Hanjin suggests that if I notify them when it is leaving Vladivostok (or Zarubino) on the ferry, then they will make arrangements and confirm with NW.

I tried dealing directly with Korean Air, but they insist I handle everything through an agent, and would give no indication of their rates. They only confirmed that they would handle the cargo. I have not contacted NW directly, but seem to be getting the straight goods from Hanjin. And as it seems that they will be able able to handle everything from Sokcho to Anchorage, I'll probably stick with them.

My contact at Hanjin is Kim Deok Kyung, deokkkim {AATT} hanjin {DDOTT} co {DDOTT} kr . Mr. Kim I think is trying pretty hard for me. Seems to be a nice guy, and gets back right away if I have a question. Might be an option for some.

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Samuel Longiaru
Kamloops, BC Canada
1975 BMW R60/6
http://thetwilightproject.net