From Sydney, Australia to Vancouver, Canada - July, 2016

Dropping the bike off was all relatively simple and my panniers/helmet/riding gear/camping gear were all included in a separate box. Bike and gear was shipped on time, due to arrive three days before me in Vancouver.

Matzen Cargo used United cargo to ship the bike. The bike went to San Francisco and then trucked to Seattle where it stayed for one week due to the Seattle depot losing my paperwork and then flat-out lying about it. I spent a week in Vancouver ringing everyday, speaking to a new person who had no idea what I was talking about but still having them try to blame, San Fran, Australia, the trucking company, and me!

The bike arrived in Vancouver and I was told I could collect it anytime before 8pm. I arrived and they said customs closed at 4pm (everyday), so I spent the night trying to sleep in the airport. (if you've ever tried to sleep in an airport with a jerry can and a motorcycle battery, then you'll know how many times you get interrogated....and quite rightly so!)

When i finally got the bike, Matzen had crated it but without a solid roof, so some buggerlugs somewhere down the line had stacked something on top of it and snapped my windscreen braces off, which left a gaping hole above the dash and headlight. Cue an enormous amount of gaffa tape to fix it up.

Matzen Cargo themselves are not so much of the problem. United Cargo are ridiculously inept. Christian Matzen chased up United at least twice a day and certainly showed his displeasure at them.
If you're flying out of Sydney, then I'd go Matzen, just insist on a fully solid crate. I definitely blame myself for not considering that, but that's what a learning experience is!

Oh, and in case it's not clear yet, don't let United Cargo anywhere NEAR it!!!!